Most smokers pick between two kinds of lighters: a soft flame that is gentle on flavor, or a torch that is fast and works in the wind. The Xikar Meridian tries to give you a bit of both. It was the first lighter to use a triple soft flame. Here is what that means and whether it is right for you.

What is a triple soft flame?

The Meridian has three soft-flame burners. When you light it, the three flames join into one wide, full flame. That bigger flame wraps around the foot of the cigar, so it toasts and lights evenly and faster than a single soft flame. But it is still a soft (yellow) flame, so it is not as harsh as a jet torch.

Key specs

• Triple soft flame
• Large flint roller-bar ignition
• Faceted body for a good grip
• Red EZ-view fuel window
• Easy-access flint compartment (uses Xikar XI-610 flints)
• Altitude tested to 12,000 ft
• Xikar limited lifetime warranty

What it does well

• Even light. The wide flame covers more of the foot at once, which helps on large ring gauge cigars that take forever with a single soft flame.
• Classic feel. The roller-bar ignition feels like a traditional lighter. Many smokers prefer this over a push button.
• Easy to maintain. The flint is easy to replace, and the fuel window shows when it is time to refill.
• Warranty. Xikar’s limited lifetime warranty covers it.

Where it falls short

• Wind. It is still a soft flame. On a windy patio or golf course, a torch like the Xikar Tactical Triple or Allume 2 works better.
• Size. The faceted body is larger than a slim pocket lighter. If you want the smallest possible soft flame, look at the Xikar Ardore.
• Flints wear out. Like any flint lighter, you will need to replace the flint from time to time.

Meridian vs other soft flame lighters

• Xikar Ardore — double soft flame, slimmer body. Good if you want something smaller.
• Colibri Continental — single soft flame, tall and elegant. The most traditional choice.
• Colibri Julius — double soft flame with a diamond-pattern case.
• Xikar Hedron — not pure soft flame: one jet in the middle, six soft flames around it. A good middle ground if you smoke outside often.

Who should buy the Xikar Meridian?

Buy it if you mostly smoke indoors or on a covered patio, you like the flavor of a soft-flame light, and you want it faster than a single flame. Skip it if you smoke outside in the wind a lot — get a torch instead.

Still deciding? Read our soft flame vs torch guide or browse all cigar lighters.

FAQ

Does the Xikar Meridian use flints?

Yes. It uses Xikar XI-610 flints, and the flint compartment is easy to open.

What fuel does it use?

Butane. Use clean, quality butane and wait a few minutes after filling before you light it.

Is the Meridian windproof?

No. It is a soft flame lighter, so wind can blow it out. For outdoor use, choose a jet torch.

High Heaven Gallery is an authorized Xikar dealer in Skokie, IL.