I’ll be honest: I was buzzing for the release of the Rothenberger Superfire Pro. I was one of those guys waiting for it to finally hit the shelves so I could get my hands on one. On paper, it looked like the ultimate upgrade for any gas engineer’s van.
The big selling point that got everyone excited was the Twist ‘N’ Lock system. The idea of having 8 interchangeable nozzles—from a heavy-duty Cyclone burner to a fine Pin-point tip—was massive. Being able to swap tips in seconds for different pipe sizes or soldering tasks without needing extra tools? I couldn’t wait to put it to work.
One Year Later: The Reality Check
After a full year of using this torch in the field, from South West London to the South Bank, that initial excitement has definitely worn off. Here is the no-nonsense breakdown of how it actually performs after the “new tool” smell is gone.
The Good
Versatility: The interchangeable nozzle system is genuinely clever. For the variety of jobs we see across London, having those nozzle options is a real advantage.
The Bad (The Dealbreakers)
- Inconsistent Flame: This is the biggest letdown. Rothenberger promised precision, but the flame is temperamental. I’ll set it to a specific level, and it will spike from low to high on its own while I’m working. You need a steady flame you can trust; this isn’t it.
- Ignition Struggles: The piezo spark generator started off great, but after a year, it’s hit-or-miss. I’m often clicking it three or four times just to get a light. My old Superfire 2 still fires up on the first click, every single time.
- The “Feel”: The adjustment valve feels “mushy” compared to the solid, crisp brass feel of the older model.
The Verdict
I really wanted to love the Superfire Pro. The nozzle system is brilliant, but the core performance—the flame stability and the igniter—just doesn’t hold a candle to the Superfire 2. If you’re looking for a torch that works first time, every time, stay with the classic.