IM Corona "Old Boy vs. Xikar "Pipeline"

[Behike54]

Well, I can't stand the taste of a Zippo and new matches suck. I am at the place where I want to invest in a "proper" pipe lighter.

I can't decide between the IM CORONA or similar Xikar Pipeline.

If i came down to aesthetics alone, the "OB" would win hands down. But throw in price, not having to remove that little screw to refill (doesn't have a spring on it?) and Xikar's guarantee and I am at a loss. Friend works at B&M and can get me 20% off on Xikar.

I dunno. I like the fact that, in the end, I feel like I can take the Xikar out into the real world cause of price. The piece doesn't own me, I own it, ya know?

Cheapest price/place you ever got a IM Corona? The cheapest I found was $90 new and $75 Used.

People have said plenty about Old Boy, what about Xikar?

 

[monbla256]

I don't have experience with either but do have some long term experience with a "good" lighter which might relate. I bought a Sterling Dunhill Rollalite lighter in Hong Kong when i was coming back from Nam in 70 and am STILL using it today. It's been modified to work as a pipe lighter (2 years after I bought it) and has had to get serviced twice in all these years and it was an expensive lighter at the time but you do get what you pay for as far as lighters go. So if you want just ONE lighter to have save your pennies and get what WORKS ! JMHO

 

[puros_bran]

Eff Xikar for pipe lighters.. If it aint a Bic or Matches it is required to be an Old Boy.. It's in the pipe bylaws.

 

[Behike54]

Eff Xikar for pipe lighters.. If it aint a Bic or Matches it is required to be an Old Boy.. It's in the pipe bylaws.

Well how does one argue with that kind of reasoning, especially from a mentor? (Bic? Look, are some things even I won't do)


Ok, I'm convinced.

Like Tony Montana said, "Eff the effing Diaz brothers!"

 

[dshpipes]

Sounds like you took sound advice. I went with one of the Xikar lighters 'cause it was cheaper and the damn thing broke within a few months. Next lighter I purchase will be an old boy.

 

[Dutch]

I asked my local tobacconist this same question, and he replied, "you will get tired of sending the Xikar back over and over."

 

[williamcharles]

Go with the OldBoy. You won't regret it. Silicon rings and seals instead of rubber. Activated charcoal filter. Harder external finish resists scratches. Holds approx. 60% more fuel than the Xikar. It's hard to beat an OldBoy. Only thing to remember is that neither of them, OldBoy or Xikar, have any wind resistance outdoors. I really like mine. I got it for $91.10 which includes handling and shipping. No problems with it so far.

 

[Behike54]

Go with the OldBoy. You won't regret it. Silicon rings and seals instead of rubber. Activated charcoal filter. Harder external finish resists scratches. Holds approx. 60% more fuel than the Xikar. It's hard to beat an OldBoy. Only thing to remember is that neither of them, OldBoy or Xikar, have any wind resistance outdoors. I really like mine. I got it for $91.10 which includes handling and shipping. No problems with it so far.

Found it on P & Cs for $92 and I got to indulge a little TAD. I mean, you know, I was THERE, right? Plus I got free shipping.

It's in my cart.

 

[williamcharles]

Go with the OldBoy. You won't regret it. Silicon rings and seals instead of rubber. Activated charcoal filter. Harder external finish resists scratches. Holds approx. 60% more fuel than the Xikar. It's hard to beat an OldBoy. Only thing to remember is that neither of them, OldBoy or Xikar, have any wind resistance outdoors. I really like mine. I got it for $91.10 which includes handling and shipping. No problems with it so far.

Found it on P & Cs for $92 and I got to indulge a little TAD. I mean, you know, I was THERE, right? Plus I got free shipping.

It's in my cart.

Man, that's slicker than blue socks on a red rooster.

 

[Mikem]

I guess I'm in the minority. I have had the Xikar "Old Boy" clone ever since they came out with their pipe lighters and have had no problems with mine. I bleed it about every fourth fill up. I would have to guess I have had it going on two years now. I just purchased one of their pipe lighters that looks like a pen. Will see how that one goes.

As a side note: I have an Old Boy also (much longer than the Xikar) with no problems (again bleeding the lighter about every fourth refill). Almost all of my cigar lighters are Xikars and haven't sent one back yet (4+ years). Your mileage may vary.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

I recently got a new pipe zippo with the new fluid... it isn't too bad in the pipe, but the smell of the unburnt fuel while it is in use is still a little strong. I wanted it mainly for windy conditions where I likely won't be put off by the fuel scent.

Cheap lighters are just that...cheap. Bics are cool (much to my chagrin, I mean, the damn French can make a flawless disposable lighter but no one seems to make a cheap refillable that lasts...) ...and I hear Xikars are crap, too. I sort of like this IMCO G77r, but the plastic ring to control the flame already broke off--at least it still works.

Good luck, if you get an Old Boy, pictures, please--they're works of art among them being serviceable and functional. Just don't lose it. :lol:

 

[PipeLeisure]

This is a great thread, I am also in the same boat...shopping for a "real" pipe lighter. From what research I have done the old boy is the way to go, Im just trying to decide on what design (finish) to go with??

 

[ejames]

A good cheap refillable pipe lighter is the Imco G-77.

 

[Hunter5117]

I have an old-old Corona that has worked flawlessly for many years. Recently I purchased a Xikar soft-flame cigar lighter for my EDC and so far it has performed extremely well. As Mikem said, with any butane lighter, bleeding it regularly is part of the maintenance process. I also usually take the refill bottle and press it down over the flame-jet every few fills as well, seems to help clear out any carbon or soot that may have built up.

The Xikars are not built anywhere as well as the Coronas, but they seem to function well and for an EDC that may get left behind someplace the cost is much more friendly. Thats why I don't carry my Dupont any more, almost lost it one too many times.

 

[deepbass9]

Old Boy's served me well.

In case you didn't know, the tamper head fits the bottom screw perfectly. Give it a couple of turns and you can work it out the rest of the way with a finger tip.

Another case of jumping in with "both feet" and having absolutely no regrets!

 

[gkhanna74]

I have always wondered the same thing --- Xikar vs. Old Boy. I have had 2 Old Boys in 15 years (1 was confiscated by TSA before they had a clear rule on what kind of lighters were acceptable -- I was IRATE!!!!!!!!!!). Thousands and thousands of lights without a problem. I really love Old Boys, but have never used an Xikar.

 

[desertpiper]

I have an Xikar and it works fine. Though, as someone else posted not good in the wind. Have used it for roughly 5 months now.