Gas lighters – long, refillable, jet flame

In short: For a bong or dab rig, a jet flame (torch) lighter is the right choice – it burns blue, resists wind and reaches up to 1,300 °C. Dabbing requires heating the banger to 300 to 600 °C, which a soft flame cannot manage. A long body lets you aim the flame into the bowl head without burning your fingers, and refillable models can be topped up with refined butane.

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Why does it matter which gas lighter you use?

You might think a lighter is just a lighter – a small thing you don't pay much attention to. But if you regularly use a bong, vaporizer or dab rig, or simply enjoy quality herbs, you will quickly find that choosing the right ignition tool plays a surprisingly big role. The wrong flame can burn too much material at once, taint the taste with unwanted chemicals or simply fail when you need it least.

Gas lighters now come in dozens of variants – from elegant pocket models and robust torch lighters to long kitchen or pipe types. In this article we take a clear look at the individual types, their pros and cons, specific uses and the most popular brands worth your attention.

Basic types of gas lighters

Gas lighters can be divided by several criteria: by flame type, by refilling method and by the length or ergonomics of the lighter body. Let's go through the most important categories.

Soft flame – the classic gentle flame

The classic soft flame is what we know from ordinary disposable lighters. It produces a calm, yellow-orange flame that is easily blown out by the wind and has a relatively low temperature. It is fine for lighting a cigarette or an incense stick every day, but unsuitable for more demanding uses – such as heating a dab nail or directly lighting a proper load.

Soft flame lighters are better suited as a backup or for occasional users who aren't looking for anything special.

Jet flame – a direct, robust flame for any weather

Jet flame (also called torch flame) is a hard, concentrated flame that burns blue and reaches a much higher temperature than a soft flame. Its key feature is wind resistance – a jet flame won't go out even in a strong gust, which makes it a popular companion outdoors.

Advantages of jet flame lighters:

• High flame temperature (up to 1,300 °C)
• Resistance to wind and moisture
• Precise flame targeting
• Fast and even heating of the material
• Suitable for outdoor use

Downsides can be higher gas consumption and the need for more precise handling – too close and too long, and your material will be scorched.

Double torch and triple torch – more flames, more power

If one jet flame isn't enough, double torch and triple torch lighters come into play. These models have two or three concentrated nozzles, so they cover a larger area and heat the material more evenly and faster.

Double and triple torch lighters are especially popular for:

• Lighting larger bowl heads on a bong
• Heating bangers and nail heads when dabbing
• Cigars and pipes that need an even burn
• Outdoor activities in bad weather

The more nozzles, the higher the gas consumption – with triple torch models, expect to refill the tank noticeably more often.

Refillable gas lighters – the economical and eco-friendly choice

Disposable lighters do have their place on the market, but for regular users refillable models are the clear choice. A refillable gas lighter can be topped up again and again with butane from a standard refill canister, which brings several advantages.

1. Economy – the initial investment is higher, but a butane refill costs a fraction of the price of a new lighter.
2. Ecology – significantly less plastic waste compared to disposable alternatives.
3. Quality – refillable lighters tend to be more robust, with a better adjustable flame and a longer service life.
4. Adjustability – many models let you set the flame height and intensity.

Tip: When refilling your lighter, always use quality refined butane with as few impurities as possible – it extends the life of the nozzle and keeps the taste clean.

Long gas lighters – for bongs and hard-to-reach places

Long gas lighters, sometimes called pipe or kitchen lighters, have an extended body with the nozzle at the end. This lets the flame reach places your hand couldn't reach safely with a classic lighter – or at all.

Where are long lighters most useful?

• Bong – the flame can easily be aimed straight into the bowl head without the risk of burning your fingers
• Candles in tall candlesticks or lanterns
• Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
• Grills and gas burners
• Hookahs with a deep-set tobacco tray

There are also long flame lighters that combine an extended body with a jet flame nozzle – an ideal combination for bong users who value both precision and safety.

Gas lighters for bongs and dab rigs

Using a lighter with bongs and for dabbing has its own specifics that are worth discussing in more detail.

Lighting a bong

When smoking a bong, the flame touches the herb in the bowl head. The ideal lighter:

• Offers a precise, concentrated flame
• Doesn't contaminate the material with unwanted chemicals (which is why cheap disposable soft flame lighters are not recommended)
• Is ergonomically comfortable even during longer sessions
• Allows adjustment – a flame that is too strong will scorch the surface of the herb without heating it evenly

Many experienced users prefer Hemp Wick – a hemp wick coated in beeswax that can be lit with a lighter and then used for an even cleaner taste experience. Even then, though, you need a reliable lighter to light the wick itself.

Dabbing – a torch lighter is a must

Dabbing requires heating the banger head or nail head to a very high temperature – typically between 300 and 600 °C, sometimes even higher. That's a task a soft flame lighter simply can't handle. For a dab rig, a torch lighter (ideally single or double jet flame) is therefore an absolute must.

What to look for when choosing a torch lighter for dabbing:

1. Nozzle power – look for models with adjustable flame intensity
2. Tank size – a bigger tank = less frequent refilling
3. Stability – the lighter should stand on its own on the table; models with a flat base or a stand are ideal
4. Safety lock – protects against accidental ignition

For dab sessions at home, large tabletop torch lighters are popular, as they hold enough gas for dozens of heat-ups without needing a refill.

The best gas lighter brands

There is a vast number of manufacturers on the market. Here are the ones that have earned a good reputation among bong and dab rig users as well as regular smokers.

Clipper

The Spanish brand Clipper is synonymous with reliability and sustainability. Clipper lighters are refillable, fitted with a removable flint that can be replaced, and their body can be recycled. They are available in countless designs and limited editions. Clipper offers both soft flame and jet flame models.

Xikar

The American brand Xikar focuses primarily on premium cigar accessories, but its lighters are popular in the wider community too. The double and triple jet flame models are precisely crafted, with an all-metal body and a lifetime warranty. The price is higher, but the investment pays off in decades of reliable use.

Vertigo (Lotus)

Vertigo is a more affordable alternative with good value for money. It offers a whole range of torch lighters – from simple single jet models to powerful triple torch ones. Popular especially for everyday use and as a reliable lighter outdoors.

Blazer

The American brand Blazer is practically a legend among dabbers. Its Blazer Big Shot GT8000 is considered one of the best tabletop torch lighters for dab rigs. A strong flame, large tank and robust build make it ideal for intensive everyday use.

Colibri

Colibri is a British premium brand with a long history dating back to 1928. Colibri lighters are made from quality materials and offer elegant design and a reliable jet flame. They are popular as gifts as well as personal everyday companions.

Scorch Torch

For those looking for a powerful torch lighter at a reasonable price, Scorch Torch is a great choice. The brand offers models with one to six nozzles, tanks of various sizes and ergonomic shapes. Popular especially for dabbing and outdoor activities.

How to properly refill and maintain a gas lighter

Even the best lighter is useless if you don't handle it properly. A few basic rules for refilling and maintenance:

1. Always bleed the lighter before refilling – press the refill valve with a thin object (e.g. the tip of a pen) and release any remaining air and gas.
2. Use quality butane – refined butane with minimal impurities. Cheap gas clogs the nozzle and shortens the lighter's life.
3. Refill upside down – turn the butane canister upside down and press it firmly onto the lighter valve.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes before first use after refilling – the gas needs time for its temperature to settle.
5. Clean the nozzle regularly – use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dirt that could block the flame.

If your lighter doesn't work properly, the most common problem is a clogged nozzle or air in the tank – both can easily be fixed with the procedure described above.

Summary: How to choose the right gas lighter?

The choice depends mainly on how you use it:

• For a bong – a long flame jet lighter or a classic single jet with good adjustment
• For a dab rig – a powerful tabletop torch (Blazer, Scorch Torch) or a double jet flame
• For outdoor use – a windproof jet flame with good tank capacity (Clipper Jet, Vertigo)
• For cigars and pipes – soft flame or double torch for an even burn
• As a gift – a premium Xikar or Colibri with an all-metal body

Whether you are an occasional user or an everyday enthusiast, the right lighter will make every session more enjoyable. Invest in a refillable model from a reputable brand, look after regular maintenance, and you'll have a reliable companion for many years.