UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Lighter

I got mine a few days ago and so far, it is working well. I was surprised at how large the overcase makes it but its not really heavy or anything, just kinda big. That's actually good for me as I am known for misplacing tiny bits. I wanted a torch lighter because that will light tinder a lot faster than a normal lighter. Some of my buddies swear by those electric arc lighters but they seem a bit overdone with the tech side of things to to be super reliable. Perhaps not but this is only about the UCO lighter.I would like to understand if the reviewers who had trouble with the lighter clogging or just not keeping a flame used premium butane fuel or used some off-brand fuel. It is at least possible that the cheaper brands might have impurities that might clog up the works. I have no evidence of that but its possible. I went to one smoke shop and all they had was some "Neon" brand so I passed. The next place had genuine Zippo butane fuel and I was pleasantly surprised to see a big "Made In the USA" on the front of the can. The contents also claim to be straight up isobutane. That is a cousin to regular butane (n-butane) that is chemically identical but has a different physical isomer that gives it a lower boiling point. Regular butane won't turn into a gas below 30 degrees F. Isobutane should be good down to about 10 F without having to keep it in a pocket. I noted the one person who noted it exploded in their pocket so I will be sure not to overdo it.The overcase does seem like it will keep moisture out pretty well and hey, a bottle opener can be a handy thing to have. I will be carrying a mini-Bic as a backup particularly if cold weather is expected. I hate to preach but *always* bring a backup if you think your life might depend on something. Heck, most backpacking stoves can be lit with a mini-bic or even a flint and steel without too much trouble.I plan on using this for a few months and I'll revisit my experiences with this.

Bought two, good fire source, 4/5 for not being "windproof"....None are windproof!In a pinch seems to even get wet tinder lit.Don't plan on swimming with it, top seems to be tight enough to keep moisture out. In the field I keep waterproof matches and fire eggs for 1st time every time fires....carabiner is metal, use at base camp, in ruck in the field.Fire eggs are egg carton cells with sawdust and copious amount of melted wax, BSA, always be prepared......., will post later if failures occur.....On edit, have three, one only has two burners working overall not a bad unit, always have back up in the field, not many know the duct tape makes good improvised kindling...have served me well, still sticking with a 4, nothings perfect.....

At first I was looking for a powerful torch, that was wind resistant and easy to refill. I settled on this because I liked the outer lining, and the bottle opener (can always use extras). However, on my first time using it, the wire for the spring loaded cap broke and the cap fell straight to the ground. even after that issue, i found that i couldn't get the torch to stay on. it would flare and go out. upon multiple clicks (while holding) only two of the three would work at all. for $14 i expected A LOT more. Do not waste time or money on this. Especially if you plan to take it camping.

The lighter is actually pretty awesome.Pros:- The lighter has three jets and a single ignition source.- It has a very positive latch and cover when pressing the ignition button.- Spark has been 100% for the past 25 clicks (dry run no butane).- Very easy to refill, with visible clear plastic to see butane levels (when pulled out of shell/case)- The rubber top is soft, and covers the top without slipping off (you need to wriggle it around to take it off)- The duct tape is a plus for backpackers (has a con too, see below).Cons:- The carabiner (hook attachment ontop of the yellow rubber top) feels like it is made of a cheap polished plastic rather than aluminumor any kind of metal and alloy.- The duct tape quality is sub-par at best, I didn't even take it out back packing yet, I just had it latched to my pack and its alreadystarting to fold onto itself from the bottom.- The amount of duct tape isn't even significant to really do anything with it besides patch a couple holes in your tent.Overall:The reason I gave this lighter a 5/5 rating even though it had some cons, was because of the lighters overall performance. The sparkand visibility of the fuel container when taking it out of its shell is a big plus for me. What's important is that this is made to be ruggedenough for your next hike or camping trip, and it does its primary job well, which is.. lighting stuff.

This works. Very light. Decent for survival. However, the lid feels like it won't hold under constant wear and tear. The lighter has issues staying lit if turned 90 degrees. Emergency Duct tape around outside of other was a stupid idea. That literally will last a year, then get sticky and messy. I bought a lighter. If I wanted duct tape, I would have bought it myself, and done the same thing. Still, the price is the reason I gave it an average review.