Xikar VS Lotus...Opinions?

Stew3223

Hey guys,
  So my girlfriend spilled the beans last night that she bought me a Xikar EX II carbon fiber lighter for my birthday next month.  Now, This is awesome because well...I love carbon fiber.  However, after looking into the lighters details I discovered its a soft flame.  I have never used a soft flame lighter for cigars and im not sure Im going to like it.  I Really liked my Xikar executive torch until it crapped out. One of the things I liked about it is I could easily aim and see where I was heating the cigar and very evenly toast the foot. Could you offer me some opinions on soft flame lighters for cigar use? 
Also, I really like some of the designs of Lotus lighters, but I would like to read some reviews or input on their quality versus Xikar.  One concern with the Lotus lighters also is that they only have a 2 year warranty.
Any Input is appreciated!  Thanx guys!

-Steven S.

Fourtotheflush

I have a NIBO triple jet = runs out after about 2 cigar lights
and basically an old 'crack' single torch I found at a convenience store a few years ago.

alienmisprint

This is kinda off topic, but you said your executive crapped out on you? Have you contacted Xikar about replacing it? They have the best product replacement coverage I have ever seen, the only company I can think of that is close is Craftsman tools.

Stew3223

Yes, Ill probably send it in and use it as a backup or give it to one of my buddies. Though it worked just fine, the quality is not the highest; the chrome on the button looks cheap, there is slop in the button, and the finish is worn off in several places. I would like something a little nicer though, and since the gift is being given, I am accepting...I just want to find the right lighter if my girlfriend is going to be spending around the $100 mark.

j0z3r

I haven't had a Lotus, so I can't offer an opinion. I can, however, offer an opinion on the Xikar because I recently purchased a Xikar Exodus of my own. It is a soft flame lighter, but it's nothing like a bic lighter with a weak flame, it has a very stout and thick flame to it and it toasts the cigar perfectly with some good rotation...I also think you are less prone to scorching with a soft flame. Truth be told, I prefer a soft flame to a torch but haven't yet found a good soft-flame lighter, well now I have and I doubt I'll use anything else...though a torch will come in handy for any touch-ups needed.

kuzi16

soft flame isnt that bad. many of the guys that i respect greatly down at the B&M that i go to only use soft flame.

ive never had a lotus lighter. so... cant tell ya much about that.

leonard

I have a Xikar soft flame and love it. It evenly toasts and lights well. Also the fuel lasts a lot longer than a torch.

j0z3r

I think I have the same lighter as you Leonard...filled it Monday and have used it every day since on two cigars each day, it only sputtered a bit as I did a final burn correction today. With my torch I was filling it every other day.

madurofan

You should have a soft flame as well as a torch. If you send that Executive back they'll like send you a new one. They finish is warrantied as well. If given the oppurtunity MOST smokers would use a soft flame especially indoors. Your likelihood of over cooking a cigar is less with a soft flame. And they are just more classy which is what seems is important to you with the new lighter. Once you get your executive back you'll have a good torch for outside everyday use and the soft flame for those times when somethign classier is in order.

As far as the lotus goes I've never used one so I can't comment but I've never heard anything bad about them.

phobicsquirrel

I seem to always seem to have problems lighting a cigar outside, have a jet flame and can never see it. I usually light it inside then take it outside. One thing about Xikar, wish they'd make bigger tanks in the lighters (maybe mine is the exception).

Jdorais

My local lounge just put out the alec bradly tabletop lighter for use. I really like it and might be a good soft flame option for you.

Stew3223

Thanx for the input guys!  Now im all excited for it to come in the mail.  If I werent so inundated with summer courses and two jobs I'd probably have sent the executive in already! Im liking the idea of having the both a torch and a soft flame as lighting options.  Now all I need is the matching carbon fiber cutter!

-Steven