Matches 20cm (PROF) 40pcs
Lighters & torches
by Prof
PROF 20cm Matches — Long Reach, Low Profile
PROF 20cm matches are extra-long wooden matches designed to light pipes, joints, candles, and anything else that keeps your fingers at a safe distance from the flame. Each pack holds 40 matches in a slim, flat box that slides into a jacket pocket or stash bag without adding bulk. At 20cm per stick, you get roughly twice the reach of a standard match — enough to angle into a deep pipe bowl or hold steady while a wick catches.
If you've ever singed your thumb trying to spark a short match at an awkward angle, you already know why these exist. The extended wooden stem gives you a solid 8–10 seconds of burn time before the flame reaches your fingers, which is more than enough for most lighting tasks. The PROF brand has been a staple in European tobacconist shops for years, and these particular matches strike reliably on the box strip without snapping.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | PROF |
| Match length | 20cm |
| Quantity per pack | 40 matches |
| Material | Wood with phosphorus tip |
| Box design | Slim, flat profile |
| SKU | HS1659 |
| Strike type | Safety match (strikes on box) |
Pair these with a glass pipe or a rolling tray to keep your setup tidy. If you prefer a refillable flame source for windy days, a clipper lighter makes a solid backup — but for flavour-conscious smokers, nothing beats the clean, sulphur-free taste of a wooden match once the head has burned off.
Why Long Matches Beat Short Ones (and Lighters)
We get asked all the time: why bother with matches when lighters exist? Fair question. The honest answer is taste. Butane lighters add a faint chemical flavour to your first draw — most people don't notice it with cigarettes, but through a glass pipe or with a carefully rolled joint, you can tell the difference. A wooden match, once you let the phosphorus head burn away for a second or two, gives you a clean, neutral flame. That matters if you care about what you're tasting.
The 20cm length solves the other classic match problem: reach. Standard 4–5cm matches are borderline useless for lighting a deep-bowled pipe or a candle that's burned halfway down its jar. You end up tilting the match downward, the flame races toward your fingers, and you either drop it or burn yourself. With 20cm of stem, you can hold the match level or even point it slightly downward and still have plenty of wood left. We've timed it — you get a good 8–10 seconds of usable flame per match, compared to roughly 3–4 seconds on a regular kitchen match.
The one honest limitation: wind. Matches lose to a windproof lighter every time outdoors. If you're mostly lighting up outside at festivals or on a terrace, keep a lighter as backup. But indoors or in any sheltered spot, these are the better tool.
How to Use PROF 20cm Matches
- Slide the matchbox open and remove a single match. The slim box design means they're packed snugly — pull straight out rather than at an angle to avoid snapping the stem.
- Hold the match about 3–4cm from the phosphorus tip and strike firmly along the box's striking strip in one smooth motion. Short, hesitant strokes tend to crumble the tip rather than ignite it.
- Once lit, hold the match at a slight upward angle for 1–2 seconds to let the initial phosphorus flare burn off. This removes the sulphur taste and lets the wood catch properly.
- Bring the clean flame to your pipe bowl, joint tip, candle wick, or birthday cake. The 20cm length lets you keep your fingers well clear — angle as needed without rushing.
- Blow out the match once you're done and place it on a heat-safe surface or ashtray. Don't toss a still-glowing match into a bin — common sense, but worth saying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each 20cm PROF match burn?
Around 8–10 seconds of usable flame, depending on whether you hold it level or angled. That's roughly double the burn time of a standard short match, giving you plenty of time to light a pipe bowl or candle without rushing.
Will these matches fit in a normal pocket?
Yes. The box is flat and slim — about 21cm long but only around 4cm wide and a few millimetres thick. It slides into a jacket pocket, cargo pocket, or bag compartment without adding noticeable bulk.
Do 20cm matches taste better than a lighter for smoking?
Most pipe and joint smokers say yes. Once you let the phosphorus head burn off for a second, you're left with a clean wood flame — no butane aftertaste. The difference is subtle but noticeable, especially through glass.
Are these safety matches or strike-anywhere?
Safety matches. They only ignite on the striking strip on the side of the box, which makes them safer to carry in a pocket. You won't accidentally light one by sitting down.
How many matches come in a pack?
Each box contains 40 matches. At 20cm each, that's 8 metres of matchstick in one slim pack — enough for weeks of regular use or one very ambitious birthday cake.
Last updated: April 2026
