Soft flame or jet flame: the first difference
A classic Clipper has a soft, yellow flame. Our product pages list it as "normal", and it cannot be adjusted. For a candle indoors, that is all you need.
A storm lighter works differently. It makes a jet flame: a concentrated blue flame that blows out less easily than a normal one. That is why the same lighter is also sold as a torch lighter, windproof lighter or jet lighter. All storm lighters at ClipperShop, from Silver Match, Prof and Champ High, have this blue jet flame, and on almost every model you can set the flame height.
If you like the Clipper shape but want a jet flame, there is the Clipper Jet. This guide is about the real storm lighters in our other lighters range.
One, two, three or four flames
The main difference between storm lighters is the number of flames. One jet flame makes a handy everyday lighter. With two, three or four flames side by side the flame gets wider and covers a larger surface at once.
- One flame: most storm lighters. You will find them at Silver Match, every small Prof torch has one, and so do most Champ High models.
- Two flames: at Silver Match, sometimes with a built-in cigar punch.
- Three flames: at Silver Match.
- Four flames: at Silver Match and at Champ High.
The models in stock right now are shown below this article and in each brand's category. The number of flames is always on the product page.
Silver Match, Prof and Champ High side by side
This table only uses what the product pages state:
| Brand | Flames | What stands out | On some models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Match | 1 to 4 | French brand, models named after European cities, adjustable flame on most | Metal body, cigar punch, child lock |
| Prof | 1 | Small torch about 10 cm tall and 3 cm wide, with child lock and adjustable flame; also models with a print and a cap | Transparent body that shows the gas, camouflage print, gas window |
| Champ High | 1 to 4 | Each model has its own shape: flexible neck, long flame tube, four flames or a kitchen torch | Gas window, child lock, lock switch |
Which storm lighter for which use?
| Use | Look for | Type to check |
|---|---|---|
| A wide flame | Two to four flames side by side; some models also have a cigar punch | Silver Match with two, three or four flames; Champ High with four flames |
| Candles | A long or flexible neck to reach a wick deep in a jar | Champ High with a flexible neck, a small Prof torch |
| Barbecue | Distance from the fire and a flame that stays lit | Champ High with a flexible neck, a metal Prof torch, a metal Silver Match |
| Camping | A sturdy model and a window to see the gas level | Prof torches, Champ High with a gas window |
| Strong wind | Any jet flame; for several Silver Match models the product page states the flame is wind resistant | Any storm lighter with a jet flame |
| Kitchen | A torch with a stable base | The Champ High kitchen torch |
For candles you do not always need a storm lighter. If the candle stands in the open indoors, a regular Clipper does the job just as well. The jet flame pays off when the wick sits deep in a jar or when you light outside.
Metal or plastic, and the finish
If you want to keep a storm lighter for years, or give it as a present, look at the material too. At Silver Match several models have a metal body, with finishes such as brushed dark grey, smooth brushed silver, matte black or glossy black with a black or gold button. Prof has a metal torch, next to plastic models with a bold print. Champ High often mixes both, for example black with copper and silver accents, or a metallic finish in gold, silver, copper or dark chrome.
A printed plastic model is light, and less of a loss if it goes missing on a camping trip. A metal Silver Match feels heavier in the hand and is more of a lighter to keep.
Small things that make a difference
- Adjustable flame: on most models you can set the flame height, on some with a wheel underneath. Keep the flame no higher than you need and a fill lasts longer.
- Child lock: listed for the small Prof torches and for some Silver Match and Champ High models. Some Champ High models have a slide switch with "lock" and "on".
- Gas window: on some Prof and Champ High models, for example with a transparent body, you can see how much gas is left.
- Size: a small Prof torch is about 10 cm and fits a trouser pocket. The longer Champ High models are about 15 cm, some around 100 grams: more of a bag lighter.
- Refilling: most models refill with lighter gas; each product page says whether it does. You will find gas in the accessories, such as the Silver Match Gaz Refill 300ml. The steps are in how to refill a jet lighter.
A storm lighter stays home when you fly
The international IATA rules allow one small lighter, carried on your person. "Blue flame" and "cigar" lighters are forbidden, and lighter refills are not allowed in any baggage. A storm lighter falls under that ban, even with a single flame. Take a classic Clipper when you travel, and always check with your airline. The rules per type of lighter are in taking a lighter on a plane.
