Freedom Flame Rechargeable Flexible Arc Lighter

Freedom Flame is a rechargeable flexible-arc lighter. Instead of a traditional flame, it uses pulse-arc technology to create a windproof electric arc for lighting candles, tinder, a grill or a fire pit, with a built-in penlight to help you find what you're lighting.

It gives you a portable, refuelable way to light things without butane or matches. The flexible arm reaches into a candle jar, chafing dish or fire pit, and the arc lights your kindling even in wind, handy for everyday use and for blackouts.

Power it on, press the button to activate the pulse arc, and touch the arc to your kindling or wick. It recharges over USB, so you can top it off from a power bank, laptop or solar charger. Four blue lights show when it's fully charged.

Because it uses an electric arc rather than an open butane flame, it avoids loose flames and fuel fumes, but the arc is hotter than a flame and will burn skin or materials on contact. Keep it away from children, switch it off after use, and follow the included instructions.

It's very light at about 1.87 oz and pocket-sized, easy to keep in a kitchen drawer, camp kit or go-bag. The flexible neck makes it easy to aim into tight spots without bringing your hand close to the heat.

There's no fuel to refill; it runs on a rechargeable battery you top off by USB. Run time depends on how long each light cycle lasts, and the four-light indicator tells you when it's full. Recharge it periodically so it's ready in an outage.

Compared with disposable butane lighters, it recharges instead of running out of fuel, and its windproof arc works where a flame would blow out. Compared with matches, it stays usable for years and reaches into spots a match can't.

One handles everyday lighting for a household. Many people keep a second in a go-bag or vehicle so they always have a way to make fire. If you rely on candles or a grill during outages, a backup is worth having.