When it comes to accessories, few names make me think of being ahead of the curve. Earlier this month, S.T. Dupont began shipping a new lighter in the Defi line called the Defi Windproof. S.T. Dupont has a track record of introducing new technologies and fresh ideas to the accessory market outside of just cosmetic changes. We saw this with their Biggy and Slimmy lighters that use a flat jet flame. This year, it’s all about the windproof soft flame lighters.
Under the Lid
The Defi line consists of Extreme, Xxtreme and now Windproof. S.T. Dupont refers to the Defi Xxtreme the lighter for modern adventurers. It has a more rugged diamond textured grip on the outer shell. The Defi Extreme is slightly more stripped down with just a smooth and simpler texture on the outside. The Windproof uses the same outer shell as the Xxtreme. In addition, the Defi Extreme features a single torch while the Xxtreme has a twin jet torch. The Windproof uses jet technology to stabilize a soft yellow flame by also using blue flame to surround the flame to keep it resistant to wind. We are going to talk about how well it stands up to wind.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, S.T. Dupont has a handful of soft flame lighters in their portfolio. Many people who know me know soft flame is my preferred flame type. In addition to the Defi Windproof, there is also the Le Grand, the famous Line 2, and the recently re-introduced Line 1.
The Defi Windproof is available in three distinctive finishes, each variation offers a sophisticated, technical aesthetic:
- Black Gunmetal with Intense Black Diamondhead Bumpers
- Chrome with Intense Black Diamondhead Bumpers
- Copper with Intense Black Diamondhead Bumpers
The MSRP for all three finishes is $395 and S.T. Dupont recommends using its “black” gas fuel in these lighters although, like all of their lighters, any butane fuel will work.
Performance Notes
This lighter does not appear that much different from the other Defi models. It has a nice solid diamond textured grip that covers the outer most layer on the outside shell, above the metal casing. It has about the same weight and feel as the others too. The visible fuel tank window on the side has always been a favorite of mine, as well as the easy fuel adjustment knob on the bottom with the fuel fill tip in the middle of it.
Obviously, the top of the lighter has a centered flame port, but it does appear different. There is no jet burner obviously but rather a recessed port with a small flame strike. From my understanding, this is a combination of soft and jet burning technologies where there is both yellow and blue flames it still presents a soft flame but there is a small amount of blue flame on the outer edge to help keep wind away from the yellow flame.
Down to the nitty and gritty, this is a straightforward review. In fact, most of you probably only want to know one thing: is it truly windproof? The answer to that question is actually…yes. Through my own testing which includes average use in average locations and pushing it beyond somewhere where anyone would really need it to be it, the Defi Windproof really holds well.
One thing I did notice was that the flame tends to stay stronger after it has been lit for more than a few seconds which obviously tells me the burner getting a little hotter helps versus right off the ignition where maybe it flickers a little bit harder at first. In the few instances the flame blew out was when I had a powerful force of air blowing over the lighter while it was lighting. But once the burner is going it was much harder to blow the flame out.
Smokin Wrap
Is this lighter perfect? No, nobody and nothing is perfect. Would I bet my life on that flame staying lit? Probably not, then again, I would not bet my life on much. But if your back was against the wall, I would not feel like your chances are slim to none either. The flame stands the wind resistance well. It may flicker and blow over but it did not easily extinguish completely. This lighter is going to work much better than any other soft flame lighter period. If you are strictly soft flame or a serious smoker who likes to have every kind of accessory this is an easy win. For everyone else, I would still recommend checking it out because at the end of the day it never hurts to have a lighter like this around for when you need it most.
Purchase recommendation: “Don’t Think, Just Do”
