America's #1 Online Cigar Auction
first, best, biggest!

Last post 19 years ago by JJMD. 37 replies replies.
What's wrong with Colibri lighters?
Jump to Bottom | Previous Topic | Next Topic
ddandb Offline
#1 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 3:28 AM EST
Joined: 02-13-2005
Posts: 6,513
I'm looking to get a new lighter and of course the ones you see everywhere are Colibri.
Reading the forums here I see that just about nobody likes them.
What is it about the Colibri that is so bad? Do they fall abart, leak gas, clog up, turn green? And how long do they last before whatever happens, happens?
And if not Colibri, then what? I'm looking for a torch lighter with a built in punch or cutter that also lets you view how much fuel is left.

Thanks
Homebrew Offline
#2 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 3:54 AM EST
Joined: 02-11-2003
Posts: 11,885
I have had 3 Colibri torches, over the past 10 years
1 still functions, sometimes, just gotta hold your mouth just right. The other 2, I have had nothing but trouble with. Lifetime warranty is a joke, unless you don't mind not having a lighter for 6 months, while it is being repaired. I have used nothing but triple refined fuel, but constantly have problems. I have resorted to buying cheap refillable torches, from the local tobacco shop. They last about 3 months, before dying, about the same as a Colibri, but they only cost $3.
Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)
billreif Offline
#3 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 4:01 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2003
Posts: 1,430
I never had any luck with Colibri.
They didn't last as long as an .89 BIC
I got 2 for half price (about $50.00 each)
I'll stick with my C-Bid matches.
EvilJAR Offline
#4 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 4:07 AM EST
Joined: 12-29-2003
Posts: 212
Colibri's are the worst. I've never had one last more than a month. I stick mostly with matches, but i do have a nice cartier lighter that has been going strong for over three years now.
RDC Offline
#5 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 4:14 AM EST
Joined: 01-21-2000
Posts: 5,874
Yep, the fail for a variety of reasons. P.O.S.!!!

Maybe CBid will start to carry Prometheus lighters
chuckler Offline
#6 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 6:46 AM EST
Joined: 08-14-2003
Posts: 4,238
They just break a lot, and then cost a small fortune to fix...

Use wooden matches... at least if they break, ya got a tooth pick!

PT =)
pabloescabar Offline
#7 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 7:04 AM EST
Joined: 02-25-2005
Posts: 30,183
...they suck
jackconrad Offline
#8 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 7:11 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 67,461
They look great and feel great and break in 6 months or less!
cavscout01 Offline
#9 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 7:51 AM EST
Joined: 03-31-2005
Posts: 172
I know that I'm going to be in the minority on this one, but personally, I haven't had any problems with any of the Colibri lighters I've owned, other than the fact that I invariably end up losing them... I've actually had Director model for the past year, and its lasted me through my tour in Afghanistan with no serious problems, even at such a high altitude. Definitely my favorite lighter of all time. Back in the states it lights first time, every time, has a great flame, and the integral 55 guage cutter works wonders. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I love Colibri products.

Sarge
Charlie Offline
#10 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 8:00 AM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
Cavscout

Congratulations on your good luck with a Colibri! I have owned 4 of them and none of them were worth the price, nor did any of them work very well!

They are horrible, and I know our hosts on this site sell them, but good luck to anyone falling for the charm of a Colibri!

Charlie
WaldoAR15 Offline
#11 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 8:06 AM EST
Joined: 10-02-2004
Posts: 878


My beam sensor worked for two weeks, went back to the factory for repair. It worked another two weeks, then I threw it in the trash. A couple of the pythons worked on the original tank of butane, then leaked at the fill valve after they were refilled. Threw them in the trash also. I'll never buy anything Colibri again.
sloth Offline
#12 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 8:11 AM EST
Joined: 08-10-2003
Posts: 1,172
I have one... and right now it is the only lighter I have.

I don't have many problems with it that I can't deal with. One thing I have notice is that it will not light up in 80+ degree weather. If I forget my lighter in my car it won't work unless I run it under the AC for awhile.

It takes a little understanding, still... it is probably too much hassle when you can buy better and cheaper according to the court of public opinion.
00camper Offline
#13 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 9:00 AM EST
Joined: 07-11-2003
Posts: 2,326
The lighters are crap, and so are the pocket watches.
Thom Offline
#14 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 9:07 AM EST
Joined: 12-08-2003
Posts: 6,117
I have only one and it works great. Plus I've used it almost daily for a year and a half with little trouble. It looks like I'm in the minority, however.
zap Offline
#15 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 9:44 AM EST
Joined: 05-10-2005
Posts: 26
I have a Brunton that is one with a wind proof coil in it. I have had it for a long time with no problems other than it goes through a lot of fuel. I got it from an outdoor store.
mraven13 Offline
#16 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 9:52 AM EST
Joined: 04-03-2005
Posts: 1,612
Have any of you had any experience with the Colibri Trifecta or Triplex lighters? The triple-flame variety. I have been reading some good reviews, especially that it holds up better than most Colibris. Any input would be appreciated.
jcwbnimble Offline
#17 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 12:41 PM EST
Joined: 02-27-2005
Posts: 1,230
Howdy,

Even as cheap as most Colibris are, they are not worth it. If you want a great lighter, check out the Porsche design lines. Most are under $150, operate great, and are obsolutely beautiful.

Of, mathces work great.

jcwbnimble.
dolspot Offline
#18 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 1:17 PM EST
Joined: 05-27-2005
Posts: 211
Wow, it's nice to know I am not the only one. I just got a Colibri 2 weeks ago, and it lights up when it feels like it. I have to move the + - switch one way and then the other and go through this ritual of cussing at the thing.

The integral punch cutter is nice, but it is one annoying peice of machinery when a fresh stogie is just begging to be lit.
gerber Offline
#19 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 2:11 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 783
I've owned a Colibri torch and electric flame lighter and both both broke (refused to work any longer desipte much fiddling) within 2-3 months. On the other hand, I have a refillable cheapie torch that's been going strong for a couple years now. Go figure!
eleltea Offline
#20 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 2:31 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I've also only had one Colibri. Paid $25 for it at a shop in Euless. It stopped working for a while, but after I airblasted it, it sprang back to life. I just lighted an Edge Missile corojo with it. I like the model so much if it ever goes I hope I can find another just like it.
Charlie Offline
#21 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 2:37 PM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
They are crap! Simply stated!

Charlie
Slimboli Offline
#22 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 2:39 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
I have only had bad luck with the lower end Colibri Lighters ...

... never ad a problem with the higher end ones.

As with ANY ligher that is the 'jet-torch' variety ... the fuel you use it EXTREMELY important.

I only use LAVA butane (which is 5X refined, but nearly impossible to find), and have never had a problem ... even with the 'cheapie' jet-torch lighers. There is now Vector Quintiplus that is said to be comparable.

It's a precision instrument, and must be treated like one. All require periodic maintainence to keep them working like new ... no matter what ligher you use.

Blast out the 'jet' once in awhile with pressurized canned air, purge the air out of it completely before you refill each time, open and close the flame adjuster valve ocassionaly ... and ALWAYS use the quintuple-refined butane fuel.

I've got Colibri's that I've has for several years ... and I've never experienced a time they haven't lit.

It's all in how you take care of them ...
FXDWG Offline
#23 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 3:29 PM EST
Joined: 06-01-2005
Posts: 512
I own a firebird paid less than retail from CBID and it works just fine. I agree they need are precison instruments and need periodic care. FYI you must turn the lighter over and add the butane and wait one minute before lighting. If the butane is too cold, it will not ignite. Yes, you must bleed the chamber once in a while as stated in previous post. Read the dadgum directions!
I only use Colibri butane because the can is made of materials that won't ruin the Butane. This is what a local told me and He has owned his shop for 25 years. The other brands just don't do it.The other brands eatup the materials and won't work for poop! Usually you can find a can for $3.50 locally.
If you keep it in your car, the heat is too much for it. Think about leaving a good stick in the heat(as I have heard some of my compadres do) It ruins it! The butane can not withstand high temperatures. A good way to make yourself a sucide bomber! LOL!
I love mine and my local guy said if I had any problems with it he would honor the warranty and replace the lighter for me even though I bought it from CBID!
cooksta2 Offline
#24 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 3:40 PM EST
Joined: 10-14-2002
Posts: 509
I have had the same colibri lighter for about 5 years and have not had a problem yet except for the finish wearing off.
Slimboli Offline
#25 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 4:09 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
FXDWG --- I wouldn't hold much weight to some guy that has owned a shop for 25 years, if he has told you that Colibri butane should be used with a Colibri lighter ... he's the one full of 'poop'. That's just the 'maufacturer warranty' talking.

Colibri butane is triple-refined, wich is good ... by ANY quintuple-refined is FAR superior. It's cleaner ... and burns hotter, which keeps the jests from clogging.

The best Ligher fluid that has ever been made, is LAVA ... hands down. Just ask anyone who has ever had the opportunity to use it ...

Lava™ Premium Butane is the cleanest burning butane on the planet. This is a great alternative to ANY other butane refill on the market. LAVA butane is THE BEST fuel available for refillable lighters, regardless of their price. Most butane lighter fuel is refined 1x to 3x. LAVA is refined 5x, making it ultra-clean and ultra-fine.

WARNING: Use of this fuel will cause lighters of any value to burn cleaner and hotter resulting in a longer life.

It's so popular, the manufacturer cannot keep up with the demand. Keep an eye out for it ... when it does hit the market, it goes fast.

I wonder why ...
cooksta2 Offline
#26 Posted: Mon, Jun 6 2005, 5:35 PM EST
Joined: 10-14-2002
Posts: 509
How right you are slim!
arwings Offline
#27 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 3:00 AM EST
Joined: 02-09-2003
Posts: 950
I'll ditto what slim said about the LAVA fuel. It is very hard to get and I've always bought 4-6 cans of it at a time when I had the chance. That said, I don't think the new LAVA made by pyroproducts does quite as well as the original made by volcanic trading.

My continuing problem with Colibri is consistency. I have some that have worked fine for years with no problems, and I have others that have never worked properly after exhausting the first tank of fuel they came with. My experience has been that high-end/low-end doesn't seem to make a difference. Either the lighter works properly or it doesn't, no matter what I do in terms of purging, maintenance, care, etc.

To borrow a line from a movie, it's sort of like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get, a good one, or a bad one.

Just my thoughts............

BTW, I agree the warrenty is a joke. I once had a turn-around time of almost nine months after I mailed one in (the "repaired" lighter worked just fine until I exhausted the fuel already in it, and then I had the same problem of it not lighting, after that).
John hay Cigars Offline
#28 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 3:25 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2004
Posts: 4,562
FXD, I have the same lighter and got it from cbid about 5 months ago. I use old cans of calibri fuel that I don't even remember when I got them and mine works great. All the time. Maybe I am reaching that 6 month self destruct point but I hope not. I do have a couple new Blazers that are awesome. I keep them for weekends. The Firebird is my everyday lighter.
lsfire Offline
#29 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 4:09 AM EST
Joined: 10-25-2004
Posts: 591
I've read the the torch lighters have to have the right "gap" for the altitude that it is being used in. Kind of like a spark plug. It was explained that the distance from the ignitor from the fuel being referred to as the gap. It was suggested that you should send it to the manufactorer and have it adjusted for your altitude. Anyone else hear this, is it true?

Lance
Slimboli Offline
#30 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 4:32 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
arwings --- there is actually a 'third' release of the LAVA butane that should be hitting the market soon.

I'm not sure who makes it now ... but it's in a newly designed can (different from the other two), and a guy who was able to find it at one of his locals, claims it's as good as the original.
calavera Offline
#31 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 6:33 AM EST
Joined: 01-26-2002
Posts: 1,868
I have a torch that worked well for a couple of years, but I have had some trouble with recently and have not been brave enough to send in for service.

I have a regular flame colibri pipe lighter that works great. Unfortunately, it has a small fuel tank so I have to refill it after every bowl that I smoke (partly my fault because I do a lot of relights on each bowl).

J
sodateke Offline
#32 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 8:40 AM EST
Joined: 10-07-2004
Posts: 7
I had one leak and set my hand on fire about 6 months ago. When I wrote Colibri about there response was "Sorry to hear that"
teedubbya Offline
#33 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 9:14 AM EST
Joined: 08-14-2003
Posts: 95,637
I like my colibri... no problems.
MACS Offline
#34 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 10:33 AM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 80,206
I got a couple firebirds that work. I got a Prometheus that I prefer to use much more than any colibri.
echo4alpha Offline
#35 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 11:27 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2003
Posts: 4,349
What's wrong with Colibri lighters?

They're made by Colibri.
ironworker Offline
#36 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 1:42 PM EST
Joined: 05-26-2005
Posts: 2
I have a Colibri Welligton lighter. Its a regular flame not the jet type of flame. I have had it for almost a year now. Not only is it the best looking lighter on the market but its the best lighter I have had.

I would never buy one of those Jet type lighters. I don't care who makes em, they all stolp working in just a short time.

I seen the wellington in my local smoke shop, they were asking $125.00 ! for it. I got mine on Ebay for $35.00.

Rich
kmaustin21 Offline
#37 Posted: Tue, Jun 7 2005, 4:02 PM EST
Joined: 07-16-2004
Posts: 53
What's wrong with Colibri?
They don't light.
JJMD Offline
#38 Posted: Wed, Jun 8 2005, 3:09 AM EST
Joined: 10-02-2004
Posts: 171
I have a Colibri Vortex 2 that I have filled with Colibri fuel several times over the last year with no issues. However, the collective wisdom of this forum (overwhelmingly in one direction here) should be fair warning to those looking to purchase a new lighter. My experience seems to be the exception thus far, not the rule.

I would tell you, though, that I also have an S.T. Dupont Xtend that works like a charm everytime. I also use Colibri fuel in it, and haven't had any issues. Just make sure you purge whatever torch lighter you have before you refill......

-JJ

Users browsing this topic
Guest
Back to Top