Choosing a torch is like choosing a pair of shoes .... the important things are (in no specific order): function, comfort, and price.
* Function: What do you plan to do with the torch? Hard or soft glass? Rod or tubing? Beads, pendents, marbles, paperweights, sculpture, or pipes? Will you be using liquid oxygen, bottles, or an oxycon? What is your experience level? Do you want a single stage torch, or a multi stage (independent inner/outer flame)? *ALL* of this influences your torch selection.
* Comfort: Some people love GTT torches, and won't use anything else. Similarly, some people will only drive BMWs. Don't get me wrong, GTT makes great torches. Just remember that there are other torches out there.
What are *you* comfortable using? How many torches have you actually worked on? You may find that, for what you do and the way you work, you might better like a Carlisle, or Herbert Arnold, or National, or .... The only way for you to know is to actually work on one. It doesn't matter what torch *I* am comfortable using, what matters is what torch *you* are comfortable using.
* Price: Someone might suggest something like a GTT Delta Mag as being the best torch in the world, but if you don't have $4000 to spend on a torch, what difference does it make? If we don't know your budget, suggesting torches out of your budget doesn't help, does it?
Keep in mind the operating expenses. Some torches are more efficient with their use of both gas and oxygen. Like buying a car, it may be better in the long run to spend a little more up front for a more efficient torch, and save on the cost of gas and oxygen down the road.
Also, some torches keep their resale value better than others.
And, your next torch need not be your last torch. Just as you are upgrading from a Hot Head now, you may, in the future, upgrade again. This need not be the last torch you ever buy.
Oh, and don't be afraid of getting a used torch. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a used torch, getting you much more torch for your money.
But seriously, no one can tell you what shoes are best for you, nor can we tell you what torch is best. You really need to "try them on" yourself, and see what feels good.
Malcolm
PS: These aren't "duel fuel" torches, they are Oxy/Fuel torches. Oxygen is not a fuel.
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