Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch

I love how hot and yet efficient this torch is, a tank of gas lasting me quite a long time. It is pretty hard to tell exactly how much you have left through the bottom window, but you can at least tell when your on your last 20%; also you can feel impending emptiness by weight too. The construction is durable all of the way through, the only way you can get one that doesn't work new or that doesn't last many years is by some insanely bad luck or product care. I know people who have had only one of these for years who use horrible quality fuel and drop theirs all the time and still it puts out like new and barely has visible residue. So if you use nothing but top quality N-Butane like me, then there is nothing short of a getting caught in a nuclear holocaust that will cease healthy function of your Big Shot for many years to come (I know that was dramatic, the point is it's a challenge to break one of these in a residential or professional environment, but not so much in a war-zone). I use this torch for brazing and burning concentrates, and I know plumbers and low-temp job welders that swear by this guy. This torch has such a nice heat focus delivering such a skinny flame, I bet a master could craft jewelry with this. I have heard many people say it can't stand up to wind. Honestly even though it is more wind sensitive than the other 8" or 6" torches I have tried, it's not by much. That and paired with the fact this has no safety letting you light it and stay lit out of your hands, you can set it on the floor for the least wind interference.

This is the 5th torch I have purchased over the past year and without any doubt, by far the best. Personally, I really find it worth it to spend a little more on something if the quality is going to back it up. I've had gas valves go out, ignitions wear out to no longer provide sparks to light the torch and various other unfortunate things (vector and alike high end torches). This torch actually boasts customer support for their product and a warranty! I also always use 5X or more refined butane so that was not the reason for my past torches. Anyways - I not use almost no butane in comparison to my old torches and my element is able to be heated up in less than half the time.UPDATE: After owning this torch for over 6 months now, I figured I'd submit a follow up for my review. There is not much to say though- this torch is exactly like the day I bought it; no signs of wear. I use it several times a day, every single day. Another great thing about the torch I've noticed is that it regulates the gas better than any torch I've had, in the sense that it allows you to use every last bit. When the torch is almost empty, while not quite full strength, it still gives you a decent flame until it's completely empty. And as many people suggest to empty the torch before refilling it, you won't waste that last bit of fuel like with other torches, where the flame just slowly goes down to an unusably small flame for the last 10% of the gas. Every other torch I have owned, regardless of initial quality, have all started to show major signs of wear within 2 months. This torch might be a little more expensive than the others, but if you plan on using it much, it'll be cheaper in the long run as you won't be replacing it!!!!!!!!!To keep your torch in tip top condition: Whenever refilling, first allow it to run out completely, and then take a small screwdriver or similar tool and purge the last bit of the butane out- then refill it. Then wait at least 20 minutes to allow the gas to (equilibrate) warm up inside the torch; it is very cold and there is the possibility of liquid butane being sent through the nozzle of your torch, which will damage it.

this is the 4th torch I've bought in the last 6 months. It's also by far the best. It's definitely worth it to spend a little more on this one than save a few dollars on something that is $20-40 and you'll be replacing in 3-6 months anyway (or the igniter goes out, which is very annoying to use a lighter to light your torch).UPDATE: After owning this torch for over 4 months now, I figured I'd submit a follow up for my review. There is not much to say though- this torch is exactly like the day I bought it; no signs of wear. I use it several times a day, every single day. Another great thing about the torch I've noticed is that it regulates the gas better than any torch I've had, in the sense that it allows you to use every last bit. When the torch is almost empty, while not quite full strength, it still gives you a decent flame until it's completely empty. And as many people suggest to empty the torch before refilling it, you won't waste that last bit of fuel like with other torches, where the flame just slowly goes down to an unusably small flame for the last 10% of the gas. Every other torch I have owned, regardless of initial quality, have all started to show major signs of wear within 2 months. This torch might be a little more expensive than the others, but if you plan on using it much, it'll be cheaper in the long run as you won't be replacing it.2 YEAR UPDATE: I have now owned this torch for two years, and I'm happy to report that it has worked flawlessly the entire time. A friend recently purchased a new one, and if you look at mine side by side with his, they look pretty much identical; really shows how well this torch has held up in the long term.I have read that by doing a couple things you can prolong the life of your torch, which I have always done. Whenever refilling, first allow it to run out completely, and then take a small screwdriver or similar tool and purge the last bit of the butane out- then refill it. Then wait at least 20-25 minutes to allow the gas to warm up inside the torch; it is very cold and there is the possibility of liquid butane being sent through the nozzle of your torch, which will damage it.