Studio Demonstration | Kristina Logan 

If you're working soft glass like Kristina Logan is in this video, then I would look at the GTT Lynx (The torch she is using here looks like an old GTT Lynx (The graphite pad on top is sold separately)). I use it for small Borosilicate Glass work like marbles and other things (Kristina is using soft glass, which is must more finicky when it comes to heat). When you start getting into the bigger items like functional glass pieces (Things to smoke out of) you would be looking at one of the 2 or 3 stage torches from GTT. They are rather expensive, and you need to remember to put some money aside for ventilation, but the Lynx from GTT is about $500. The 2 stage torch I want (GTT Phantom) is $1,200. GTT Torches aren't the only brand out there though, but after using a few other torches (Redmax and a Carlisle) the GTT torches (In my opinion) are the top tier of the torches. They're triple mix which means you can adjust the flame REALLY precious. I use Mountain Glass for all my glass needs and find tools around the house that help also.

Gtt cricket hands down. It doesn’t need as much oxygen, so just one oxycon. I make boro marbles to small 104 spacers. If not that, then the bethleham alpha. Perfect entry torches all the way to serious work. I do production work on both. Both are around 200.00.

Teaching/rental studios do upgrade their torches, and people retire. You'll get a deep discount buying used, and you'll know it's a well-loved model of torch, and you may be able to buy the rest of the setup, too. There are subreddits with lots of good Q&A about getting set up---the expensive part is the the space/studio, not the torch. People seem to really love the price point and flexibility of the Bethlehem Alpha if you want something new.