Premium double-jet cigar lighter
XIKAR ELX Torch Lighter Review
The XIKAR ELX is a refillable double-jet cigar lighter with a visible fuel window, fold-out 9 mm punch, wind-resistant flame, and limited lifetime warranty. Its integrated features and substantial construction suit frequent cigar users, but the premium price and faster fuel use of two jets are unnecessary for casual lighting.
Quick verdict
A feature-rich cigar lighter built around a powerful dual flame
The ELX is best understood as a premium cigar accessory rather than a general household lighter. Its two jet flames provide broad, concentrated coverage, while the fuel window, large adjustment wheel, and built-in punch reduce the number of separate tools a cigar user must carry. The tradeoffs are price, fuel consumption, and a heavier pocket presence than a simple single-flame lighter.
Best for
- Cigar users who want a wind-resistant double-jet flame
- Readers who value a visible fuel window and integrated 9 mm punch
- Buyers willing to pay more for an established warranty and premium format
Not ideal for
- Occasional users who only need an inexpensive utility lighter
- Anyone prioritizing maximum runtime, minimum weight, or a soft flame
Key Specifications
Flame
Double jet flame
Fuel
Refillable butane
Fuel level
Visible fuel window
Cigar tool
9 mm fold-out punch
Altitude listing
Tested by XIKAR to 14,000 ft
Warranty
XIKAR limited lifetime warranty
Specifications above come from XIKAR’s current ELX product page. Fuel capacity, burn time, dimensions, and weight are omitted because XIKAR does not currently publish those values on that page. Product specifications and warranty terms may change.
What We Evaluated
This update examines the ELX’s documented flame configuration, controls, integrated cigar punch, fuel visibility, portability, warranty, intended use, and recurring themes in available owner feedback. Manufacturer specifications and editorial conclusions are separated so readers can distinguish published facts from buying advice.
How this review was prepared: This review combines XIKAR’s current ELX product information, the existing Butane Torch Shop article, a current specialty-retailer listing for dimensions and weight context, and recurring themes in publicly available owner feedback. It does not claim independent laboratory or long-term hands-on testing.
Design, Controls, and Everyday Carry
The ELX uses a compact rectangular body with a protective top, thumb-operated ignition, a visible fuel window, and a flame-adjustment wheel. XIKAR describes the design as ergonomic, and the controls are arranged so the lighter can be held and ignited in one hand. The fold-out 9 mm punch is stored in the base, which is convenient for cigar users who would otherwise carry a separate punch cutter.
A current specialty retailer lists the black ELX at approximately 70 × 40 × 15 mm and 97 grams. Those figures help explain its substantial pocket feel, but they are retailer specifications rather than values published on XIKAR’s current product page. Color and finish options also vary, so confirm the exact model before purchasing.
The fuel window is one of the most practical features because dual-jet lighters can consume butane quickly. It does not provide an exact runtime estimate, but it makes it easier to check the level before leaving home. The large adjustment wheel also avoids the tiny recessed screw found on many inexpensive lighters.
Flame Performance and Cigar Use
XIKAR specifies two wind-resistant jet flames and states that the ELX is altitude tested to 14,000 feet. Those are manufacturer claims, not independent measurements in this review. In practical buying terms, two jets spread concentrated heat across more of a cigar foot than a single narrow jet, which can speed lighting and reduce the amount of rotation required.
Where the ELX fits best
Cigars: The dual flame, punch, fuel window, and wind resistance make the ELX most relevant to regular cigar users. The 9 mm punch is useful for many cigars, but it is not a universal replacement for straight or V-cut cutters and may not suit every ring gauge or personal preference.
Outdoor use: A jet flame is generally less vulnerable to light wind than a soft flame. Altitude and weather still affect ignition and combustion, and XIKAR’s 14,000-foot statement should be treated as a manufacturer test rather than a guarantee under every condition.
General utility: The ELX can light candles, grills, or fire starters, but those uses do not justify its premium price by themselves. A simpler utility lighter or a larger butane torch is usually more appropriate when cigar-specific features are unnecessary.
Fuel, Refilling, and Maintenance
The ELX is refillable with butane. Follow the current XIKAR instructions for purging, refill orientation, nozzle compatibility, fill duration, flame adjustment, and waiting time before ignition. Do not rely on a generic refill procedure when it conflicts with the lighter’s manual.
Fuel quality and correct filling can affect ignition consistency, flame strength, and valve performance. Our guide to choosing butane fuel explains compatibility and purity claims, while the fuel guides hub collects product-specific information.
Stop using the lighter if it leaks, fails to shut off, produces an abnormal flame, or shows damage around the valve, cap, or burner. Never refill near an ignition source, and do not store a pressurized lighter in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Two wind-resistant jet flames
- Visible fuel window
- Large flame-adjustment wheel
- Integrated 9 mm fold-out punch
- Altitude tested by XIKAR to 14,000 feet
- Supported by XIKAR’s limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Costs substantially more than basic refillable lighters
- Two jets generally use fuel faster than a single jet
- Heavier and bulkier than a slim pocket lighter
- Punch size will not suit every cigar or cutting preference
- No soft-flame mode
- Butane is not included
Owner Feedback and Reliability
The existing Butane Torch Shop article reports that owners most often praise the ELX’s substantial feel, dual flame, ignition, fuel window, large adjustment wheel, punch, and wind resistance. The most useful criticisms concern occasional calibration or ignition problems and a punch that some users consider too wide for their preferences.
XIKAR’s current product page contains only a small number of reviews, so it is not enough by itself to establish a reliable failure rate. Treat individual reports as possible issues rather than proof that every unit will behave the same way. Correct fuel, filling, flame adjustment, cleaning, and storage remain important for any refillable jet lighter.
How It Compares
| Decision | XIKAR Element ELX | Colibri Zephyr | Alec Bradley Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Premium pocket cigar lighter | Slim refillable pocket lighter | High-capacity tabletop cigar lighter |
| Flame approach | Double jet | Adjustable blue-flame lighter | Broad tabletop flame |
| Notable feature | Fuel window and 9 mm punch | Slim profile and fuel window | Large tank and tabletop stability |
| Main tradeoff | Premium price and faster fuel use | Fewer integrated cigar tools | Not pocketable |
Choose the ELX when you want a premium pocket lighter with two jets, a visible tank, and an integrated punch. Choose the Colibri Zephyr when a slimmer, simpler pocket format matters more. Choose the Alec Bradley Burner when the lighter will remain on a table and fuel capacity matters more than portability.
Is the XIKAR Element ELX Worth It?
Yes—for regular cigar users who specifically value a double-jet flame, visible fuel level, integrated punch, substantial construction, and XIKAR’s limited lifetime warranty. Those features make the ELX more complete than a basic pocket torch and reduce the need to carry a separate punch.
It is difficult to justify for occasional users, and two jets are not automatically better for every cigar or lighting style. Buyers focused on low cost, minimal weight, or maximum fuel economy should choose a simpler lighter. Within its intended role, however, the ELX offers a coherent package rather than a collection of unnecessary extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flames does the XIKAR ELX have?
XIKAR specifies two wind-resistant jet flames.
Does the ELX include a cigar cutter?
It includes a fold-out 9 mm punch. A punch creates a circular opening and does not replace every straight-cut or V-cut preference.
Can you see how much fuel is left?
Yes. The ELX has a visible fuel window, although it does not provide an exact runtime estimate.
Does the XIKAR ELX include butane?
Refillable lighters are generally shipped without fuel. Confirm the current package contents, read our fuel-selection guide, and follow XIKAR’s filling instructions.
Is the ELX covered by a warranty?
XIKAR’s current product page states that the ELX is supported by a limited lifetime warranty. Review the current warranty terms and exclusions before relying on that coverage.
Is the ELX suitable for high altitude?
XIKAR states that the ELX is altitude tested to 14,000 feet. That is a manufacturer test and does not guarantee identical performance under every combination of temperature, wind, fuel, and lighter condition.
Ok guys, I think I may have a first! My lighter ONLY works when I remvoe it from the housing and hold one finger over one of the two holes just above the plastic tube. It is the small copper tube leading to the top of the lighter that can only be seen be removing the lighter from the housing. My guess is that the fuel must be bad so the normal fuel to air ratio won’t ignite. The fuel could be 5 years old.And this being my first torch lighter and me being a relative newbie, I bought the cheap Ronson butane. I will pick up some Vector fuel today and see if it works. One other quick question, when purging the air out if the lighter, should the lighter be upright or upside down? Thanks,
You should make sure all of the hoses are connected and to the correct places. And when purging it doesn’t matter which way its held but it seems to be faster in some cases being held upright. You can also press the lighter ignition button while purging to make it faster