Today, we review the S.T. Dupont Défi XXTrême. In 2020, S.T. Dupont introduced Défi XXTrême as an extension to its popular Défi Extrême jet-flame lighter. The Defi Extreme is a jet lighter meant to withstand extreme conditions—namely extreme wind, extreme temperature, and even extreme altitude. The Défi XXTrême builds on what Défi Extrême does, in this case including a dual-flame lighter option.
Specifically, the conditions the Défi XXTrême and Défi Extrême works under include:
- Wind (Force 7 – 37 mph)
- Temperature: -10°C (14° F) to +45°C (113° F)
- Altitude > 3500 m (11, 482 ft )
A note on this assessment: We did not validate temperature and altitude simply because we could not recreate these conditions in our location. We did check it against flowing air to test the wind (more about that later).
S.T. Dupont Défi XXTrême – Accessory Review
S.T. Dupont offers five finishes for the Defi XXTreme. These are the current base offerings and do not include this model used in limited edition collections by S.T. Dupont. We are assessing the White finish.
- Matte Black (SRP $345.00/unit)
- Matte Red (SRP $345.00/unit)
- Petrol (SRP $335.00/unit)
- Chrome (SRP $345.00/unit)
- White (SRP $345.00/unit)
SPECIFICATIONS
APPEARANCE
One signature feature of the Défi XXTrême and Défi Extrême is the black bumpers made of hard plastic that surround the chassis of the lighter. It cannot be removed (nor would it make any sense to do so). They also serve a practical purpose, as we will see later in the assessment.
There is a squeeze ignition on one side of the lighter. The black and red trigger point is made of the same hard plastic material used on the bumper.
The other side of the lighter has an easy-to-read fuel indicator complete with markings so you can determine how much fuel is left in your lighter.
The top of the unit has an open aperture, through which the flame comes out when the lighter is ignited.
The bottom of the unit has a large black knob made of the same material as the bumpers. This knob is used for flame adjustments. The center of the knob is open, and that is where the valve is to fill/refill the lighter.
OPERATION
Squeezing the side ignition mechanism ignites the Défi XXTrême and releases the flame. While it’s a double flame, the flames are angled to create a bigger and stronger single-jet flame. When the Défi XXTrême ignites, there is a distinct click, as demonstrated in the video below.
The lighter has a safety mechanism that prevents the flame from being released when it is held upside down.
The fuel adjuster is simply incredible. It uses a color indicator to tell you how big your flame will be. The more red on the knob that is lined up with the arrow, the bigger your flame. Filling the lighter is also relatively easy.
A tank of fuel lasted me about an average of eight cigars of various lengths and diameters.
EVALUATION
Positives
- Igniting the Défi XXTrême couldn’t be easier—you simply squeeze the sides while holding the lighter straight up.
- The angled flames that create a larger single flame are great for precision lighting and touch-ups.
- The safety mechanism works as long as the flame has not been released. If you take the lighter, ignite it, and turn it upside down while the flame is in action, the safety mechanism will not work.
- The bumpers will reduce the risk of scratching.
- The fuel tank indicator is one of the best I’ve seen on a lighter and is easy to read.
- The flame adjustment dial is also one of the best I’ve seen implemented on a. lighter.
- As mentioned, the angled flames are great in terms of precision when lighting or re-lighting your cigar.
- This is a compact lighter. It can easily be fit in a pocket.
Negatives
- Since there is an open aperture, it could be challenging to clean. The Défi XXTrême also has a larger aperture than many S.T. Dupont Jet Lighters.
- While the bumpers prevent the lighter from scratching, the lighter can still scratch at the top.
- The white will still get dirty – especially around the aperture where the jet flame comes out.
- While its compact size is a positive, you will need a case if you plan on carrying it around.
- Extreme temperatures and wind do not make for a good smoking experience. I tested this lighter against an air-conditioning unit to see if flowing air would put out the flame. There was a slight impact on the flame, but it did not go out. While it’s not 37 mph winds, this was a good indicator that the flame could withstand such wind.
The Defi XXTreme under a wind simulation
Other Evaluation Notes
- S.T. Dupont recommends using their (red) butane for compatibility and optimum performance for the Défi XXTrême. I did not attempt to deviate from S.T. Dupont’s recommendations here.
- I’m really curious about the Défi XXTrême’s altitude performance. Because I lose lighters, I don’t travel with my S.T. Dupont, so I’m not sure I would ever use acase for this lighter.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Like I usually do with accessory reviews, I put the S.T. Dupont Défi XXTrême through a daily use cycle for about 30 days. The lighter was durable and performed consistently. This high-quality lighter was easy to operate and performed exceptionally well.
I cannot speak enough about the performance. I love how this lighter can be used for precision lighting, and as I’ve said above, the fuel indicator and flame adjuster are as good as they come.
Keeping this lighter clean is my concern – and I worry about fuel clogging in the open aperture. I can see how igniting the lighter created residue around the aperture, so it is probably a matter of time before the lighter clogs. All in all, though, the positives far exceed the negatives.
Regarding the price point, the S.T. Dupont Défi XXTrême (white) is a $345.00 lighter. I’ve said what follows many times: While S.T. Dupont makes lighters in a much higher price range, I would still put this unit in the same category as Rolex watches. I believe S.T. Dupont makes some of the best lighters in the industry. This is simply a fabulous product, and it easily earns a buy recommendation.
Photo/Video Credits: Cigar Coop
Source: Purchased
