Stogie Tips: Pick Up a Ronson JetLite or Three

As I wrote in January when I recommended readers check out the Zippo Blu lighter, “every cigar enthusiast should have at least one good butane lighter” because “certain situations just call for a burst of clean-burning flame.” All this from the same old-fashioned guy who repeatedly extols the virtues of wooden matches.

As much as I enjoy the novelty of my Zipp Blu, I have to admit it’s a bit finicky. Cold weather seems to diminish its performance, the flame requires a short recharge break before it will ignite again, and replacing the flint every month isn’t all that fun. That’s why, time and again, I find myself reaching for my Ronson JetLite instead.

This product shouldn’t be unfamiliar to regular StogieGuys.com readers. We first recommended the refillable, windproof lighter in December 2006 and have mentioned it off and on since. But many of the enthusiasts I meet still have never heard of this particular lighter and are always amazed when I tell them about it. In any event, I thought a full post was merited for several reasons.

First, mine has been working exceptionally well. Flame adjustment is a cinch and I haven’t run into the same problems that often befall many other butane lighters—including inconsistency and a general lack of durability. Granted, I haven’t owned a Ronson for a terribly long time (George E was nice enough to send one up from Florida a few months ago), but I’ve really put it to the test.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, the JetLite is surprisingly inexpensive. It sells for under $3 at Wal-Mart (look for them at the register that displays goodies like cigars, cigarettes, and lighters). This is an important quality in an item that often gets lost between seat cushions or “accidentally” commandeered by fellow smokers.

Finally, this lighter proves you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy cigar lighters and other gadgets to get the most out of your smoking experience. You just need to be informed and prepared.

So go ahead and pick up a few Ronson JetLites—for your home, your car, your golf bag, etc. You never know when or where you’ll need one, and you can certainly afford to have several on hand.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys