IPCPR 2013: XIKAR

The focus at the XIKAR booth this year was on reworking several of their existing lines with better internal parts to deliver better value for their customers and retailers. As such, they didn’t introduce any new models, instead updating some with new finishes and designs. They also announced that they will be releasing products throughout the year instead of focusing exclusively on the trade show, so expect to see more product updates announced in the coming months.

The Trezo and Axia lighters both added the G2 finish, a gunmetal on gunmetal look that the company says has become one of their most popular.

The Xi3 cutter gets a B2, or black-on-black, finish ($149.99), and comes in this fancy presentation display:

Room101’s collection gets a pair of new looks with Daruma and Skulls, both in the EX lighter ($69.99) and Xi1 cutter ($69.99).

Borrowing on the design of their popular 11 mm punch, there’s a new 7 mm punch with three locking positions ($34.99).

Their hygrometers have been reworked so that no calibration is needed.

Their humidifier units now come pre-filled, just like their humidification jars always have.

For a classier look in the car, the Ash Can gets a leather wrap ($27.99).

In the weeks leading up to the show, XIKAR also announced the reworking of the Element lighter into the ELX. V-cutters got some updated finishes as well – mesh and carbon fiber look ($59.99) and the Xi3 is now available with Maccassar Ebony and Spotted Tamarind handles ($99.99).

One thing that was not on display was the rumored new portable humidification pouches that will compete with Boveda. Company representatives were pretty tight lipped, though they didn’t deny it and said that they are always developing new products.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.