Since there has been some interest recently in the Thunderbird butane inserts here is a short photo review.
The Thunderbird American Vintage insert made by Vector/KGM Industries specifically for their Thunderbird series of windproof lighters is a quality product with superb fit and finish, and back by a limited lifetime warranty. Most importantly is just happens to fit Zippo cases perfectly.
The white polymer housing is completely sealed eliminating any chance of leakage, but the somewhat translucent plastic does make visually checking the fluid level difficult. You need to hold it up to an extremely bright light.
The base of the insert is just like any other refillable butane lighter - with a refill nozzle and flame adjustment screw. There is also a flint tube similar to the original Zippo inserts for easy flint replacement.
Flow of the butane is accomplished with the cam arm which not only keeps the lid of the ligther from flopping around but in this case also acts as the actuator. In the closed position it pushes down on the spring lever shuting off the flow. Once the lighter is open the flow starts. This could be a problem if you like to play with your Zippo, constantly opening and closing it. Which would increase the need to refill it.
The Thunderbird insert is the same size as an original Zippo insert but the finish is much nicer. The chimney is chrome plated and the material quite thick compared to the standard insert, giving it a more robust feel
The flame is slightly off center due to the positioning of the nozzle which is placed closer to the flint wheel for a positive ignition everytime.
The Thunderbird insert fits quite snugly in the standard Zippo cases (not sure about the Armor case) which is a good thing as with some Zippo's the original inserts get loose and tend to ride up everytime you open the lighter.
In summary this is a well made butane insert and a perfect upgrade to any Zippo, especially vintage or sentimental Zippo's you want to keep. It maintains the look and feel of a traditional Zippo but eliminates the hassle and mess of a weekly lighter fluid fill up and butane is odourless. Although for die hard Zippo fans thats the whole point of a Zippo and switching to butane just takes away from the experience of owning an American icon.
If your looking for a soft flame butane insert, the Thunderbird by Vector is the one for you.
PROS:
well made with lifetime warranty
fits Zippo's perfectly
butane - odourless, lasts longer
leakproof housing
easy upgrade to any Zippo
CONS:
white fluid tank makes seeing butane level difficult
