Xikar released the HP3Triple FlameLighter in 2018 as a followup to 2017's HP4 quad flame lighter we reviewed and loved here. The lighter uses an in-line configuration of triple flames with the outside jets angled 8 degrees toward the center so they converge into one big flame. The HP3 comes in 4 finishes: Burnt Yellow, Daytona Red, Matte Black and G2. My sample is the Daytona red. The HP3 also features a large adjustment wheel, pull-down ignition, and EZ-View Fuel Window. MSRP is $99.99.
Look & Feel
The HP3 is much less cumbersome than its bigger brother the HP4, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It lays much flatter in your pocket or in a case, although it is still slightly too thick to lay down in the accessory compartment of the Xikar Cigar Locker that I still use all the time without the lid sticking up a bit, and is really my only complaint about this lighter. The HP3 takes everything I loved about the HP4 and gives it to you in a thinner and, dare I say, more appealing package. Technically is isn't a ton lighter or smaller than the HP4, it's actually wider, but the thinness is exactly what makes it better.
The appearance of the HP3 is great. It's got sleeker lines and an overall better shape than the HP4. I also love that you can get it in the same color as the VX2 V-Cut and Ensō, which I have. It's pretty awesome rolling into an event or busting out the cigar locker with a group of friends and handing out a matching set of accessories. I have to mention the honeycomb texture on the back, button, and flip-lid as well. It's a small detail, but really makes a difference when holding it in the hand, that little extra grip is nice.
Performance
Since starting to use this lighter I am completely sold on the linear 3 flame setup. My biggest complaint with the HP4 was that the flame was sometimes too big. This happened because all 4 jets are in a square pattern and converge at the top. Here, with the HP3, it's a small difference, but a dramatic improvement and I actually prefer it. With the three flames, you can of course still use all that firepower at your disposal to light a larger cigar fairly quickly. What's new, is that when you turn the lighter sideways, you can now get that precision smaller flame for minor adjustments. It's the best of both worlds.
Functionally, the HP3 is exactly what you expect from Xikar. It lights pretty much every time, has the red indicated fuel window so you know exactly how much fuel is left, and it feels really good and solidly constructed when you flip the top open and pull down the ignition. Also, of course, if has the large adjustment wheel which has pretty much become standard these days and sometimes taken for granted. One cool addition to this adjustment wheel is the arrow and marker to show you a reference point for your preferred setting. You can easily go back to the flame height you normally keep it at if you turned it down to fill it.
Overall
I love love love this lighter, it may be my favorite Xikarlighter. You get the precision of a single flame when you want it, and the massive lighting power of a triple flame when you're first lighting. My dad loved it so much after using it during my testing that I got him one as a birthday present. In my opinion, this lighter is well worth the $100 price tag, and you can find it cheaper if you look around. This will be my go-to lighter for the near future and has a permanent spot in my Xikar Cigar Locker.
