I have a zippo blu, one of the first ones to hit the shelves,
and I have to respectfully disagree with some portions of this review.

Ok, the case could be a bit thicker, and yes, it could be more wind resistant, I agree with your points there, but as for the random flame height, and the unreliability of ignition, I've only seen those issues crop up when using Ronson butane.

With Colibri butane, I get mainly first try ignition, and a dependable flame height, unless the lighter is low on fuel, and by low, I mean you have only one or two ignitions left.

The unreliability and flame height problems you are describing do sound like fuel issues to me.

To properly light the Blu, first press down on the spark wheel, hold it for a second or so, then spark it, in the process pressing and holding the fuel button. If you don't first hold the wheel down, then the lighter will not light reliabily.

I've lit my Blu while wearing gloves, but down here in Alabama, we don't have much use for heavy gloves, so YMMV.

Now all this being said, the Blu is a great lighter for urban use, or for lighting ciggarettes, but not exactly what I'd keep in my bob or carry while camping. For that I use either bic lighters or Tiger lighters. Tigers will digest and burn any butane out there. I just had one finally go TU after six years or so of daily use, and am certainly in the market for another.