Coghlans Plasma Lighter Review

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter Made a Bold First Impression

Lighters are a crucial piece of kit for any outdoorsman, whether you’re starting a campfire after a long day of hiking or simply need a reliable flame in unpredictable conditions. The Coghlans Plasma Lighter enters the arena promising a flameless, windproof solution powered by USB-C. My experiences in various climates, from sweltering deserts to rain-soaked forests, have taught me the value of a dependable fire source, and I was eager to see if this plasma lighter could stand up to the test.

I have faced the constant frustration of traditional lighters failing in windy conditions, or running out of fluid at the most inopportune moments. The promise of a rechargeable, windproof flame substitute was immediately appealing.

Unboxing the Coghlans Plasma Lighter, I was immediately struck by its sleek, modern design. It felt lightweight yet solid in my hand, the plastic housing exuding a surprising level of robustness. This was a marked departure from the flimsy disposable lighters I was used to carrying.

Compared to traditional butane lighters like the classic Bic or even some more robust refillable models, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter offers a fundamentally different ignition method. I chose it over traditional fluid lighters for its windproof capabilities and the convenience of USB-C recharging. The Bic is cheap and ubiquitous, but fails in the wind. Refillables are better, but require fluid.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The lighter felt well-made, and the promise of windproof operation was enticing. I was eager to put the Coghlans Plasma Lighter to the test and see if it could truly replace my reliance on traditional lighters.

Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Plasma Lighter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Coghlans Plasma Lighter was on a weekend camping trip in the nearby mountains. The area is known for its unpredictable weather, often fluctuating between sunshine and sudden gusts of wind. This provided an ideal testing ground for the lighter’s advertised windproof capabilities.

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter performed admirably in moderately windy conditions. I was able to easily ignite tinder and kindling without struggling to shield the flame. Lighting a fire in slightly damp conditions also proved much easier than with a traditional lighter.

Using the lighter was simple, though the dual arc system took a few tries to get used to. Unlike a traditional lighter, the plasma arcs require close proximity to the material you are trying to ignite. There were no immediate issues, however I wondered about battery life and long-term reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use on various outdoor excursions, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter has proven to be a dependable tool. The plastic housing has held up well, showing no signs of cracks or damage despite being tossed in my pack alongside heavier gear. It also works well for lighting my portable stove on the range.

I’ve noticed a slight decrease in battery life after repeated charging cycles, though it still holds a charge long enough for a typical weekend trip. Cleaning the plasma arc emitters requires occasional attention to remove carbon buildup, but it’s a simple process that takes only a few seconds. A quick wipe with a cotton swab usually does the trick.

Compared to my past experiences with butane lighters that often failed or ran out of fuel at the worst moments, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter has been a welcome upgrade. Its windproof design and rechargeable battery offer a level of reliability that traditional lighters simply can’t match. It does, however, take longer to light some tinders than a traditional flame.

Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Plasma Lighter

Specifications

• The Coghlans Plasma Lighter features a flameless arc ignition system that creates a high-temperature plasma beam. This eliminates the need for butane fuel.
• It’s designed to be windproof, making it reliable in outdoor environments where traditional lighters often struggle. This is a major advantage when trying to start a fire in breezy conditions.
• The lighter is rechargeable via USB-C, offering a convenient and sustainable power source. This allows you to easily recharge the lighter from various devices like power banks or laptops.

Performance & Functionality

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter excels at its primary function: providing a reliable ignition source in challenging conditions. It ignites tinder, kindling, and other flammable materials quickly and efficiently, even in windy weather. The plasma arcs deliver a concentrated heat that is effective for lighting a variety of materials.

Its main strength lies in its windproof design, a significant advantage over butane lighters. One area for improvement is the slightly slower ignition time compared to a traditional flame, especially for materials that require a more sustained heat source. Overall, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter meets and generally exceeds my expectations for a windproof, rechargeable lighter.

Design & Ergonomics

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter features a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack. The plastic housing provides a comfortable grip and feels durable enough to withstand typical outdoor use. It isn’t as rugged as some metal-bodied lighters, but this design keeps the weight down.

The lighter is relatively user-friendly, requiring only a simple button press to activate the plasma arcs. The button placement is intuitive and easy to reach. The only minor learning curve is understanding the optimal distance and positioning for igniting different types of materials.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter appears to be reasonably durable for its intended use. The plastic housing has shown no signs of cracking or breaking, even after being subjected to minor bumps and scrapes during outdoor activities. The overall construction seems solid, but I would still avoid subjecting it to excessive abuse.

Maintaining the lighter is simple. Periodically cleaning the plasma arc emitters with a cotton swab removes any carbon buildup and ensures optimal performance. The Coghlans Plasma Lighter is easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter comes with a USB-C charging cable, which is essential for recharging the battery. There are no readily available customization options or aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this model.

While there aren’t any direct customization options, the USB-C charging capability means it’s compatible with a wide range of power banks and charging adapters. This is a significant advantage for those who rely on portable power sources while outdoors.

Pros and Cons of Coghlans Plasma Lighter

Who Should Buy Coghlans Plasma Lighter?

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter is perfect for campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a reliable ignition source in unpredictable weather conditions. It’s also a great option for those who want to reduce their reliance on disposable butane lighters. Its windproof design and USB-C rechargeability make it a convenient and sustainable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

This lighter might not be ideal for survivalists or those who require a more rugged and durable option for extreme environments. It’s also not the best choice for those who need to quickly light large amounts of material, as the plasma arcs have a slightly slower ignition time compared to traditional flames.

A must-have accessory for the Coghlans Plasma Lighter is a portable power bank to ensure you can recharge it while off the grid.

Conclusion on Coghlans Plasma Lighter

The Coghlans Plasma Lighter delivers on its promises of windproof operation and USB-C rechargeability. Its reliable performance, lightweight design, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as a slightly slower ignition time and plastic housing, its advantages outweigh its limitations.

At $17.49, the Coghlans Plasma Lighter offers excellent value for its price. The convenience of USB-C recharging and the elimination of disposable butane fuel make it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice in the long run.

I would definitely recommend the Coghlans Plasma Lighter to anyone looking for a reliable and windproof ignition source for their outdoor adventures. Embrace the future of fire starting. Pick up a Coghlans Plasma Lighter and never be caught without a flame again.