Time for a new torch

I am looking for a replacement for my 30 year old Harris oxy-acetylene torch. Has anybody had experience with the newer torches. The china made replacement stuff for the old Harris is terrible if not outright dangerous, and I am tired of seeing flames coming out around the threads. So I am looking for recommendations on a new torch. Please don't bother to tell me about how good your old Victor is. I know they were good, but what about the new ones? Or any other brands.
 
As others have said Miller now owns the Smith name. As long as nothing has changed in the quality, buy a Smith, and you, your kids, and you grandkids, will never need to buy another new torch.

I know Dad has had his Smith torches since the 70's without issue. Mine was bought new about 20 years ago, and has some old stuff mixed in too, and again, no issues to speak of.
 
As far as I'm concerned there are only 2 types of torches, Smith and everyone else. This is especially true for the problems you mentioned as they are the only brand that uses gasketed seals in the torch tip.
 
I am a Victor guy. Used one fairly hard since 1968. Just new hoses and one regulator. Also get a small one ans single stage regulators. Did buy a Victor clone to cary in truck. It doesn't get much use but seems ok. About 5yrs old.
 
Well since you only want to hear about new torches not the ones that have been in service for 30 years you may want to buy . I got nothin'.
 
OK you have me convinced. I'm shopping around for a Smith now. As far as the rebuild, I tried that. The rebuild guy said the seats needed to be reground as well as seals replaced. He may or may not known what he was talking about, but he quoted a price that was almost the price of a new one. Now I loved my old Harris fat body torches. I had three of them at one time and kept cannibalizing the old ones for parts. But enough is enough. The new seals don't quite fit, and the new threads don't quite seal. So it's time to move on. So again thanks for the input.
 
I must be the only one who has had trouble with a Smith. Wanted to send one of their MW series in for repair about twenty years ago, and the service rep told me that they were the only models that were not covered by their lifetime warranty. I think they have since shortened the warranty to three years, but at the time I went without a few lunches just so I could get a Smith. Threw it away and got a Victor. Try to do my research over the internet now, and stay away from salesmen.
 

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