Xikar Forte Jet Flame Lighter, Fold-Out 7mm Cigar Punch, Red Hue Fuel Gauge, Hot Rod Inspired Design, Decorative High-Touch Insert, Black with Burl Inserts

The good: soft, wind resistant flame, and I love that it has a fuel gauge. Product seems to be sturdy/well built.That not-so-good: runs through fuel a bit quickly (needed refill after 2 weeks of normal use). Nice heft in my hand, but still a little heavy in my pocket.

Does not light consistently. Not worth trying to use it anymore.

I carried a Xikar lighter every day in my pocket through all kinds of conditions: sweaty summer bike rides, harsh winter snow removal, camping trips, the workshop. In the rain. In the wind. Everywhere. I beat the crap out of it, and it lasted me for at least 15 years, a most impressive service life. Much longer than any other lighter I've ever had. It never let me down. Imagine how sad I was when it finally quit working recently. Given the amazing reliability, longevity, and efficacy of the recently retired lighter, it was a no brainer to try another Xikar product.I should have put more trust in the more critical reviews. It seems that this is a bad lighter or that Xikar has had a dramatic change in quality during the last 15 years.Overall, this lighter was a huge disappointment. I returned it. My quest for a new EDC lighter continues. I hope I can find one that's even half as good as the one that finally wore out. I fear that the bar has been set too high, ironically by the same company that didn't deliver on this one.This Forte is a pretty nice looking lighter, for sure. When I unpacked it, I immediately noticed a nice weight to it. Lots of metal pieces. It felt durable, with potential to last a good, long time. The punch stays in place very well, and there's little chance of accidental deployment. It's comfortable in the hand, and I didn't find it at all bothersome in my pocket.Then I filled it and tried to light it. Right out of the gate, I had about a 90% fail rate on getting it lit. Ridiculous for any lighter, especially a brand new one at this price point. I tried all the flame adjustment levels, it never really got any better. Once in a while, it would light on the first click. It usually took ten or more tries to get a flame.The flame. Sure, a hybrid flame sounds cool. I didn't care for it. There is no jet flame available at all. The soft flame blows right out. It relights more or less instantly, but I think in a steady breeze one would be unable to produce a flame with this lighter. Forget lighting a campfire in the wind. Or your charcoal grill.Maybe this lighter will suit your needs, but I found it to be unacceptable outside of fit and finish. A lighter has to do a lot more than look good, and the Xikar Forte does not deliver beyond that.

I was expecting a jet flame as that is how it's advertised. However, this is a soft flame lighter. It's not a deal breaker, I just prefer to light my cigars with a jet lighter. It's faster and I've got my timing down so I don't scorch the tobacco. If you're adamant that you've got to have a jet, might skip this one. But if a soft flame is ok, this is a beautiful lighter.

I have another ligter just like this and it works great. I understand it was just a fluke and other lighters you order like this will most likely work. But when I tried use the warranty on this, I couldn't get a hold of a person and that made the issue impossible to fix online. So I tried to get a refund from the seller, who said that wouldn't be a problem. But now it won't let me return it either. So I'm stuck with a ligter that doesn't work. The product is good as long as it works. But the customer service to fix the issue was terrible. All I am looking to do is return or exchange it for a ligter that does work and that has become impossible.

This lighter will pass through TSA when CARRIED on the plane. The TSA regulations specifically prohibit pointed-flame/blue flame lighters. Read TSA and your airlines luggage restrictions to be familiar with the verbiage.No lighters should be packed in checked luggage.This lighter has a robust bic style flame but with wind resistance and flame adjustability. Its built to travel and take the punishment of being in a pocket.I like this lighter so much I’ve literally turned my car around to save it when I realized I left it behind!

The lighter did not work at first then we got some different lighter fluid and now it kind of works. Horrible lighter don't buy it.

I like the looks and how it operates. Just to have in case I need it.