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Most cigar smokers spend more time thinking about which stick to light than what they’re lighting it with. That’s understandable. A bad cigar ruins an evening. A bad lighter ruins the cigar.
Special Blue has been closing that gap quietly for years. While Xikar and Colibri get most of the attention in serious cigar circles, Special Blue has built a range of torch lighters that deliver reliable butane ignition, adjustable flame control, and designs that look genuinely good sitting on a lounge table – all at prices that don’t require justification.
Here’s the complete breakdown of every Special Blue torch worth considering, what each one does well, and which one belongs in your pocket.
Who Is Special Blue?
Special Blue is a premium accessories brand producing torch lighters, butane, and mixology tools. They built their reputation on combining functional performance with distinctive visual design – their Artist Series collaboration with Sean Dietrich is the most visible example of that philosophy in practice.
Special Blue is a brand you can trust, designed for family and friends with quality you can confidently rely on for daily use.
Their torch lineup runs from compact single-flame pocket models to heavy-duty double and triple-jet torches built for larger ring gauge cigars and outdoor conditions. All models are refillable, all ship empty and require butane, and all include adjustable flame control as a standard feature rather than a premium add-on.
The brand sells direct through specialblue.com and is widely available on Amazon.
The Special Blue Torch Lineup: Every Model Worth Knowing
Special Blue Monster Pro Torch – Best for Cigar Smokers
Jets: Double
Flame: Adjustable, high-power
Price: $20-30
The Monster Pro is the model most cigar smokers should consider first. Double flame, adjustable output from precision control through high-power, and enough wind resistance to handle outdoor conditions without constantly relighting.
For cigars in the 50 to 54 ring gauge range – the robustos and toros that most smokers reach for daily – the double flame covers the foot evenly without requiring multiple passes the way a single jet does. The adjustable flame gives you control over the toasting process that a fixed-output torch can’t deliver.
Special Blue Monster Butane Torch 2.0 is a refillable double flame lighter that works as a culinary torch, welding torch, and adjustable dual flame for a wide range of uses. That versatility is genuine – the Monster Pro travels from your cigar lounge to a camping trip to a kitchen task without losing effectiveness.
The ergonomic grip handles extended use without fatigue, which matters more than it sounds during a 90-minute Churchill. The fuel level window tells you how much butane remains so you’re never caught mid-toast without knowing.
Best for: Daily cigar use, outdoor smoking, smokers who want one torch that handles everything from a 48-ring corona to a 60-ring Gordo.
Buy it: specialblue.com or Amazon
Special Blue Grenade PIXELS Torch – Best for Style-Conscious Smokers
Jets: Single
Flame: Adjustable, wind-resistant
Price: $15-25
The Grenade PIXELS is the model you pull out when aesthetics matter as much as function. The grenade-inspired form factor with pixel art design is one of the more distinctive torch designs currently on the market – it stands out on a lounge table and gets noticed at a golf course.
Amazing design combined with powerful functionality, the Grenade PIXELS Torch promises reliable single-flame performance for varied applications. Constructed with a balance of performance and safety for professionals and amateurs alike.
The wind-resistant single flame is reliable in most outdoor conditions. The child-resistant safety lock prevents accidental ignition in a bag or jacket pocket. The adjustable flame handles most standard cigar sizes – robustos and coronas smoke perfectly with a single-jet torch, and the Grenade delivers consistent ignition every time.
Where it falls short of the Monster Pro is ring gauge versatility. For 60-ring Gordos and large Churchills, a single jet requires more passes and more time during the toasting process. If your rotation includes large format cigars, the Monster Pro double-jet is the better investment. If you mostly smoke robustos and toros, the Grenade covers you completely while looking better doing it.
Best for: Style-focused smokers, gifting, everyday carry for standard ring gauges.
Buy it: specialblue.com
Special Blue Mod Rubber Torch – Best Everyday Carry
Jets: Single
Flame: Adjustable, wind-resistant
Price: $12-18
The Mod Rubber Torch is the practical daily carry option in the Special Blue lineup. Rubberized exterior for grip and drop resistance, compact and lightweight for pocket carry, single adjustable flame for standard cigar sizes.
The Mod Rubber Torch incorporates strength, functionality, and portability into its sleek design – a great single-flame torch lighter for daily use or multiple purposes. Key features include wind-resistant flame for outdoors, adjustable flame control for precision or high-power applications, and a durable rubberized design for long life and comfortable non-slip grip.
The rubberized exterior is the standout practical feature here. Leather-coated lighters look premium until they get dropped on a concrete floor. The Mod Rubber handles drops without cosmetic damage and maintains its grip in cold weather when smooth metal surfaces become difficult to hold securely.
At this price it’s also the most replaceable option in the lineup without financial regret – the kind of lighter you keep in a golf bag, a jacket pocket, or a travel kit without worrying about losing it.
Best for: Practical daily carry, golf bags, travel, backup lighter for your main torch.
Buy it: specialblue.com
Special Blue Mini Torch – Best Budget and Travel Option
Jets: Single
Flame: Adjustable
Size: 3.2 inches
Price: $8-12
The Mini Torch stands 3.2 inches tall with a rounded body style that fits comfortably in any pocket. The one-click function requires no learning curve. The nozzle cover attaches to the body with a small chain so it doesn’t get lost during travel.
This simple torch is great for beginners and travelers alike thanks to its one-click function and compact design. A nozzle cover is attached to the body with a small chain.
For cigar smokers, the Mini Torch works perfectly for coronas and smaller vitolas. Robustos are workable but the compact size means you’re making more passes during toasting than you would with a larger torch. Gordos and Churchills are pushing the limits of what a single small-flame torch handles comfortably.
The real use cases for the Mini are travel, backup, and situations where carrying anything larger is impractical. Flights, formal events, motorcycle trips. The 3.2-inch size fits in a breast pocket without any visible bulge.
Sold in assorted display packs of 20 in opaque solid colors or transparent gradient hues – meaning most retailers stock them as individual units across a range of colors.
Best for: Travel, beginners, backup lighters, small vitola smokers, budget-conscious buyers.
Buy it: Available at most smoke shops and online retailers.
Special Blue Inferno Torch – Best for Large Ring Gauge Cigars
Jets: Triple or Quad (depending on configuration)
Flame: Adjustable, high-power
Price: $25-40
The Inferno is Special Blue’s heavy-duty option for smokers who regularly light Gordos, Double Coronas, and other large-format cigars that single and double-jet torches struggle to light evenly.
Special Blue’s Inferno Torch has adjustable flame settings. This gives you the full spectrum from a very precise, controlled burn for more delicate tasks to a powerful flame needed for larger projects.
Three or four jets covering the full circumference of a 60-ring Gordo in a single pass saves the additional 30 to 60 seconds that single and double-jet torches need to cover the same surface area. For smokers who time their toasting carefully, that difference in efficiency is worth the additional cost.
The Inferno also handles outdoor conditions better than any smaller model in the lineup. Multiple jets maintain ignition in wind conditions that extinguish single-flame torches.
Best for: Large format cigar smokers, outdoor heavy use, smokers who want maximum lighting power.
Buy it: specialblue.com and major online retailers.
Special Blue Butane: Use Their Own Fuel
Every Special Blue torch ships empty and requires butane purchased separately. Special Blue produces their own butane in two formulations: 5x refined and 9x refined.
Special Blue butane refills are specially formulated to burn clean and reduce clogging, keeping your lighter functioning at its best. Whether you choose 5x or 9x refined butane, you’ll notice the difference in flame stability and performance.
The 9x refined is the recommendation for cigar use. Higher refinement means fewer impurities that build up inside the torch mechanism over time. Clogged jets are the most common cause of torch lighter failure and the single best way to prevent it is using quality fuel from the start.
Special Blue butane is available direct from specialblue.com and at most retailers that stock the torches. Using a different quality brand of butane works – Lotus and Xikar refined butane are both compatible – but using their own fuel maintains the performance consistency the torches are designed around.
How Special Blue Torches Compare to Xikar and Colibri
The honest comparison cigar smokers want to know.
Xikar’s HP3 at $60 is the most recommended cigar lighter in the premium category. The lifetime warranty from Xikar means the HP3 is a permanent purchase – if it fails for any reason, Xikar repairs or replaces it. Special Blue doesn’t offer that same warranty structure.
What Special Blue offers that Xikar doesn’t is better value for money at the entry and mid levels, and significantly more distinctive design options. The Monster Pro at $20 to $30 performs comparably to the Xikar HP3 for standard robusto and toro use. The warranty difference becomes meaningful if you’re buying a torch you expect to last a decade.
For everyday carry and gift purchases where replacement isn’t a major concern, Special Blue wins on price and aesthetics at every tier. For a one-time lifetime purchase where the warranty is the deciding factor, Xikar wins.
Colibri sits between the two on both price and warranty, with quality construction at mid-range prices but less distinctive design than Special Blue’s Artist Series offerings.
How to Get the Best Performance From a Special Blue Torch
A few habits extend the life of any Special Blue torch significantly.
Purge Before Every Refill
Hold the torch upside down and press the refill valve with a small screwdriver until the hissing stops completely. This removes trapped air that causes backpressure and prevents a complete fill. Skipping this step is the most common cause of weak, sputtering flames after a refill. Our complete how to refill a butane lighter guide covers the full process in detail.
Don’t Overfill
Special Blue is specific about fill time: insert butane can for 2 to 4 seconds. Do not overfill. If you overfill this torch it will create a large and erratic flame for a short period while the torch tries to expel the extra gas. Fill in short bursts, check, and stop the moment fuel sprays back from the valve.
Wait After Filling
Two minutes minimum between refilling and igniting. The butane needs to stabilize and reach room temperature. Cold butane doesn’t ignite reliably and creates a weak initial flame that wastes fuel.
Adjust the Flame Setting Before Lighting Your Cigar
Set the flame adjuster to the lowest position before refilling, then bring it up to your preferred height after filling. This reduces internal pressure during the fill and gives you control over the flame size rather than getting a flare from a high setting combined with a fresh full tank.
Which Special Blue Torch Should You Buy?
Here’s the straightforward recommendation matrix:
You smoke robustos and toros daily: Monster Pro. Double flame, adjustable output, the right tool for standard ring gauge cigars in any condition.
You want something that looks as good as it performs: Grenade PIXELS. Single flame for standard vitolas with the most distinctive design in the lineup.
You need a practical daily carry that survives being dropped: Mod Rubber Torch. Rubberized exterior, compact, reliable, affordable enough to replace without regret.
You regularly smoke Gordos, Churchills, and large format cigars: Inferno. Multiple jets cover large ring gauge feet evenly in fewer passes.
You want a budget option or travel backup: Mini Torch. 3.2 inches, one-click ignition, fits anywhere, works for coronas and smaller vitolas without fuss.
Where to Buy Special Blue Torches
Special Blue sells direct through specialblue.com with a 30-day return window on torches. The full lineup including the Artist Series and limited edition models is available there first before wider retail distribution.
Amazon carries the Monster Pro and several other models with Prime shipping. Most smoke shops and headshops stock at least the Mini Torch and one or two larger models. Famous Smoke Shop and Cigars International carry Special Blue alongside their cigar and accessories selections.
Our Verdict
Special Blue makes genuinely good torch lighters at prices that make the purchase easy to justify. The Monster Pro is the pick for most cigar smokers – double flame, adjustable, wind-resistant, and priced in the range where replacing it if lost or damaged doesn’t require much deliberation.
The Grenade PIXELS is the one to buy when you want your lighter to say something about your taste alongside your cigar selection. The Mod Rubber is the practical everyday carry that handles being thrown in a golf bag or jacket pocket without complaint.
None of these replace a Xikar HP3 with a lifetime warranty for someone who wants one permanent premium lighter. They don’t need to. Special Blue occupies a different and legitimate position in the market – reliable performance, great design, accessible pricing.
Buy the Monster Pro. Fill it with their 9x refined butane. Toast your cigars properly. That combination works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Special Blue torch used for?
Special Blue torches are butane torch lighters designed for multiple uses including lighting cigars, culinary tasks like caramelizing sugar and searing meat, dabbing, camping and outdoor activities, and DIY projects. For cigar smokers specifically, the wind-resistant adjustable flame makes them practical for both indoor and outdoor use across a range of cigar sizes.
Is Special Blue a good lighter brand?
Yes. Special Blue produces reliable butane torch lighters with adjustable flame control, refillable tanks, and distinctive designs at accessible prices. They’re particularly strong in the $15 to $35 price range where they offer better value and design than most competitors. The brand doesn’t match Xikar’s lifetime warranty but delivers comparable performance for everyday use.
Which Special Blue torch is best for cigars?
The Monster Pro is the best Special Blue torch for cigar smokers. The double flame covers the foot of standard robustos and toros evenly in a single pass. The adjustable output handles the toasting process with the control a single fixed-output jet can’t deliver. For large format cigars at 60 ring gauge and above, the Inferno’s multiple jets are worth the additional cost.
Does Special Blue torch work with any butane?
Special Blue torches are compatible with standard butane from most quality brands. Special Blue recommends their own 5x or 9x refined butane for optimal performance and reduced clogging. Other high-quality refined butane brands like Lotus and Xikar are compatible. Avoid low-grade butane that contains impurities which build up in the torch mechanism over time.
How do you refill a Special Blue torch?
Purge the tank first by pressing the refill valve until hissing stops. Set the flame adjuster to the lowest position. Hold both the torch and the butane canister upside down. Press the canister nozzle firmly into the refill valve in 2 to 4 second bursts. Stop as soon as fuel sprays back from the valve – this indicates a full tank. Wait two minutes before igniting. Avoid overfilling, which causes an erratic flame as the torch expels excess gas.
Where can I buy Special Blue torches?
Special Blue torches are available direct at specialblue.com, on Amazon, at most smoke shops and headshops, and through major cigar retailers including Famous Smoke Shop and Cigars International. The full lineup including Artist Series and limited editions is typically available at specialblue.com first.
How long does a Special Blue torch last?
With proper maintenance – purging before every refill, using quality butane, and keeping the jets clean – a Special Blue torch lasts several years of regular use. The main failure point in any torch lighter is jet clogging from low-quality butane buildup, which proper fuel selection prevents. Physical durability varies by model – the Mod Rubber’s rubberized exterior handles drops better than smooth-finish models.
What is the difference between Special Blue Monster and Inferno?
The Monster Pro is a double-flame torch suited for standard cigar sizes from 48 to 54 ring gauge and most everyday applications. The Inferno is a higher-output multi-jet torch designed for large format cigars at 60 ring gauge and above, heavy outdoor use, and situations where maximum flame coverage is required. The Monster Pro is the better choice for most cigar smokers. The Inferno is the right choice for those who regularly smoke large ring gauge cigars or need maximum wind resistance.
Once your Special Blue torch is filled and ready, our how to light a cigar guide covers the complete toasting and lighting technique – from foot position to confirming an even light before your first puff.
