As someone who has not only sold torch lighters similar to this lighter I have also repaired them. I want to give you a breakdown on how to allow the lighter to perform better. 1 the Zippo butane you are using is NOT refined which means it has impurities in it and will clog the lighter over time. Then you will have to bleed the lighter from the fill port with a small jeweler’s Phillips head which is annoying and time consuming and will take several minutes. What you want to get is a quintuple refined or zero impurities butane like Vector or Lava to name a couple. Also the reason that your lighter stays lit after releasing the trigger, is because you have it turned up all the way. As for the lighter not lighting on the first try (sans it being cold or lack of O2) is because the lighter is turned up all the way and the gas is basically blowing it out, to alleviate this issue press the ignition button just slightly to release the gas first and then click the ignition, that should solve that problem. Looking at the lighter is appears to have a large gas reservoir which is good. Also be careful not to get any dust or debris as well as pocket lint in the flame ports, this will effect the performance of the lighter, to solve this issue if it does occur, you can forcefully blow into the flame port (while it’s off of course) or use a can of compressed air (which I doubt that you will have in the woods. Do not put anything in the flame port as it can effect the performance of the lighter and possibly move piezoelectric igniter which will definitively stop the lighter from igniting.
This, I have over 10 torch lighters and I have found that the "to alleviate this issue press the ignition button just slightly to release the gas first and then click the ignition" is so true, clicking too fast doesn't work the first try but clicking a bit slower will work every time, no exceptions. Also I have found true that when the output is set at max it has that issue of not turning off immediatly after releasing the button.
If you fill up the lighter with isobutane it works better in colder weather (that's what the adapter is for FYI). Also...if you have the lighter adjustment turned all the way up, it will take a bit for the flame to go out after you let go of the button. Turn down the adjustment a bit and the flame goes out right away. Great review, thanks!
I bought one of these two years ago and Luke’s review is spot on as usual. I fill mine with a standard iso-butane canister using the Soto adapter. Lately I have been using it to light the alcohol stove in my BCB British military cook kit. Nollaig Shona! (Merry Christmas in the language of my ancestors.)
Thank you for your comment! I totally agree with Luke's review as well, he always gives great insights. By the way, have you heard of Segway's Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's an amazing power backup solution with a massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets. It would be a perfect addition to your outdoor gear, especially for camping trips and RV adventures. Check it out!
Hello Luke. The refilling adapter is for using with ISO butane camp stove fuel cans. Just screw onto the can like you would your stove and you can refill the torch.
Came to post this. Don't use the expensive proprietary isobutane cartridges, use the adapter with a standard camp cartridge. Isobutane with the propane mixed in should give better performance.
These little misses have been becoming more apparent lately on Luke's part. I am not sure if I simply missed them before or if he has stuff going on in the background where his hands on testing, vs set up and let it get rained on, is getting cut back.
One thing you missed Luke. The adaptor isn't for a butane canister. It's so you can fill the lighter from the Isobutane canisters that you use with canister stoves. I have never filled my Soto lighter with butane, I always just use the adapter and get some fuel out of one of my MSR canister stoves Isobutane cans. Also I have only ever filled it with Isobutane. I never thought about inverting it but did based on this video. It still worked. Maybe because I use the Isobutane and never used butane? I also never had the two click issues but I have used a "two finger method" from the beginning (over a year now). Thumb pushes in the safety, all the way, and the index finger then depresses for ignition. That way the entire stroke of the finger is involved in ignition.
I have owned one for about 6 months, and your review is spot on. One Con you missed is the cheapness/thinness of the plastic used in the lighter body. It is incredibly cheap and brittle feeling, which is a shame. .50 cents of additionnal plastic in the mold would do wonders for the feel of this lighter.
I have had one for a few months now and your review is spot on. The burner remains very hot for several seconds after switch off! Otherwise, a great piece of kit
Yep, great product IMO. Have had a couple of these for years and never a let down. If up in the Rockies and it's cold I might have to put in a pocket to warm up and pressurize the gas but I've had that happen with all gas lighters.
Exactly - most of these issues are extremely common on "windproof" or jet lighters including several I've had which take a second to burn out after releasing the button. I think Luke can be a little picky sometimes - that's no bad thing, he's thorough, and that's good, but I think sometimes these issues are made to be bigger than they really are if you just learn how to use your gear because not all gear works in exactly the same way.
Just wanted to thank you for a very good description and easy to follow instructions for this lighter. It has resolved all the little things I needed to know. Much appreciated.
Another honest review, Luke. I own two of these lighters and I can say you are pretty spot on w/ this review. I will say that this would perform about the same as a normal lighter in cold conditions, minus the initial lighting of the lighter, of which I have found a general remedy for. First as you said Luke you should keep the fuel warm when it is cold out. Secondly I have found that to avoid clicking the switch several times before it lights, you have to hold the switch down Half Way first. This is due to the lighter needing a certain amount of aerosolized fuel in the circular chamber for the igniter, which is on the inside of the upper cylinder, to light. If you click the switch down all the way quickly, the lighter sometimes does not release enough aerosolized fuel for the igniter to light it. Therefore if you depress the switch down halfway for a second and then all the way to light it, (or just depress the switch Slowly), the lighter will be more reliable and light most every time. So as you said Luke, it is a little quirky. However the ability to keep your hands further from the tinder and the ability to refill this lighter are very nice advantages that I also think outweigh the quirks. (If you want a normal lighter that is refillable I would also recommend Clipper brand lighters, which are similar to Bic lighters but are refillable and the flint is replaceable as well). Overall this lighter is unique and reliable and is why it is in my bug out fire kits.
Love how it extends. My first SOTO torch XT worked for a couple of months, but then I had problems with it not staying lit even at sea-level. SOTO replaced it at no charge and with free shipping. Afterwards I read reviews of other people having this same problem. Trust but be fore-warned.
I find that it will always light first time if you hold the button down halfway for a second before pressing all the way to ignite it, this allows the gas to reach the burner head which is necessary due to the silicone gas tube being around 7 inches long
I have one for a couple years now. Works exactly as you say and show. I like it too. I'm up north and use it in winter all the time. I keep it in my inside top shirt pocket. It's always good to go.
I use this lighter all the time and love it. I brought it to CO mountains and it definitly struggled at that altitude even inside the house. One trick that helped in that situation is to turn regulator knob past its max position by cutting off little plastic stopper with flush cutters or something.
I got this about 6 months ago and use it a lot. Valid review. One thing I’d add is that the head is too fat to fit inside a Coleman lantern to light it
I have the first version of this lighter over 10 years. It lights always on first click and its the only lighter that I have try and lasted so many years.
Thanks for such a thorough review of the Soto Lighter. I live and backpack/hike/ski in CO = elevation. With that in mind, I think I'll give it a try using your method of heating it up first, using it horizontally, and making sure the excess gas burns off. I do go to a cabin near Denver at 11,000 regularly in the winter and it is difficult to get the lighters there to work. I take long matches. Still, this Soto Torch sounds much better when used correctly in both backcountry and at rustic cabins. Any further suggestions are welcome. 😊
Isobutane burns stronger, is lighter by weight and lasts longer. So if the recommended fuel is used it functions better also in the wind probably. Keep up the good work!
Love these reviews. I'll be looking to buy some camping gear in the coming weeks and SOTO will be on my short list! On a side note; I always carry a very tiny rechargeable plasma-type cig lighter in my pocket along with keys/knife - last few years in fact, (I don't smoke so the charge lasts a loooong time),. A great back-up to have "in a pinch". No matches/ no fuel temp issues. Another good video. 👍
I've got a minature version of this from Italy's equivalent of a dollar store. It's useful for heating a little and then lighting the alcohol in my Trangia in cold weather.
A few suggestions based on my experiences with piezo electric lighters: - Don’t set the output to maximum. It wastes fuel and makes ignition more difficult and causes that delay in going out after releasing the button. - You can avoid needing to double click to ignite after being idle for a few minutes if you simply don’t push the button as fast. Just a little slower gives it enough time for the vapor to reach the igniter.
I've had this on my wishlist for a while after seeing it in one of your other videos. Thank you for all the agenda-free reviews you do, I love hearing your opinions on various camping gear. Since you mentioned having used torches that work better in the wind, could you do a video on those? Maybe a single video where you discuss a few of your favorites with a quick pro and con for each.
Great review. Ive had one for a few months and like it. The review and the comments here helped clarify some of the concerns I’ve had. I was going to post about the adapter & isobutane stove canisters, but 25 others did so… I do wonder how Luke has used it hundreds of times over such a long period of time and has not had to refill it. Elves?
My Soto Amicus stove is the best backpacking-stove on the market for it's features, weight, quality and performance, so I am not uncertain this Pocket Torch will perform as expected.
Thanks for the good review (as always). I have one of these lighters and really like it. Don't camp much in cold, so the butane's not a problem for me. Also, it seems if you push the igniter down half way for a second to start, it makes it a bit easier to light. I think it may release a bit of gas to sort of "prime" the tube.
Hi Luke!: Looks like a nice piece of kit! Interesting that it will also run on Isobutane as well! The price is not bad for a mini torch. Paid something like $40 for a name brand mini torch and the thing quit working after only a few years!
Ive had this lighter for a couple of years now and I agree it can be a bit finicky in cold weather but your unit seems faulty. I can hold my lighter upside down and lit for as long as I want. Tested it for 40 seconds right now just to be sure. I also tested the wind resistance and I can blow fairly hard and still keep it lit , definitely not the best wind resistance on the market but way better then what your unit could withstand. Love your videos! Keep them coming. 💪🫡
Thanks for the review Luke. I have put off buying this lighter because I had previously bought their regular refillable lighter 2 pack. The were so poorly made and sketchy that I questioned why Soto put their name on then. Review those and see how sketchy they are.
i use the adaptor on the gas canisters I use with my gas burners, that way I don't need to worry if i run out of gas in my lighter i always pack a gas canister and a small burner when i go camping anyways just in case, I've had mine for years and yes it works exactly like demonstrated and mentioned here but it also stays that way for years apparently mine works exactly like Lukes and has done so from day one and I've used it a lot
That's a pass for me.. I can buy basically the same thing at any dollar general store for $5 or less.. all of them that uses butane has the same lighting problems.. it's the fuel, not the lighter. Plus, I've never seen one that didn't turn off as soon as you release the switch... love the channel keep the great reviews coming
HI LUKE 👋 I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE . THANK YOU 😊 I'LL HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT . HOPE YOU & SUSIE & FAMILY / FRIENDS HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄 🤶 & HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY TOO 🎉 🙏
Read the instructions always bleed it before refilling. If you over fill it or if something gets into the filling filter that will happen. For a faster fill freeze the lighter in a freezer and warm the can of butane in your pocket but room temperature is safer.
Hi Luke and All - In Colorado as soon as I walk out my door to go for a hike I’m at 9000 feet. I love my Soto products thanks to Luke, so I’m thinking of dropping the cash for this anyway, because I’m sick of the disposable bic lighters with the extenders - the take a gazillion tries to light. Maybe this will work better. I’ll let y’all know.
I picked this up finally and I feel the safety lock is very difficult to overcome, especially since you need two clicks to get it going... I'm hoping as I use it it'll get easier to click in or maybe I can wear it down a little.
I own two of these. The switch itself is large and would accommodate arthritic fingers. However you have to push a textured safety switch towards the lighter, Then depress the switch. The safety is more flush to the switch minus the texturing, so it may be a tad more difficult to do that with arthritic fingers. You can push it by squeezing the safety switch at the end of the switch to make it easier. The button has a little resistance but I would say is not prohibitive for people suffering from arthritis, unless your case is severe.
I am old school and survival "amateur expert" but I understand people that may find use for it and I am a fan of Soto as well. As matter of fact if they were to make a car I would ditch my Ford for it 😂
I still prefer & use FireSteel brand of Ferro Rod/Striker as my go-to source of ignition. It works anytime, anyplace, any temperature. My stove is the Soto Windmaster. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Definitely better than a Bic cost wise...I bought a 2 pack recently that was nearly 8 bucks. For that I could have had 2 cans of the butane and passed one down to the next generation.
Sorry Luke, i dont think you were very fair on this one. I bought one on the day of watching your review and had 2 days to play around with it. It has no issues burning upside down. Tried it numerous times. Lights on the first click as long as you give it a fraction of a second after unlocking it and not just immediately click through. Adapter for stove cartridges that you completely ignored is perhaps the top selling point, making it super versatile in the field and ridiculously cheap to refill And ,when lit, i can shake it as fast and hard as i can and it stays lit. No, it is not a flare and it won't stay on if you blow straight into it, but it is more than wind resistant enough for any practical use. My only gripe is that it feels rather flimsy and the finishing is not what i usually expect from rather pricey made in Japan products
I bought some “Torch Blue” butane torches and you can blow them out the same way. I have used them outside in the wind, and they do ok, but probably the same issues. I think I bought a couple for under 10 dollars. But honestly don’t remember where I bought them. But I have issues with them lighting with the nozzle pointed downward as well. It makes me wonder if the fuel is under any pressure? Doesn’t seem logical for it to have issues lighting, regardless of how you hold it, if it is under pressure! But it’s liquid, so maybe the issue is the tube feeding it being more like siphoning pressure or vacuum?
I was going to ask that myself. I own a pulse igniter and it works fine for my uses, but cold does affect the charge on it. So when it's colder, I usually keep it in a pocket to keep the battery from going weak.
I own a couple of arc lighters in addition to this lighter. Both of these types of lighters are good but with the arc lighter you have to get very close to your tinder to light it, even more so than a normal Bic lighter. I would recommend lighting the tinder starter in hand w/ the arc lighter and placing it in the tinder bundle with those lighters, unless you have an arc lighter with an extended neck, of which I am pretty sure they make also.
Sorry I must have glazed over that part when responding. Just wanted to bring up to everyone that most do not have an extended neck, and some have the diodes Between the lighter making it difficult to use. Mine are on the top of the lighter, but I don’t find it that difficult to use despite the lack of an extended neck. However I am coveting the extended neck ones !!
How hot does the tip get after 3-4 seconds of use? Curious if it will burn you or your clothes if put it back in your pocket. Also the inverted performance bothers me. But then, an inverted match will light up your day too. Thanks Luke. Stay safe and God bless.
Unless you light this lighter repeatedly and consecutively, you won’t have the lighter head get any hotter than a typical Bic lighter. Within 15 seconds you can put it back in your pocket without fear. If you Do light it consecutively, you may have to wait a minute or two before returning it to your preferred pocket.
I removed the safety part of the button. Now with gloves no issue. I also bought the adapter to be able to fill from the same ISO canisters my stove runs off of.
I noticed that you put the burner head very close to the solid fuel tabs you ignited, that is not the right way the flame on that type of burner is hottest at the point of the inner blue flame about 3/4 inch away from the burner so it will work much better at that distance. Also if it is to close it is more prone to blow itself out.
At around 32 degree's ( C4 ) Butane has no vapor pressure it remains a liquid, I load RR Cars and ( C3 ) Propane vapor pressure is used when temptures are low to unload Butane rail cars. FYI
I have not tried that w/ mine, but I would imagine you would have to dry out the upper cylinder where the fire comes out, albeit I think it would take less time to dry than a typical lighter due to it not having a flint, which takes a while to dry.
It seems to share some qualities with my gas soldering iron / flamethrower. They look to have the same output, the only difference is the surround on mine is removable for changing or removing the soldering tips. When turning it off and the gas carries on is annoying but i found i treated my iron with more respect because of it. A wind shield would be a great addition. I suppose there's a way of making one yourself? Would i get one? Yes. 🧐
Luke, when you said extended version, I heard that in Beavis's voice with a trailing 'boi-oi-oi-oing!' Correction... EVERYTIME he pulls that thing out, I hear 'boi-oi-oing' 😂
I can report it does not work at 8000 ft. at all. My fault though since it’s on the product I just missed it. The rest of the review mirrored my experience exactly.
Why not use a propane torch? Mine lasted for years before running out. One can even get one now with an electronic ignition(mine is only lit by matches).
Most plasma arc lighters need to be close to the ignition source to light. I would recommend one with an extended short neck that functions much the same way as this Soto lighter. Otherwise you have to light your tinder starters in hand and then place the lit tinder into your tinder bundle.
You’re going to want to use much better quality butane than zippo brand. Vector and Neon are good butane options that are filtered multiple times. I have had cheap gas station torch lighters last for YEARS using Vector, compared to just a few fillings, with Ronson, Zippo, or other low quality fuels.
Hi Luke, I have been a fan for a while now, but recently there has been a high pitched screech on the audio when you do review pieces to the static camara at Lone Wolf. It is that annoying I haven't been able to watch the last few weeks. Your overnight adventures all seem ok. Don't know if you are using different gear or just started using a new static camara. Your old reviews sound fine, no screeching. Sound is ok with other content providers I watch, it just seems to be the camara at Lone Wolf. Cheers.
As someone who has not only sold torch lighters similar to this lighter I have also repaired them. I want to give you a breakdown on how to allow the lighter to perform better. 1 the Zippo butane you are using is NOT refined which means it has impurities in it and will clog the lighter over time. Then you will have to bleed the lighter from the fill port with a small jeweler’s Phillips head which is annoying and time consuming and will take several minutes. What you want to get is a quintuple refined or zero impurities butane like Vector or Lava to name a couple. Also the reason that your lighter stays lit after releasing the trigger, is because you have it turned up all the way. As for the lighter not lighting on the first try (sans it being cold or lack of O2) is because the lighter is turned up all the way and the gas is basically blowing it out, to alleviate this issue press the ignition button just slightly to release the gas first and then click the ignition, that should solve that problem. Looking at the lighter is appears to have a large gas reservoir which is good. Also be careful not to get any dust or debris as well as pocket lint in the flame ports, this will effect the performance of the lighter, to solve this issue if it does occur, you can forcefully blow into the flame port (while it’s off of course) or use a can of compressed air (which I doubt that you will have in the woods. Do not put anything in the flame port as it can effect the performance of the lighter and possibly move piezoelectric igniter which will definitively stop the lighter from igniting.
Thank you, Sir - very much appreciate the hands-on explanations, tips, and tricks! Merry Christmas!
This, I have over 10 torch lighters and I have found that the "to alleviate this issue press the ignition button just slightly to release the gas first and then click the ignition" is so true, clicking too fast doesn't work the first try but clicking a bit slower will work every time, no exceptions.
Also I have found true that when the output is set at max it has that issue of not turning off immediatly after releasing the button.
And how to replace the piezo?
Agreed! I order vector by the case. I have kept cheap gas station torch lighter working for many year, by just using Vector butane.
I thought the lighter extinguishing itself when pointed down was strange. I'd think that may from the flame NOT turned up enough.
If you fill up the lighter with isobutane it works better in colder weather (that's what the adapter is for FYI). Also...if you have the lighter adjustment turned all the way up, it will take a bit for the flame to go out after you let go of the button. Turn down the adjustment a bit and the flame goes out right away. Great review, thanks!
I bought one of these two years ago and Luke’s review is spot on as usual. I fill mine with a standard iso-butane canister using the Soto adapter. Lately I have been using it to light the alcohol stove in my BCB British military cook kit. Nollaig Shona! (Merry Christmas in the language of my ancestors.)
U irish bro,what part of the soggy island are your from corkman living in kilkenny here
Fröhliches Weihnachten - in the language of my ancestors.
Thank you for your comment! I totally agree with Luke's review as well, he always gives great insights. By the way, have you heard of Segway's Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's an amazing power backup solution with a massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets. It would be a perfect addition to your outdoor gear, especially for camping trips and RV adventures. Check it out!
Luke, that adapter is for use with your standard iso butane stove canisters to fill the lighter.
love the way you explain things that are so simple but you make it sound like your diffusing a nuclear bomb.
Hello Luke. The refilling adapter is for using with ISO butane camp stove fuel cans. Just screw onto the can like you would your stove and you can refill the torch.
Came to post this. Don't use the expensive proprietary isobutane cartridges, use the adapter with a standard camp cartridge. Isobutane with the propane mixed in should give better performance.
These little misses have been becoming more apparent lately on Luke's part. I am not sure if I simply missed them before or if he has stuff going on in the background where his hands on testing, vs set up and let it get rained on, is getting cut back.
One thing you missed Luke. The adaptor isn't for a butane canister. It's so you can fill the lighter from the Isobutane canisters that you use with canister stoves. I have never filled my Soto lighter with butane, I always just use the adapter and get some fuel out of one of my MSR canister stoves Isobutane cans.
Also I have only ever filled it with Isobutane. I never thought about inverting it but did based on this video. It still worked. Maybe because I use the Isobutane and never used butane?
I also never had the two click issues but I have used a "two finger method" from the beginning (over a year now). Thumb pushes in the safety, all the way, and the index finger then depresses for ignition. That way the entire stroke of the finger is involved in ignition.
I have owned one for about 6 months, and your review is spot on. One Con you missed is the cheapness/thinness of the plastic used in the lighter body. It is incredibly cheap and brittle feeling, which is a shame. .50 cents of additionnal plastic in the mold would do wonders for the feel of this lighter.
I have had one for a few months now and your review is spot on. The burner remains very hot for several seconds after switch off! Otherwise, a great piece of kit
Yep, great product IMO. Have had a couple of these for years and never a let down. If up in the Rockies and it's cold I might have to put in a pocket to warm up and pressurize the gas but I've had that happen with all gas lighters.
Exactly - most of these issues are extremely common on "windproof" or jet lighters including several I've had which take a second to burn out after releasing the button. I think Luke can be a little picky sometimes - that's no bad thing, he's thorough, and that's good, but I think sometimes these issues are made to be bigger than they really are if you just learn how to use your gear because not all gear works in exactly the same way.
Just wanted to thank you for a very good description and easy to follow instructions for this lighter. It has resolved all the little things I needed to know. Much appreciated.
Thays crazy I bought the same one like 10 years ago off backcountry, just cool seeing how long it's been around
Another honest review, Luke. I own two of these lighters and I can say you are pretty spot on w/ this review. I will say that this would perform about the same as a normal lighter in cold conditions, minus the initial lighting of the lighter, of which I have found a general remedy for. First as you said Luke you should keep the fuel warm when it is cold out. Secondly I have found that to avoid clicking the switch several times before it lights, you have to hold the switch down Half Way first. This is due to the lighter needing a certain amount of aerosolized fuel in the circular chamber for the igniter, which is on the inside of the upper cylinder, to light. If you click the switch down all the way quickly, the lighter sometimes does not release enough aerosolized fuel for the igniter to light it. Therefore if you depress the switch down halfway for a second and then all the way to light it, (or just depress the switch Slowly), the lighter will be more reliable and light most every time. So as you said Luke, it is a little quirky. However the ability to keep your hands further from the tinder and the ability to refill this lighter are very nice advantages that I also think outweigh the quirks. (If you want a normal lighter that is refillable I would also recommend Clipper brand lighters, which are similar to Bic lighters but are refillable and the flint is replaceable as well). Overall this lighter is unique and reliable and is why it is in my bug out fire kits.
Love how it extends. My first SOTO torch XT worked for a couple of months, but then I had problems with it not staying lit even at sea-level. SOTO replaced it at no charge and with free shipping. Afterwards I read reviews of other people having this same problem. Trust but be fore-warned.
It could be the quality of the fuel used. It's a common problem with cigar torches when used with poor quality butane fuel.
I had the same experience of it not lighting frequently. I didn't think to contact Soto.
Just depress the switch halfway first for a second, then down all the way. Problem solved and no need to contact Soto.
I believe the adapter is used to fill from a iso butane tank as typically used with back packing stoves.
I find that it will always light first time if you hold the button down halfway for a second before pressing all the way to ignite it, this allows the gas to reach the burner head which is necessary due to the silicone gas tube being around 7 inches long
I love and trust my SOTO products. Great review, Luke!
I have one for a couple years now. Works exactly as you say and show. I like it too. I'm up north and use it in winter all the time. I keep it in my inside top shirt pocket. It's always good to go.
All I ever ask is honesty ; I seem to get it from this channel
As long as it doesn’t brutally offend someone, I think that is a good thing.
I have gone through 2 of these. First one lasted 2-3 years with me using it multiple times per day. Amazing product.
I use this lighter all the time and love it. I brought it to CO mountains and it definitly struggled at that altitude even inside the house. One trick that helped in that situation is to turn regulator knob past its max position by cutting off little plastic stopper with flush cutters or something.
I got this about 6 months ago and use it a lot. Valid review. One thing I’d add is that the head is too fat to fit inside a Coleman lantern to light it
I have the first version of this lighter over 10 years. It lights always on first click and its the only lighter that I have try and lasted so many years.
I have been conidering buying this for a while. Thanks for testing this.
Thanks for such a thorough review of the Soto Lighter. I live and backpack/hike/ski in CO = elevation. With that in mind, I think I'll give it a try using your method of heating it up first, using it horizontally, and making sure the excess gas burns off. I do go to a cabin near Denver at 11,000 regularly in the winter and it is difficult to get the lighters there to work. I take long matches. Still, this Soto Torch sounds much better when used correctly in both backcountry and at rustic cabins. Any further suggestions are welcome. 😊
Isobutane burns stronger, is lighter by weight and lasts longer. So if the recommended fuel is used it functions better also in the wind probably.
Keep up the good work!
Love these reviews. I'll be looking to buy some camping gear in the coming weeks and SOTO will be on my short list! On a side note; I always carry a very tiny rechargeable plasma-type cig lighter in my pocket along with keys/knife - last few years in fact, (I don't smoke so the charge lasts a loooong time),. A great back-up to have "in a pinch". No matches/ no fuel temp issues. Another good video. 👍
Agreed. I have a couple of plasmas in my bob for the same purpose.
Great review! We live in Colorado at about 7000 ft and often camp at much higher elevations so this would probably be a "no go" for us.
Yeah it doesn't operate effectively at that elevation, unfortunately.
I tried two of these in Colorado Springs at 6100 feet. Complete failure....so their package listed operating limit of 5,000 feet is probably spot on.
Thanks Luke, Merry Christmas my friend.
I've got a minature version of this from Italy's equivalent of a dollar store. It's useful for heating a little and then lighting the alcohol in my Trangia in cold weather.
A few suggestions based on my experiences with piezo electric lighters:
- Don’t set the output to maximum. It wastes fuel and makes ignition more difficult and causes that delay in going out after releasing the button.
- You can avoid needing to double click to ignite after being idle for a few minutes if you simply don’t push the button as fast. Just a little slower gives it enough time for the vapor to reach the igniter.
I've had this on my wishlist for a while after seeing it in one of your other videos. Thank you for all the agenda-free reviews you do, I love hearing your opinions on various camping gear.
Since you mentioned having used torches that work better in the wind, could you do a video on those? Maybe a single video where you discuss a few of your favorites with a quick pro and con for each.
I have two and would easily recommend it.
Great review. Ive had one for a few months and like it. The review and the comments here helped clarify some of the concerns I’ve had. I was going to post about the adapter & isobutane stove canisters, but 25 others did so… I do wonder how Luke has used it hundreds of times over such a long period of time and has not had to refill it. Elves?
My Soto Amicus stove is the best backpacking-stove on the market for it's features, weight, quality and performance, so I am not uncertain this Pocket Torch will perform as expected.
I have an Amicus and a Windmaster for my bug out kit. Both are awesome and I would totally agree w/you.
Thanks for the good review (as always). I have one of these lighters and really like it. Don't camp much in cold, so the butane's not a problem for me. Also, it seems if you push the igniter down half way for a second to start, it makes it a bit easier to light. I think it may release a bit of gas to sort of "prime" the tube.
Exactly. Told Luke the same thing.
Love your content brother. Stay safe and God bless
Thank you Luke !😀👍
Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother thank you for sharing your equipment testing and with the video and the facts and truth brother
Hi Luke!: Looks like a nice piece of kit! Interesting that it will also run on Isobutane as well! The price is not bad for a mini torch. Paid something like $40 for a name brand mini torch and the thing quit working after only a few years!
Ive had this lighter for a couple of years now and I agree it can be a bit finicky in cold weather but your unit seems faulty. I can hold my lighter upside down and lit for as long as I want. Tested it for 40 seconds right now just to be sure. I also tested the wind resistance and I can blow fairly hard and still keep it lit , definitely not the best wind resistance on the market but way better then what your unit could withstand.
Love your videos! Keep them coming. 💪🫡
Merry Christmas to you Luke and to everyone stay safe this holiday
Thanks for the review Luke. I have put off buying this lighter because I had previously bought their regular refillable lighter 2 pack. The were so poorly made and sketchy that I questioned why Soto put their name on then. Review those and see how sketchy they are.
i use the adaptor on the gas canisters I use with my gas burners, that way I don't need to worry if i run out of gas in my lighter i always pack a gas canister and a small burner when i go camping anyways just in case, I've had mine for years and yes it works exactly like demonstrated and mentioned here but it also stays that way for years apparently mine works exactly like Lukes and has done so from day one and I've used it a lot
That's a pass for me.. I can buy basically the same thing at any dollar general store for $5 or less.. all of them that uses butane has the same lighting problems.. it's the fuel, not the lighter. Plus, I've never seen one that didn't turn off as soon as you release the switch... love the channel keep the great reviews coming
HI LUKE 👋
I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE . THANK YOU 😊 I'LL HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT . HOPE YOU & SUSIE & FAMILY / FRIENDS HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄 🤶 & HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY TOO 🎉 🙏
Read the instructions always bleed it before refilling. If you over fill it or if something gets into the filling filter that will happen. For a faster fill freeze the lighter in a freezer and warm the can of butane in your pocket but room temperature is safer.
PS if you want to mesure temps cheaply you can get a welding temp crayons that change colors at specific temps
Andy of Kent Survival has had one for a couple years. It works. Paul Messener also. He says he is leaving the gear reviews to you.
They have worked for me as well, but I would agree the switch is a bit quirky.
Hi Luke and All - In Colorado as soon as I walk out my door to go for a hike I’m at 9000 feet. I love my Soto products thanks to Luke, so I’m thinking of dropping the cash for this anyway, because I’m sick of the disposable bic lighters with the extenders - the take a gazillion tries to light. Maybe this will work better. I’ll let y’all know.
I picked this up finally and I feel the safety lock is very difficult to overcome, especially since you need two clicks to get it going... I'm hoping as I use it it'll get easier to click in or maybe I can wear it down a little.
This is pretty cool. It reminds me of the old school brass jewelers torches that run on alcohol.
Hey Luke, this product looks awesome, but how loose or tight are the safety and trigger? Would it pose a problem for arthritic fingers to manipulate?
I own two of these. The switch itself is large and would accommodate arthritic fingers. However you have to push a textured safety switch towards the lighter, Then depress the switch. The safety is more flush to the switch minus the texturing, so it may be a tad more difficult to do that with arthritic fingers. You can push it by squeezing the safety switch at the end of the switch to make it easier. The button has a little resistance but I would say is not prohibitive for people suffering from arthritis, unless your case is severe.
I am old school and survival "amateur expert" but I understand people that may find use for it and I am a fan of Soto as well. As matter of fact if they were to make a car I would ditch my Ford for it 😂
I still prefer & use FireSteel brand of Ferro Rod/Striker as my go-to source of ignition. It works anytime, anyplace, any temperature. My stove is the Soto Windmaster.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Thanks for a interesting cigar lighter review lol BTW what type of a jacket is that?
Great review 😊
Definitely better than a Bic cost wise...I bought a 2 pack recently that was nearly 8 bucks. For that I could have had 2 cans of the butane and passed one down to the next generation.
I agree. The beauty of this lighter is that it is not only extendable, but also Refillable.
Just found one on Amazon with a fuel adapter that allows for refueling from the larger gas canisters.
Sorry Luke, i dont think you were very fair on this one. I bought one on the day of watching your review and had 2 days to play around with it.
It has no issues burning upside down. Tried it numerous times.
Lights on the first click as long as you give it a fraction of a second after unlocking it and not just immediately click through.
Adapter for stove cartridges that you completely ignored is perhaps the top selling point, making it super versatile in the field and ridiculously cheap to refill
And ,when lit, i can shake it as fast and hard as i can and it stays lit. No, it is not a flare and it won't stay on if you blow straight into it, but it is more than wind resistant enough for any practical use.
My only gripe is that it feels rather flimsy and the finishing is not what i usually expect from rather pricey made in Japan products
Im 44 years old and built fires since I was knee high to a grass hooper. A bic has yet to fail me.
Completely agree. However a Bic lighter has a finite use life, unless you buy a Clipper lighter or similar, which can be refilled.
I bought some “Torch Blue” butane torches and you can blow them out the same way. I have used them outside in the wind, and they do ok, but probably the same issues.
I think I bought a couple for under 10 dollars. But honestly don’t remember where I bought them. But I have issues with them lighting with the nozzle pointed downward as well. It makes me wonder if the fuel is under any pressure? Doesn’t seem logical for it to have issues lighting, regardless of how you hold it, if it is under pressure! But it’s liquid, so maybe the issue is the tube feeding it being more like siphoning pressure or vacuum?
Works great with really long bongs
Hacksmith mini saber is a pretty cool thing for campsite camping if the soto isn't your cup of tea.
Cool. I will have to check that out.
I seen you in the Reactive Oudoor tent commercial. The three second tent set up. I wonder if its really a good tent though.
Hi liked your video on this lighter. What brand was that small gas lantern you showed during your video, where can I find one? Thanks!!
Just so colour coordinated today dude😂
curious if he has ever tried similar extendable designs to that except its rechargeable usb arc lighters?
I was going to ask that myself. I own a pulse igniter and it works fine for my uses, but cold does affect the charge on it. So when it's colder, I usually keep it in a pocket to keep the battery from going weak.
I own a couple of arc lighters in addition to this lighter. Both of these types of lighters are good but with the arc lighter you have to get very close to your tinder to light it, even more so than a normal Bic lighter. I would recommend lighting the tinder starter in hand w/ the arc lighter and placing it in the tinder bundle with those lighters, unless you have an arc lighter with an extended neck, of which I am pretty sure they make also.
@@Xeno-M. i specifically said the extendable arc lighters, but thanks for the input.
Sorry I must have glazed over that part when responding. Just wanted to bring up to everyone that most do not have an extended neck, and some have the diodes Between the lighter making it difficult to use. Mine are on the top of the lighter, but I don’t find it that difficult to use despite the lack of an extended neck. However I am coveting the extended neck ones !!
Wow, you touch all corners every time. Thanks
Luke till next time....
Nice. Good review but I am not sure I would ding it for failing to overcome the physics of butane.
how is it for lighting cigars? i would get one for use at home only for that purpose
I don’t smoke, but in a house at room temp I don’t think it would be an issue. It will light reliably for that purpose.
I use it for cigars. It works but not as well as typical cigar lighters. the fine point of the flame tip is the issue .
How hot does the tip get after 3-4 seconds of use? Curious if it will burn you or your clothes if put it back in your pocket. Also the inverted performance bothers me. But then, an inverted match will light up your day too.
Thanks Luke. Stay safe and God bless.
Unless you light this lighter repeatedly and consecutively, you won’t have the lighter head get any hotter than a typical Bic lighter. Within 15 seconds you can put it back in your pocket without fear. If you Do light it consecutively, you may have to wait a minute or two before returning it to your preferred pocket.
I have burnt the crap out of my fingers by touching the end when retracting it. Yes, it gets very hot.
When I saw you turn it downward and it failed a lot was all I needed to see, sad because up till then I was going to buy one
I removed the safety part of the button. Now with gloves no issue. I also bought the adapter to be able to fill from the same ISO canisters my stove runs off of.
I noticed that you put the burner head very close to the solid fuel tabs you ignited, that is not the right way the flame on that type of burner is hottest at the point of the inner blue flame about 3/4 inch away from the burner so it will work much better at that distance. Also if it is to close it is more prone to blow itself out.
Just started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago. Do you have a video(s) that list the best of all the products you use?
A great lighter had mine for a few years for my wood stove fuel lasts ages
At around 32 degree's ( C4 ) Butane has no vapor pressure it remains a liquid, I load RR Cars and ( C3 ) Propane vapor pressure is used when temptures are low to unload Butane rail cars. FYI
Does it work, if you blow it off, after a dunk?
Flint lighters, need to dry out first.
I have not tried that w/ mine, but I would imagine you would have to dry out the upper cylinder where the fire comes out, albeit I think it would take less time to dry than a typical lighter due to it not having a flint, which takes a while to dry.
That isobutane adapter screws onto your pocket rockets fuel cannister.
It seems to share some qualities with my gas soldering iron / flamethrower.
They look to have the same output, the only difference is the surround on mine is removable for changing or removing the soldering tips.
When turning it off and the gas carries on is annoying but i found i treated my iron with more respect because of it.
A wind shield would be a great addition. I suppose there's a way of making one yourself?
Would i get one? Yes. 🧐
What's the jacket you're wearing I like the look
It might be interesting to see how it performs when filled from a coleman xtreme -27C cannister.
Long live Soto. Dave & The Girls
Luke, when you said extended version, I heard that in Beavis's voice with a trailing 'boi-oi-oi-oing!'
Correction... EVERYTIME he pulls that thing out, I hear 'boi-oi-oing' 😂
Yup got one and a few other soto lighters
I can report it does not work at 8000 ft. at all. My fault though since it’s on the product I just missed it. The rest of the review mirrored my experience exactly.
Send one to Tony at AB Camping, to light his cigars.. 👌👍✌️
How does it work with a bong?
Very good
You must do a review on that as a public service!
Luke what does Susie say about the lighter 11:08
Merry Christmas. I have had that lighter for a couple of years. Thanks. I do like it a lot
Why not use a propane torch? Mine lasted for years before running out. One can even get one now with an electronic ignition(mine is only lit by matches).
Actually I think use what works for you, and why not Both?? Always nice to have backups or alternative methods just in case.
was wondering when you where going to get to that.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone
Which lighters work best in wind?
hi LUKE what fleece you have on oaths video ?
??? How long does it take for the tip to cool off enough to handle it safely ???
I’ve been looking at lighters. Are there any plasma lighters for outdoor use, you could recommend?
Most plasma arc lighters need to be close to the ignition source to light. I would recommend one with an extended short neck that functions much the same way as this Soto lighter. Otherwise you have to light your tinder starters in hand and then place the lit tinder into your tinder bundle.
Great cigar lighter
You’re going to want to use much better quality butane than zippo brand. Vector and Neon are good butane options that are filtered multiple times. I have had cheap gas station torch lighters last for YEARS using Vector, compared to just a few fillings, with Ronson, Zippo, or other low quality fuels.
Hi Luke, I have been a fan for a while now, but recently there has been a high pitched screech on the audio when you do review pieces to the static camara at Lone Wolf. It is that annoying I haven't been able to watch the last few weeks. Your overnight adventures all seem ok. Don't know if you are using different gear or just started using a new static camara. Your old reviews sound fine, no screeching. Sound is ok with other content providers I watch, it just seems to be the camara at Lone Wolf. Cheers.
I have been searching for a torch that fits on my isobutane stove fuel cans. Any ideas?