When one thinks of S.T. Dupont, they might think of a flip top lighter, even though the company probably sells more of its torch lighters these days. They also think of luxury and flash – something that its higher end lighters tend to provide to their customers. Today, we are going to talk about one of those lighters.
Originally debuting in 2017, the S.T. Dupont Le Grand is a multi-function flip top lighter featuring both a soft flame and the option to use a single jet torch. It is larger than, but very reminiscent, of the company’s most famous lighter, the Ligne 2. It is also, by entry level standards – not including special models, the most expensive lighter that S.T. Dupont produces.
Under the Lid
As I stated above, the lighter is a flip top style lighter with a soft flame under normal operation but does have a “hidden” single jet flame torch that can be triggered as well. It was designed to be similar to the Ligne 2 but with a thicker and slightly taller body and is slightly heavier. When the Le Grand originally came out, it did not ping inside the lid like the Ligne 2, however, in 2022 S.T. Dupont announced it had refreshed the Le Grand line and was able to add the “perfect ping” to the Le Grand stable as well. The Le Grand measures 2.6″ x 1.53″ x .55″ with a weight of approximately 6.6 ounces.
The lighter photographed in this review is the Palladium Diamond Head model. Le Grand is offered in the following variations:
- Diamond Head (Yellow Gold or Palladium): $1,595
- Fluo Collection (Matte Black with blue, orange or green flint roller): $1,595
- Black Lacquer and Palladium: $1,795
- Blue Lacquer & Palladium: $1,895
- Padron 60th Anniversary: $1,995
Performance Notes
Let me begin by explaining all methods of use first. For standard operation, you will flip the lid open and roll the flint to the left with your thump to ignite the butane. Both the Ligne 2 and the Le Grand will automatically begin feeding fuel to the port on the lighter when the lid is opened. This will produce the signature twin flames. Now, while the soft flame is lit, if you push the flint roller straight up, it will transfer the gas to the jet burner and become a single torch flame. You must hold the flint roller in the upward position for it to continue the jet operation otherwise it will return to soft flame operation.
Outside of that, it is pretty standard. A few things to mention that make S.T. Dupont stand out among others – first being they have an initial ignition rate of practically 99-100%. In other words, they ignite on fist try every single time. Now, there are many nice lighters out there that perform extremely well, especially in the more budget friendly arena, but I have run into small and minor issues over the years. No big deal to be quite honest with you however there is something noteworthy of the fact I have almost NEVER had any misfires or false starts with just about any S.T. Dupont (especially their Le Grand and Ligne 2s) when there was more than enough gas in the tank for ignition.
Filling the lighter is easy as well. At the bottom of the lighter you will find two ports: one for the fuel fill and other for fuel/flame adjustment. The fuel fill port has a cap that unscrews and inside the cap is a red dot signifying that the Le Grand uses the red version of S.T. Dupont’s recommended fuel usage of their in-house butane brand. This identical to the Ligne 2, as it uses the same system and the same fuel. The adjustment dial features a small loop like handle that sits flush with the body and flips out so it can be twisted left to right to adjust the size of the flames. In addition, there should be a serial number inscribed in the bottom between the two ports and just below an S.T. Dupont logo giving you a confirmation of authenticity of your Le Grand.
I have been (almost) exclusively a Ligne 2 user for quite some time now, it is just my personal preference, and I will explain that in more detail in the Ligne 2 review. When I first began to use the Le Grand, I found it awkward at first. It was heavier, bulkier and it just didn’t feel as solid when I opened the lid or used the flint. I had to remind myself that there is more moving pieces here than the single function Ligne 2. The roller is slightly looser given the fact that it is designed to roll and slide. The lid is bigger to accommodate more on the bigger head and the added weight goes away after some time when you get used to carrying it around. My opinion of the Le Grand improved over time but one thing stuck with me that has yet to change – the Ligne 2 is still the king of the S.T. Dupont lighters.
In addition, the ping isn’t as loud or as clear as the Ligne 2, making it less desirable of the two if that is really all you care about. The single jet torch is cool, and something I have begun to see faked in knock offs. Yes, like Cuban cigars and Louis Vuitton bags, these get faked all the time. However, for a lighter like this is just feels like a gimmick. If I buy a lighter like this, I want it for the soft flame and I don’t need the added weight, size and loose operation of the roller just for a smaller torch that I might use just for touch ups.
One of the reasons I love my Ligne 2 lighters is I can carry them everywhere I go because the soft flame is allowed by the TSA to be carried on the plane. As someone who frequently travels for cigar events, this is a huge win for me. I wouldn’t want to take the risk of getting caught with the hidden jet in my Le Grand after spending $1,700 on it at the airport. Although in theory, in my experience, you probably could still get away with this is when asked to see the lighter you only light the soft flame. To an unknowing TSA agent unfamiliar with this exact lighter – they most likely would not know there was a jet in there. Most lighters they see are one or the other and there aren’t that many people carrying these around that the average agent would know about it.
Smokin Facts
- S.T. Dupont/Coles of London advertises with Smokin Tabacco, but that has no weight on scoring
- Lighter was loaned to Smokin Tabacco for photos by Coles of London
- Original Released in 2017, rereleased in December 2022
- It is made in France and not China like most of the torch lighters are
- Comes with a standard two-year factory warranty
- S.T. Dupont recommends the “Red” fuel refill (Sold Separately)
- There is a leather case available for these (Not Pictured)
- The Biggy was designed to appear like the Le Grand but has a single flat flame and doesn’t open.
Smokin Wrap
At the end of the day, it is an S.T. Dupont lighter and you’re going to get your money’s worth. I said I prefer the Ligne 2, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like having this lighter in my collection and won’t use it. If you were looking for a recommendation on purchase, the short answer to me is buy buy buy. If you could only buy this or a Ligne 2, I would tell you if you had no interest in the torch aspect, save a little money and just buy the Ligne 2. I would recommend a case for this lighter though to protect it from scratches and dings. These are heavy and if dropped, will drop with more force than say a Maxijet. If money is no object or you aren’t sure if it’s worth it, I would say I would but this lighter before I bought a $300 Prometheus lighter that doesn’t light 60% of the time, even at five times the price.
