OK, decision time here...Old Boy or Zippo?

[WWhermit]

I know they're 2 totally different lighters, but here's my dilema.

1. I would love to get an Old Boy, the sand-blasted Briar. I've been told, however, that even in a light breeze, the flame dies out. I only smoke outside, so I'm afraid that I'd be buying a lighter that wouldn't work for me.

2. Zippos are great for outdoors. I used to have one when I smoked cigarettes. Problem is the naptha taste. I don't want to damage the taste of the pipe tobacco because of the lighter fluid. Now I've seen the zippo fluid that has a clean burn and taste, but does it really work?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

WWhermit

[stevo192]

I use a zippo with zippo fluid and find that there is no really noticable taste with it. Like you said, they are great outdoors and I wouldn't be without mine. I haven't had any experience with the old boy so I couldn't really comment. I would go with the zippo but hey, its up to you!

Steve

[morefifemusicanyone]

Originally Posted by stevo192

I use a zippo with zippo fluid and find that there is no really noticable taste with it. Like you said, they are great outdoors and I wouldn't be without mine. I haven't had any experience with the old boy so I couldn't really comment. I would go with the zippo but hey, its up to you!

Steve

If I didn't care about money, I'd go with the old boy. I have the zippo pipe lighter, and it works good for a fraction of the cost.

I have also been interested to hear how the Xikar Pipeline performs. I think they can be had for ~40 bucks. They may be a good middle of the road. Plus Xikar has a lifetime warranty, so if you like them initially, they will work for awhile.

[NHsmoker]

Originally Posted by WWhermit

I know they're 2 totally different lighters, but here's my dilema.
Problem is the naptha taste. I don't want to damage the taste of the pipe tobacco because of the lighter fluid. Now I've seen the zippo fluid that has a clean burn and taste, but does it really work?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

WWhermit

I have heard it works very well as imparts virtually no taste. That being said I like the looks of the old boy but it is out of my price range. I have been thinking of buying a replica of the old boy off ebay just because I like the styling of them and if it does not work well outdoors I haven't lost $100

[IHT]

old boy.

[dmkerr]

I greatly prefer the Old Boy but you're right about it blowing out easily. I think most or all butane lighters have this issue with the exception of the windproof lighters. You might be better off with the Zippo because I think lighter fluid is more impervious to wind.

[parris001]

You can buy a handful of Zippo's, a big box of wooden matches, and a corner convenience store butane lighter for the price of an old boy.

[ssutton219]

Originally Posted by IHT

old boy.

And he knows things......important things I dont know but he does know things!!.....



Anyways..if its a choice between the 2..OLDBOY!




Shawn

[VFD421]

I use the zippo but and Old Boy is on my list to get soon. I don't know if it is just me doing something wrong but sometimes with a zippo i have trouble with the charring light. Other than that it works good.

[rx2010]

just got an old boy, used it a few times, including outdoors and I really like it. I'll say Old Boy

[Smarvy]

I have the Zippo, and I love it. I let it burn for 2 seconds before lighting, and I have yet to taste any naptha. I use a butane lighter for the charring light though, as the Zippo doesn't work that great over a full bowl.

If it were me, and I had the money to buy an Old Boy, I'd probably get it and try and scrape up the $15 for the Zippo so I would have both. If the $15 wasn't available, I'd probably just get the Old Boy. The Zippo doesn't have a built in tamper.

Aloha,
Justin

[Lefty]

I have a Zippo Pipe lighter, Xikar Pipeline, and regular Zippos.

Pipe Zippo

+ Better/Fuller light than with a regular Zippo
- Too much flame, I find my bowl heats up pretty quick at times
+ When used with the newer Zippo fuel, I don't notice any taste if you wait a couple of seconds after ignition *
- In windy conditions the flame can get out of hand

Xikar Pipeline

+ Cheaper than the Old Boy, has lifetime warranty (as does OB)
+ The flame is more controllable than with a Zippo due to smaller flame
- Does blow out easy as with most soft flame lighters
+ I took mine apart last night to see what makes it tick and it is well made and sturdy
+ Built in tamper

Regular Zippo

+ Can be bought anywhere
+ Fuel *
- Large flame, not as uncontrollable as Zippo Pipe lighter
- No angle, a little uncomfortable when used with a pipe
+ Wind proof

I'm using the Pipeline for both Pipe and Cigars with great results (the nod towards the pipe). Considering the price and features it's great. Would I have bought an Old Boy if the Xikar wasn't available...yes. I've been a Zippo user for years. I like them for their reliability and durability, if you're looking for something a little classier, the Pipeline/Old Boy is the way to go.

If I had to choose between the Zippo Pipe and regular Zippo, I'd have to stick with the regular Zippo. Or to make matters more complicated, check out the soft flame insert for the Zippo from Tobacco Barn. No angle, and I find I empty the tank a little quick.

[Dzrtrat]

Old boy's are cooler......so what if the flame blows out ...this teaches us patience.

[dogsplayinpoker]

Originally Posted by IHT

old boy.

[wharfrathoss]

since you mentioned smoking outdoors & wind, i'd go for the zippo. i'd recommend getting an IMCO lighter for the charring light. they're soft flame, angled, refillable, replaceable flint, $10.