Zippo Lighter vs Exotac TitanLIGHT - 4 Month Test

[@johnossendorf9979]

I carried a Zippo for over ten years and smoked a pack a day. As I remember I filled it about about every two weeks, but I bought that Zippo when I was 19, in 1989 at the local drugstore, before I ever walked into a Walmart.

[@DRuston1]

I am a star scout and your videos have helped me choose reliable gear

[@jimzwerlein6012]

Interesting, thanks for the excellent video and your time making it. I personally didn't know exotec made a lighter like that. I have carried a zippo for many years. It works but has always had its problems. One problem both have is flints. Run out of them and no fire. Way I don't relie on them for survival. Always carry five different ways to make fire. Thanks again for your excellent work!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks Jim

[@jesseadams45]

I always kept a spare flint in the bottom of my Zippo under the felt. I do the same with the TitanLight and nanospark so I always have a spare because you never really know when it'll be used up unless you put a fresh one in before a trip or something.

[@nickmartino2839]

I love my zippos too.... one thing I do to help with that is in the bottom of the lighter I put a couple extra flints under the initial cotton one it provides extra for when they get used up but more importantly there's a couple always ready to go with the actual lighter!!!

[@anthonylowder6687]

You can buy more flints and keep them in your wallet like I do

[@jonathanrogers9961]

just a though, probably should have weighed them dry, then filled and weghed to get a fluid capacity. then weighed after the 4 months sit time to see if there was any fluid loss through evaporation. would have also given you a % of fluid lost by weight.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

That sounds WAY too scientific for me

[@jonathanrogers9961]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose yeah, it's on the heavy side, but it would let you know for sure how much fluid both actually hold, and how much, if any they actually lost

[@larryprince6791]

Too scientific lol unless you put the exact same amount of fuel in each to me this is a useless comparison

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I disagree. I wasn't comparing fuel consumption. I was comparing the lighters. I filled each one to capacity so each was tested to its own capability. Bottom line, which one will last longer in you backpack?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I don't care how much they lost. I want to know which one will still work after 4 months. If they both lost the same amount of fluid (and they didn't because the Exotac spilled fluid out onto the stump when I opened the bottom) then the bigger one wins. That is what matters in the real world when you need a fire.

[@runlevelzer0]

For the money, I'll stick with the multi packs of Bic lighters. They're already full of fuel and designed to hold the fuel for a long shelf life. Also, each Bic has its own flint, so no real need to worry about consuming that resource.

[@runlevelzer0]

@@dmindset In that case, I'd reach for my ferro rod or waterproof matches or any of the other redundant firestarter methods that I'd have on me. I never go into the wild without at least three fire making methods and always have at least two at all times no matter where I am. You can what if all day long; no one can plan for EVERY contingency. We can only prep and train the best that we can. As for my personal preference in a lighter... I'm sticking with my Bic. That and a ferro rod are always in my pockets.

[@runlevelzer0]

@@dmindset No worries brother. I learned the lesson the hard way. Two is one and one is none.

[@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem]

@@dmindset there are waterproof cases for bic's. the exotac is a cool high quality lighter but a few bics in waterproof cases would be cheaper and you have multiples. i would never go out with just 1 fire starting source though. anytime im out in the woods i got at least 2 lighters, a ferro rod, and some Trioxane or some other fuel source.

[@MissBELLE003]

Run Level Zer0 just don’t leave it in a hot car then light it !

[@strangeravenoutdoors4650]

I like having a compressed gas lighter and a liquid fuel lighter in my kit. Bics don't tend to work too well in the cold.

[@finns23653]

3 months is a huge improvement on less than a week

[@indianprepper2478]

Both are ok . I just go with CLIPPER lighters. 8 for 8 $ at walmart

[@redsorgum]

With my homemade inner tube band, I think my Zippo lasted around two months, works for me, but I do like the Exotac.

[@ANIML57]

Happy Belated Brian!!! Thanks for all you do!

[@mikehouser6940]

Exotac lighter is awesome I’ve had mine for a few years still Lights up unbelievable love it!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

yep

[@ThePainterr]

Exotac is now part of my EDC....thanks for sharing!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Good choice.

[@fredb.3618]

Happy belated. Thanks for the review.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@scottmcintosh2988]

When you fill the Zippo cut a frezer bag around the bottom of the Zippo insert after you fill it up you will get better fuel consumption get an aluminum refill cell for zippo fule !

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I think Zippos are really cool, but nothing you can do to a ZIppo will make the fuel last anywhere close to long enough to trust in a long term survival kit. that's just a fact.

[@marchills4131]

Thanks for the comparo and belated happy birthday, Bryan.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@DonO1970WNY]

I’m watching this on 2/21/22, so Happy Birthday! And thanks for the great video - I just ordered a TitanLight.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I like the Titan because its reliable and I know it will work. I like the Zippo for non-survival related things as it can be wielded as a more casual lighter too.

[@clintonlewis3739]

Nice video, happy belated birthday 🎂

[@ORflycaster]

Very useful review. I've struggled with the Zippo evaporation problem and considered the Exotac. This video was the push I needed.

[@misolgit69]

Hi Bryan the worst result I ever had from a Zippo was filled up approximately 2pm on Saturday put in front pocket untouched until 10am Sunday pulled it out bone dry, and, that was in cool temperatures have you ever been unfortunate enough to suffer with Zippo leg ?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yes I have.

[@misolgit69]

Luckily I personally have never suffered from Zippo leg I was just asking

[@misolgit69]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose ooooh nasty

[@pyrosmoak53]

I don't understand how it could dry out that quickly, I generally fill mine once a week or every 2 weeks give or take depending on use

[@misolgit69]

@@pyrosmoak53 I dix say that was the worst experience I had with a Zippo it was a slimline model by the way I've had several and generally speaking for me they were usually struggling by day 4 tou have to remember this was 20 yrs ago before anyone though of various tweeks, it's Clipper lighters all the way for me now

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Happy Belated Birthday Brian. Interesting comparison.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks Bruce

[@Techno_Basil]

Happy Belated Birthday Brian! Hope you had a great day!

[@Archangel73146]

Happy Birthday Brien and that was a good video.

[@niknice5982]

What would be interesting to see is if those rubber inserts you can buy that replace the „hard“ cotton „lid“ u have to pull up to refuel the zippo in combination with the ranger band helps to further maximize life of one fueling

[@johngilmore8648]

Don't get it. I've been an almost every day Zippo user for 25 years, and when I fill one up, it lasts about 2 weeks. Not sure what people are doing wrong. I've NEVER filled one and had it dry up in 24 hours... I own 30 of em and rotate them out every couple of weeks

[@davidberry6046]

Were you listening to the video? He said he filled them up 4 months before this video, not 2 weeks or 24 hrs. Zippos are quality lighters, but they do run dry on a regular basis. I've never smoked, so I haven't needed them, but I was thinking about getting one for possible "survival" use. Now, I'm not so sure.

[@johngilmore8648]

@@davidberry6046 I wasn't referring specifically to the video, more so the comments by many people who claim they dry up in days.

[@PotatoWhyKid]

Some people just open the zippo box and fill them straight out of the box. Usually the wick is all bunched up at the top from the factory and needs to be zigzagging through the fuel media for it to have the maximum fuel life. I’m guessing if you have 30 of them you spent the extra 45 seconds it takes to add fuel properly. I think zippo’s are great. Not great for a backpack in a closet for 7 months obviously. The fact you can refill them with just about anything flammable and they will work at getting a fire going is a great advantage over a bic. Long fuel life isn’t what a zippo is made to do and that hasn’t changed since they began. People need to stop getting hung up on that.

[@drewmitchell3877]

Well where do you live? In summertime when its triple digits, Zipoos normally don’t last to long.

[@TheTastefulThickness]

It def doesnt last 2 weeks. Total lie. They evaporate constantly.

[@adammickelson7398]

Happy birthday Bryan! Great video.

[@schiaucugabriel6202]

Reminder for a update! Thanks!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

If I can ever find where I stashed the Exotqc. I seem to have misplaced it.

[@schiaucugabriel6202]

Noooo!

[@chrislaws8245]

Happy belated B-day!!! Good video. Love what you have to offer. Common sense for the common man!

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Really glad to see you (finally) got a new stump top 😊

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Me too

[@Thomk121]

They do make good after market seals for Zippo. And it will still be cheaper. They make a really nice one that is metal with a rubber gasket and rubber rectangle shaped o ring that also holds an extra flint.

[@grampawterry8957]

Thanks for this info . I have been wondering about these too ..

[@samnihao6943]

I use both Zippo and Exotac TitanLIGHT. 2 is 1, 1 is none rule and it saved me a few times. Zippo became out of gas too fast (evaporate). When Exotac I can use for a long time.

[@bravethewildreviews]

Hi, and thanks for the great video. Do you happen to have and links or info on where to buy the ranger band for the Zippo?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I bought a bicycle tube and cut it up into bands.

[@bravethewildreviews]

Thanks!

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Try swapping cotton bacon in the zippo too

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

Happy belated Birthday Bryan! I think the Exo-Tac would be a worthy investment. As a pipe smoker[ tobacco] I know the ins and outs and the frustration of a dry Zippo or it leaking in my pocket. I definitely didn't get sticker shock from the Exo-Tac it seems like it would be worth every penny,,, ok gotta go order one,,,, thanks for the review.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

You will like it.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

You will be pleased with the investment I believe. I carry mine daily and use it regularly. Best refillable lighter o n the market in my opinion.

[@wordwalker3]

I have a Zippo from Smokey Mountain Knife Works that has the morse code engraved on it. I replaced the innards with a butane insert. I just got tired of finding it dry when I needed it. I also have an assortment of small "peanut " lighters that I can stash in different kits, they have o ring seals.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

cool

[@GrumpyGrunt]

Happy birthday, Bryan!

[@TexasScout]

I have a zippo with the Thunderbird jet flame butane insert and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Windproof, no burn leg from leaking fuel, no flints. I even ran it through the washer a couple of times.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool. Will it burn without you holding the button down?

[@TexasScout]

Survival On Purpose unfortunately, no. Search for Vector Thunderbird torch insert on Amazon.

[@kylelusk8994]

Greetings from about 60 miles north of you! And happy late birthday my friend! Great video !

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@rustybrockway5523]

Could you cut a rubber piece to fit in the bottom of the zippo At make a seal

[@ronaldcoleman1323]

Happy birthday. May God Bless you.

[@wayned5872]

Happy belated birthday Brian

[@thorny3218]

I’ve carried a zippo since I was about 14, I’m 40 now. I love a zippo. The only problem with them is the evaporation of fuel. Not a problem if you use it daily and are around home to fill it. I’m getting a titan light just because I can and to keep in my hiking pack. I also use one for lighting a pipe so I Hope it’s suitable for that. Cheers and happy birthday

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks!

[@GOxHAM]

Happy late b day Bryan! Thanks for the vids!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks!

[@jeffdavis7616]

Happy birthday Brian

[@thunderkat5282]

Happy upcoming birthday!

[@tacworx2]

Have carried a zippo for 30+ years just like my truck it needs fuel to make it go!! The exotac is a neat little lighter may have to have one anyhow

[@walkerone9833]

Love the idea of Zippo. I have a beautiful leather case for it. Love the idea....but hate being a slave to the refill of it. My new lighter of choice is the Bic jet lighter. $1.99 at Walmart.Same size and shape of the traditional throw a way Bic. Not refillable but because of the jet flame it is perfect for lighting alcohol stoves....(knuckle burner) and is VERY WIND RESISTANT. Keep in your pocket in cold weather and your good to go. Can buy five of these for the price of one cheaper Zippo. Great vid and thanks for the comparison

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching

[@OnTheRiver66]

Zippo makes a small o ring sealed capsule that holds enough lighter fluid to fill a lighter one or two times. The lighter fluid will not evaporate, has storage for extra flints. Keep that with a lighter and you are good for storing a year or more. On the shelf a Mason jar will keep fluid in lighters from evaporating for a LONG time.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Hmmm.

[@eqlzr2]

I found a Scripto piezo lighter and put in my pocket more than a year ago. It's still 1/3 to 1/2 full and lights every time.

[@lrrp692]

Bryan could you do a video on the butane insert for the Zippo lighter.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Maybe one day.

[@MichaelR58]

Bryan, thanks for sharing, have the exotac, but used zippos back in the 70's and yes I have had zippo leg , too close to the twins 😲

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

ouch

[@Crusty_Otter]

And it didn't take long to figure out EXACTLY what was happening, did it? Yep, I did it too.

[@andrewwright01]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow Georgia brother!! May GOD Bless You!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@maysdogus]

Would love to see a comparison of the exotac with the thyrm pyrovault.

[@drcoolit]

see this 2021 video (Zippo-Style 'Survival' Lighter Long Term Kickoff) -- has several episodes to 90 days out. Very interesting set of videos.

[@ericcook8422]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate your video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

The Exotac is a top notch piece of gear! I have had the same experience as you. It doesn't seem to loose fuel over time and the waterproof feature is flawless. I know many people will be deterred by price but if you like the idea of having a waterproof lighter that will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance this is the best product on the market that I know of. Every Exotac product I have held has been a winner.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I agree

[@Crusty_Otter]

Do Zippo replacement wicks work in the TitanLight? I've still got a few of those squirrelled away.

[@nickprague1481]

How about wind resistance on the Exotac? That is a true advantage to the Zippo design.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yep, Zippos are more wind resistant. Which is only an advantage until they run out of fuel. I have an Exotac that has been sitting in my bookshelf for well over a year and it still has fuel and lights right up.

[@mab0852]

Happy birthday Bryan! That's why I quit carrying a Zippo. Still love their hand warmers though.

[@MastahDriver]

Hows the exotac doing now ??

[@WhispyWoods.]

I love my Titanlight. I filled mine up with fluid in March of 2018 and I stuck it in a pack. I just pulled it out last week (March 2019) and it lit right up on the first try!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Exotac rocks.

[@alecbuxton5515]

Ive never used the bic lighter when out in the woods because they don't like exterme weather conditions a zippo was my go to but with the Zippo you have a fuel problem as they always run out just when you need them and during the summer they are the hummer of lighters So an outdoor arc lighter might just slide in as a secondary lighter in my kit

[@JFoxC]

Happy Belated Birthday!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanksn

[@dannylake4357]

I bought two zippo lighters one for myself one for my son, thinking they would be great. My experience was the same as yours always dry never worked.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

but they are ever so cool.

[@krod1180]

Hey how are you!! Just wondering what happened with the exotac titan lighter.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I have temporarily misplaced it. I’ll find it and do an update eventually.

[@rios4175]

Great video Bryan

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@rios4175]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose 😉😆

[@Crusty_Otter]

I was debating either trying Ranger bands on my Zippos or ordering an Exotac Titan Light when I came across your vid, thanks for saving me the trouble of experimenting.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Exotac for the win

[@georgerichardson8186]

could you do a maintenance video on the titan light ike changing the whick ?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Eventually

[@georgerichardson8186]

great no one has done one yet would love to see forst before i buy one

[@drouleau]

I just picked up an Exotac Titanlight, and it doesn't seem to stay lit for very long. Filled it up with the recommended 2 capfuls and then waited 10-15 minutes to light it. The flame will run strong for about 8-10 seconds, and then starts to die out, totally dying in around 15 seconds or so. Have to wait a bit before trying to re-light. Have you encountered these issues?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Not at all. But I never measured the fluid. I just fill it up till it is saturated and make sure the wick is long enough.

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour So which one is the best ?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Exotac for long term

[@patriceb26]

Ok Merci 👍🤗

[@duanechaney5465]

Why is this item not on Amazon?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I don’t know.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

This is Saturday, Feb 23rd. Happy belated birthday! Mine is tomorrow, followed by my two sisters on Monday and Tuesday. We're YEARS apart in age! Funny how things work out!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Happy Birthday tomorrow.

[@antoniosantiago2770]

Did you do the follow up

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I somehow misplaced the Exotac lighter. So I did a more recent new test video to start over. If I ever find the original that will be a great follow up for sure.

[@mikethomas5412]

Another good video. With all the rain we've had this winter, water proof matters!

[@Red_Robin_Adventures]

Thank you this was very helpful.

[@rogersurez9120]

Can we use a Zippo wick on Exotac?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yep

[@hippitukka]

How is the TitanLight doing? Still fuel left?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I am sure it will have if I can ever remember where I put it ;-) That's gonna be a good video.

[@rescueraver]

Brian I really don't think it's a fair comparison. The Zippo has been around for decades unchanged built to be easy to manufacture, and reliable. $40.00 buys a lot of lighter fluid. You can put a can with your Zippo and fill it up when you need it. Many many times. Nice review

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I think it was completely fair. I compared how well two lighters function under exactly the same circumstances. And that is all I tested. Not value, efficiency or owner loyalty. Like I said, I like Zippos, for all the reasons you mentioned. But, if I want a lighter to throw in my pack or survival kit and forget, it won't be a Zippo.

[@rodneyburton8078]

I carry two zippos in my pack, one is blaze orange the other is matte black like the ww2 zippos, but i put a thunderbird butane insert in them both , the orange has a torch insert and the other has a soft flame it burns and looks just like a regular zippo insert and best part is that i dont lose any fuel

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Those inserts are cool. But the drawback to those is you have to use butane. Both the Zippo and the Exotac will work with several different liquid fuels in a pinch.

[@Banjobarron]

Brian. did you put the same volume of fuel in both lighters?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I filled them both to capacity.

[@Banjobarron]

That is good but are they the same volume?

[@mikee7692]

Wow I stumbled on this video and he uploaded les than a day

[@АНТОНЧМЫХОВ-м1т]

Just got my Exotac Titanlight. Everything is good and You can even carry it on Your keychain - it's a little bigger then Zippo additional fuel container. But there is one huge incovinience - flint replacing procedure. I've checked it before fueled my lighter, wanted to know how everything works. And that brass pin doesn't work well at all. You gonna need a nail and a hammer to get it out and then to put it back in place. And You will really have to knock with the hammer, because if the pin doesn't go to his place completely, it wil be scratching the cap. I don't get it, why didn't the do it like Zippo, where You really can replace a flint with bare hands in one moment? Strange that none of the bloggers mentioned that moment...

[@AB-zw7il]

I agree. It is very difficult to get the flameguard pin out of the Exotac Titanlight. I even damaged my first pin and had to replace it. Zippo is the winner when it comes to changing the flint and wick. I would definitely recommend ordering additional flameguard pins if you plan on using your Exotac Titanlight daily.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Your doing it wrong. Put downward pressure on tbe top, then pull the pin out....be careful it's under spring tension. Remove top piece wind screen then remove spring and old flint. Reverse the process to install new flint. Remember to insert the pin in the same side of the lighter.... wind screen facing the right. Easy peeze.

[@59BigWalt]

Good video. Happy belated birthday.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@THELanceParrish]

So, it’s been a bit over a year since this video. How’s the Titanlight holding fuel?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

If I can remember where it is I will do a follow up. That should be interesting.

[@chiefkirk]

Happy birthday brother Bryan.

[@wafasalman5590]

Sir where is the review of the 5.11 xprt pants sir you said me that you will see

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I haven’t seen yet. ,-)

[@jamesvitale3325]

Where could you get a ranger ban or who sells ranger bans for zippo

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

It is just a bike inner tube cut into pieces.

[@coldsteelrails9855]

..... and it's EXOTAC FOR THE WIN !!!!!!! Happy Birthday Bryan :)

[@byronmartens4018]

Do they still make the exotac lighter? I can't find anymore.

[@568843daw]

Thank you for your input. In real life use my thoughts differ from yours. The Exotac Titan is only different in that Zippo fuel evaporates much quicker and therefore is not a choice for back country use. However: 1) the Exotac also gobbled up fuel when used, even during light use. 2) if the Oring is corrupted, meaning torn or nicked, then the waterproof container no longer remains waterproof. 3) a 3 mph breeze consistently extinguished the flame on the Exotac… , that is an irritating feature. 4) when lit it had trouble staying lit even when protected from a breeze. 4) the body of the Exotac lighter did remain cooler than the Zippo when the flame stayed lit for more than 15 seconds. Zippo lit every-time and the flame was always strong. I will try a different fuel to see if that makes a difference but for me, until I see improvements in the Titan’s performance, the Exotac Titan is not my choice as a outback lighter. Matches still remain KING.

[@rickyjackson4307]

Have you heard of "The Lost Ways" by Claud Davis and if so what do you think about it

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

The marketing seems a little sensational to me

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Zippos are really only good for daily users like smokers. For really long term, water proof matches then a Bic. (I use both).

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Whatever works

[@christopheralmond5028]

Happy Belated Birthday!!!

[@MI_Prepper]

I wonder how the Exotac compares to a typical peanut silver bullet type lighter as far as storage duration. Would make a good video too!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Maybe I'll do that as well. I'd say the fluid volume would be the biggest difference

[@MI_Prepper]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Yeah they do make bigger ones, but I bet that Titan is sealed better. I keep a true utility peanut lighter on my keys.

[@sharpie249]

Happy birthday!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@Thomk121]

Clipper lighters for life!! Best lighter ever, cheap, reliable, refillable.

[@williamkeil8414]

Excellent video

[@spacepope87]

What size band do I need for the Zippo?

[@pyrosmoak53]

Happy belated birthday Bryan. Kool test but personally I think I'd seal my Zippo with tape rather than a ranger band to keep my fluid longer. That being said I do keep a couple ranger bands on my Zippo at all times sandwiched between the first band I have a guitar pick as tinder if needed and between the second layer I have money

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool

[@btrswt35]

Happy belated birthday!

[@pawew.4601]

Thanks for you video 👍

[@kevinschmith9379]

Happy birthday 🎊🎂

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.