Blazer PB207 The Torch

While the vast majority of the cigar accessory reviews found on this site are of recently released products, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an interesting challenge: the slowdown and almost complete halting of new cigar accessories coming to market. Because of this, we decided to take a look back at some of the benchmark lighters that exist in the cigar industry, such as this one, the Blazer PB207.

Billed by Blazer as being “among the world’s first fully self-contained, butane refillable micro torch(es),” the PB207 has come to be known for its versatility across a number of industries and hobbies. In fact, the company’s website does not even list lighting a cigar as one of its applications. Rather, everything from electronics repair to softening caulking to eyeglass repair gets a bullet point.

But that hasn’t stopped the PB207 from finding its place among cigar smokers, including several of the people behind this website.

WHAT IS IT?

The Blazer PB207 is a single flame torch lighter, available in three configurations from what I have been able to figure out. There are two distinct models that are sold under the PB207 name, and they are often used interchangeably.

• The Torch (the one being reviewed) — Features a child-resistant safety mechanism.
• Industrial Heat Tool — A version of the Pocket Torch name is that does not feature the safety mechanism but comes with a rubberized base so you can stand the lighter up and use it hands-free,
• The Torch Wide Flame — Same as the one being reviewed but as a wide flame, also known as a flat flame.

All versions are said to reach 2,500F and feature a flame-locking mechanism.

None of the models offers any cigar-related add-ons such as a built-in punch, but each has a large fuel window. For those that absolutely want to see all the butane remaining, there is a completely clear version. There are also versions like the one I’m reviewing where the bottom part of the fuel window is visible while other colors have a completely covered fuel window.

With the cap on, the PB207 measures approximately 2.9 x 1.2 x 0.8 inches, and weighs 1.4 ounces, making it very pocket-friendly.

For this review, I’m using the PB207 The Torch in the jet torch configuration.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Blazer PB207, in all of its configurations, names and colors is priced at $59.99.

The consumer version is available in a multitude of colors: blaze orange, came blue, came grey, graphite blue, lime green, metallic blue, pink, tiger stripe brown, yellow, black, clear, red, white, and gold. The industrial version is available in far fewer, as it is offered in red, yellow, black and clear. Not every color offers the clear part of the tank, so if that’s important, be sure to check which ones do and don’t have that clear section.

As with all Blazer products, the PB207 comes with a one-year warranty.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

All versions of the PB207 feature a removable cap or lid which is attached to the body via a small chain so that it doesn’t get lost. Once that is removed, in the case of the version marketed towards cigar smokers, the safety mechanism will need be rolled out of the way of the plastic body, generally with the thumb, before the ignition can be depressed. From there, pressing down on the ignition starts the flow of butane and then provides the spark to ignite the fuel. Keeping the ignition depressed keeps the flame burning, or it can be locked into place via a red slider on the side of the lighter.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

One of the biggest differentiators of the Blazer PB207 to its competition is where it is made. While the vast majority of cigar lighters are made in China, this is produced in Japan. Beyond that the body and butane tank feel notably thicker and more durable than the competition in the single-flame lighter space.

PROS

• The Single Flame Torch is Pinpoint Sharp — If absolute precision in lighting a cigar is a priority, this is one of a handful of lighters I would recommend. The flame is incredibly sharp, making it perfect for smokers of smaller ring gauge cigars or those who don’t want a lighter that could scorch the sides of the cigar.
• It Has a Sizable Fuel Tank — This makes it a solid option for taking out for a night of cigar smoking where multiple cigars are likely to need to be lit. I have no doubt that with a full tank and some judicious usage, this would make it through lighting up a dozen cigars.
• The Cap Is Attached — This has long been my one gripe with the Blazer PB207, but I also like the fact that the cap gets attached via a small chain. While far from my favorite design, at least it likely won’t get lost.
• It Can Still Handle Thicker Cigars — One of the things that I consistently hear is that people who smoke thicker cigars don’t like single-flame torch lighters for one reason or another. It’s a complaint that I understand, and sometimes it makes more sense to have that bigger flame to torch a bigger cigar more quickly. But while it might feel like it takes a bit loner, this standard single flame will still handle a thick cigar while still providing impressive accuracy with the flame.
• Build Quality Holds Up Over Time — Most of the time Patrick is reviewing lighters that just came to market and so it’s not possible to talk about longevity. I’ve used a Blazer PB207 on and off during the last decade and have never had an issue with build quality. In fact, I’m not sure when the last time was that I had a misfire. I’m guessing I’ve used the PB207—in consumer jet torch variant—for more than 95 percent of the cigars I’ve smoked in the last year. — Charlie Minato.

CONS

• That Cap & Chain — If I had to pick one thing that I don’t like about the Blazer PB207, it’s the cap-on-a-chain, which I wish I had something snazzy to call, like soap-on-a-rope. Not only do I not know if I should call it a cap or a lid, but I keep feeling like the chain is going to break or where it attaches is going to give out.
• The Price — At $60, this is a good bit more expensive than a number of the other single flame torch lighters I generally recommend. I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but sometimes the price is a legitimate detractor, or at least something to stop someone from purchasing it.
• The Flame Adjuster — It’s not bad, but it’s not great. As you’ll see in the video, the range isn’t spectacular, but it works quite well. This isn’t really a huge downside, but if a lighter is going to offer this feature, it might as well offer some options.

THE COMPETITION

When it comes to competition, there are generally three areas to consider: function, form, and price. There is no shortage of single flame torch cigar lighters out there, so a decision will come down to how much importance gets placed on those three categories. Here are some standouts that could be considered alongside the Blazer PB207

• JetLine Pocket Torch Single Flame ($14.99) — I could have put this, the Jetmaster or any number of lighters from JetLine as competition, but let’s stick with one of the originals, the Pocket Torch. This is one of my go-to standby lighters, and has been for a number of years. It is functionally the same as the Blazer PB207, though certainly doesn’t feel quite as refined. But if affordability is a priority in the search for a single flame lighter, this would get my nod. The Pocket Torch is not a large lighter, but is noticeably larger than the Blazer.
• Palió Siena ($8.99) — A bit less expensive than the JetLine is the Palió Siena, also a single flame in the same body style. The mechanics are largely the same and in my experience the lighter is quite reliable.
• XIKAR Tech Single ($39.99) — I wasn’t quite sold on this lighter when it first came out, but after some occasional use I have found it much more to my liking. In terms of how it feels in the hand, it is fairly similar to the Blazer, with the biggest differences being the price and the flip-up lid of the XIKAR versus the removable cap of the Blazer. This might be the hardest to pick between given the relative proximity in price.
• Visol Ridge ($39.99) — When looking at the $59.99 price tag on the Blazer PB207, it reminds me that $60 can buy a person a lot of lighter with a lot of features. In the sub-$60 range, the Ridge has been one of my favorite lighters that I have reviewed recently, as it offers a larger single flame, a punch cutter, and the body doubles as a cigar rest. There are a plethora of lighter choices that could be had for the price of the JetLine PB207, and that includes a number of body styles and flame options.
• Blazer Little Buddy II ($34.99) — If you want a very similar, but not identical lighter that doesn’t feature the chained cap, Blazer offers the Little Buddy II with a fliptop lid. No one at halfwheel has used this lighter.
• Blazer CG-001 ($59.95) — Similarly, the CG-001 takes the mechanism of the PB207, specifically the Industrial Heat Tool version, and places it in a larger shell. Interestingly, this lighter is marketed toward cigar smokers. It’s offered in both jet and flat flame versions.

BUYER BEWARE

As noted above, there are a two main versions of the Blazer PB207, something I learned when the Industrial Heat Tool version showed up and I wondered if the company had abandoned the safety mechanism, we got a counterfeit lighter, or something else.

Thankfully someone from Blazer’s customer service department explained the differences, but not all sellers will be completely accurate in their listings. Functionally there are no differences, but if you want that child-resistant mechanism or you want the rubber stand, be sure to double-check which version you are buying.

SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

Yes.

Purely from a functional perspective, the Blazer PB207 is a great lighter. It is simple, straightforward, easy-to-use and quite reliable, and that’s before taking into account that it feels quite well-made and has a noticeable difference in build quality and tank thickness when compared to its competitors. About the only detractor in my book is the price, as it does cost anywhere from two to four times as much as many other very reliable other options, and in short-term use, the gains are only marginal.

 The lighter used for this review was purchased by halfhweel.