Dr. Stogie Fresh
SilverBack
Product: Z-Plus
Type: Torch Flame Lighter Insert
Manufacturer: Blazer
Website: http://blazerproducts.com/
OVERALL SCORE: 93
BACKGROUND: The Z-Plus torch flame lighter insert is a butane refillable, wind-resistant, lighter replacement that will work with most Zippo-type lighters. With the Z-Plus, you can bring your old flint-based, lighter-fluid-filled lighter into the 21st Century. Just swap and go.
SET UP AND USE: Score: 96
The setup for the Z-Plus lighter insert takes less time than it took you to read this sentence. You just pull out the old lighter insert and replace it with the Z-Plus. That’s it. It couldn’t be quicker or easier. The Z-plus will work with most metal flip top lighter cases (like Zippo and others). And you can easily swap between a traditional or torch flame by simply swapping out inserts.
FUNCTION: Score: 88
As a lighter, the Z-Plus is adequate. It throws a nice flame that is plenty robust and can be adjusted. (However, it’s a minor irritation that you have to pull the insert out of the lighter shell to adjust the flame.) Though touted as wind-resistant, the flame is no more resistant to wind than any other torch flame and shares the same deficiency as other butane lighters when used outside: namely, you can’t see the flame in bright light. Nevertheless, it gets the job done and, in my opinion, is a far sight better than a traditional flame lighter for lighting cigars.
The insert has a generous butane reservoir that will provide many consecutive lights. I took mine on vacation recently and it made it through a two-week trip without needing a refill (about 8-10 cigars).
For those of you who travel by air, a Zippo lighter represents the only "legal" lighter that can be transported by air… under certain conditions, of course. First, it has to be a ZIPPO LIGHTER PACKED IN AN OTTERBOX ZIPPO CARGO CASE http://www.otterbox.com/products/zippo_case/ and even then, it must be contained in checked baggage. No exceptions.
According to airline regulations: “Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case.” The Otterbox is the only DOT approved lighter case and it must contain a Zippo. The bigger question, however, is, “Can the Zippo lighter be a Z-Plus modified version and still meet the legal requirements?” Hmm…. frankly, I have never called attention to this MINOR DETAIL. None of the airline staff have asked, and I have not volunteered.
The warranty on the Z-plus is minimal (one year from original date of purchase) and original proof of purchase is required. Warranty coverage ends when a products becomes unusable for “reasons other than defects in workmanship or material.”
VALUE: Score: 95
The Z-Plus represents a great value. It’s relatively cheap and is very versatile, given that you can use it with nearly any Zippo-type lighter shell. That means you can have a butane torch lighter at the ready for any occasion. For knocking around, choose your older, beat-up lighter case, and when out on the town, choose your gold-leafed monogrammed model. Whenever I’m away from home, my Z-Plus and a couple of Zippo shells go with me. The Z-Plus insert is truly a lighter for every occasion, mood and geographical location. I recommend highly. A Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating.
The Doc
Type: Torch Flame Lighter Insert
Manufacturer: Blazer
Website: http://blazerproducts.com/
OVERALL SCORE: 93
BACKGROUND: The Z-Plus torch flame lighter insert is a butane refillable, wind-resistant, lighter replacement that will work with most Zippo-type lighters. With the Z-Plus, you can bring your old flint-based, lighter-fluid-filled lighter into the 21st Century. Just swap and go.
SET UP AND USE: Score: 96
The setup for the Z-Plus lighter insert takes less time than it took you to read this sentence. You just pull out the old lighter insert and replace it with the Z-Plus. That’s it. It couldn’t be quicker or easier. The Z-plus will work with most metal flip top lighter cases (like Zippo and others). And you can easily swap between a traditional or torch flame by simply swapping out inserts.
FUNCTION: Score: 88
As a lighter, the Z-Plus is adequate. It throws a nice flame that is plenty robust and can be adjusted. (However, it’s a minor irritation that you have to pull the insert out of the lighter shell to adjust the flame.) Though touted as wind-resistant, the flame is no more resistant to wind than any other torch flame and shares the same deficiency as other butane lighters when used outside: namely, you can’t see the flame in bright light. Nevertheless, it gets the job done and, in my opinion, is a far sight better than a traditional flame lighter for lighting cigars.
The insert has a generous butane reservoir that will provide many consecutive lights. I took mine on vacation recently and it made it through a two-week trip without needing a refill (about 8-10 cigars).
For those of you who travel by air, a Zippo lighter represents the only "legal" lighter that can be transported by air… under certain conditions, of course. First, it has to be a ZIPPO LIGHTER PACKED IN AN OTTERBOX ZIPPO CARGO CASE http://www.otterbox.com/products/zippo_case/ and even then, it must be contained in checked baggage. No exceptions.
According to airline regulations: “Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case.” The Otterbox is the only DOT approved lighter case and it must contain a Zippo. The bigger question, however, is, “Can the Zippo lighter be a Z-Plus modified version and still meet the legal requirements?” Hmm…. frankly, I have never called attention to this MINOR DETAIL. None of the airline staff have asked, and I have not volunteered.
The warranty on the Z-plus is minimal (one year from original date of purchase) and original proof of purchase is required. Warranty coverage ends when a products becomes unusable for “reasons other than defects in workmanship or material.”
VALUE: Score: 95
The Z-Plus represents a great value. It’s relatively cheap and is very versatile, given that you can use it with nearly any Zippo-type lighter shell. That means you can have a butane torch lighter at the ready for any occasion. For knocking around, choose your older, beat-up lighter case, and when out on the town, choose your gold-leafed monogrammed model. Whenever I’m away from home, my Z-Plus and a couple of Zippo shells go with me. The Z-Plus insert is truly a lighter for every occasion, mood and geographical location. I recommend highly. A Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating.
The Doc
