Short answer: The GTT Lynx and the GTT Bobcat are both single-stage, 7-jet surface-mix torches from Glass Torch Technologies, so the difference is not jet count or flame size class. It is control, fuel pressure and price. The Bobcat ($275) is GTT’s standard surface-mix torch with two valves, runs on fuel pressure as low as 1/4 psi, and is the beginner-friendly choice. The Lynx ($525) runs GTT’s patented Triple Mix, with a third oxygen valve that lets you sharpen the flame to a pinpoint or soften it to a brush, and GTT rates it for larger solid boro. For a first torch, especially on household natural gas, buy the Bobcat. If you already know you want fine flame control, or plan to grow into GTT’s multi-stage torches, the Lynx is the one to learn on.
If you’re still mapping the bigger decision, start with the complete glass torch buyer’s guide; this article zooms in on these two GTT models specifically.
Same jet count, different mix
Both torches are surface mix: the fuel and the oxygen stay separate until they leave the torch face and burn at the surface. That gives the quiet, adjustable, color-friendly flame GTT builds its whole line around. The split between these two is in how the oxygen is delivered. The Bobcat is GTT’s standard surface-mix torch, while the Lynx runs GTT’s patented Triple Mix, which adds a secondary oxygen feed. For the mechanism, see GTT Triple Mix technology, and for how both compare with older premix designs, surface mix vs premix torches. Source: GTT, Triple Mix torches.
GTT Bobcat, the starter that runs on house gas
The Bobcat is GTT’s do-it-all single-stage bench torch. On GTT’s own page:
- Flame and capacity. A flame from a 2-inch pinpoint up to about 9/16 inch by 13 inches, enough for 1.5-inch solid borosilicate and boro pendants up to 3 inches, plus soft-glass beads.
- Oxygen. GTT says it runs well on a 5 LPM, 5 psi oxygen concentrator, is optimal on 8 LPM, and does extremely well on 10 LPM or tanked oxygen. Its Flow Rate Chart gives ~8.5 LPM at the largest usable flame, so a small concentrator feeds most of its range.
- Fuel pressure. The Flow Rate Chart lists the Bobcat at 1/4 to 5 psi fuel at its largest usable flame, which is why the Bobcat can run on unboosted household natural gas.
- Controls. Two valves, red for fuel and green for oxygen, per its instruction sheet. There is less to learn, and less to dial.
It sits in the entry price band, and it is a torch you can work for years rather than one you outgrow in a month. If you want the oxygen math in detail, see how many LPM the GTT Bobcat needs. Sources: GTT Bobcat, Bobcat instruction sheet (PDF).
GTT Lynx, the Triple Mix detail torch
The Lynx is GTT’s compact Triple Mix torch built around a pinpoint flame. What separates it from the Bobcat in practice is the third valve. Its instruction sheet assigns red to fuel, green to the main oxygen and blue to the secondary oxygen: red and green give a soft, brushy flame, red and blue with the green off give a small, very focused flame, and all three give the hottest flame and the widest range. That range is why detail and color workers favor it, and it is also why it asks more of a beginner.
Two specifications cut against the “detail torch only” reputation. GTT rates the Lynx for solid borosilicate up to 2 inches, against 1.5 inches for the Bobcat, and the Lynx is the center fire inside GTT’s larger multi-stage torches, from the Phantom and Mirage up to the Delta Elite, so the valve habits you build on it carry straight over. GTT also sells it as a Lynx hand torch, which the Bobcat is not.
The trade-offs: the Lynx sits in the mid price band at $525, and it wants more fuel pressure. The Flow Rate Chart lists the Lynx at 5 to 8 psi fuel and 10 to 15 psi oxygen at its largest usable flame, and the Lynx instruction sheet gives 5 to 8 psi propane and 15 to 25 psi oxygen, so the Lynx belongs with propane or boosted natural gas rather than an unboosted house line. Its oxygen draw, ~9.5 LPM on the same chart, is only slightly above the Bobcat’s; see GTT Lynx oxygen concentrator requirements for what that means for one concentrator. Sources: GTT Lynx, Lynx instruction sheet (PDF), Flow Rate Chart (PDF).
Side-by-side: Lynx vs Bobcat
Figures below come from the manufacturer’s own pages and manuals where we have them, and are labelled as estimates where they are ours. Configurations and prices change; confirm the current spec with GTT before you buy.
| Factor | GTT Bobcat | GTT Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Mix type | Surface mix (standard) | Surface mix (Triple Mix) |
| Jets / stages | 7, single-stage | 7, single-stage |
| Mount | Bench | Bench or hand |
| Valves | Two: fuel, oxygen | Three: fuel, main oxygen, secondary oxygen |
| GTT capacity claim | 1.5 in solid boro; pendants to 3 in | Solid boro up to 2 in |
| Fuel psi, largest usable flame (Flow Rate Chart) | 1/4 to 5 | 5 to 8 |
| Oxygen, largest usable flame (estimate) | ~8.5 LPM | ~9.5 LPM |
| Skill level (our catalog) | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
| Price | $275 | $525 |
Sources: GTT Bobcat, GTT Lynx, Flow Rate Chart (PDF).
Which should you buy?
- First torch, or one torch to do it all on a budget: Bobcat. Two valves, a forgiving flame, a small oxygen supply and the lower price make it the lower-risk start.
- Your studio runs on household natural gas with no booster: Bobcat. Its 1/4 psi fuel floor is the deciding spec; the Lynx’s chart row starts at 5 psi.
- Detail, stringer and color work where flame shape matters: Lynx. The secondary oxygen valve is the reason to pay the difference.
- You expect to move up to a Phantom, Mirage or bigger GTT torch later: Lynx. It is the center fire of those torches, so you learn the controls once.
- You want a hand torch as well as a bench option: Lynx. GTT sells a Lynx hand torch; it does not list a Bobcat one.
A useful way to frame it: the Bobcat is about simplicity and supply (do many things well on modest gas and oxygen), and the Lynx is about control (more ways to shape the same size of flame). For a wider look at entry torches, see the best beginner glass torch guide, and for the next step up from the Bobcat, GTT Bobcat vs Cheetah.
Don’t forget oxygen and fuel
Plan the supply with the torch. The Bobcat’s fuel and oxygen numbers suit a home studio with one concentrator and house gas; the Lynx is happiest on propane or boosted natural gas, with an oxygen source that holds its pressure. Fit the flashback protection your torch and gas supply call for, and ventilate the space properly. For the full breakdown of oxygen, fuel and budgeting the whole system, see the complete buyer’s guide.
Key takeaways
- The Bobcat and Lynx are both 7-jet, single-stage GTT surface-mix torches; only the Lynx uses GTT’s patented Triple Mix, with a third, secondary oxygen valve.
- Bobcat: $275, two valves, 1/4 to 5 psi fuel on GTT’s chart, the beginner and house-gas choice.
- Lynx: $525, three valves, rated for solid boro up to 2 inches, wants 5 to 8 psi fuel, and is the center fire of GTT’s bigger torches.
- Most first-time buyers should buy the Bobcat; choose the Lynx when flame control is the point or a bigger GTT torch is the plan.
Related guides
- Surface mix vs premix torches
- GTT Triple Mix technology
- GTT Lynx oxygen concentrator requirements
- Is the GTT Bobcat good for beginners?
- How to choose a glass torch: the complete buyer’s guide
- Best beginner glass torch
Sources
- GTT, “Bobcat”: https://www.glasstorchtech.com/bobcat
- GTT, “Lynx”: https://www.glasstorchtech.com/lynx
- GTT, “Triple Mix Torches”: https://www.glasstorchtech.com/triple-mix-torches
- GTT, Flow Rate Chart (PDF; fuel and oxygen at the largest usable flame, tested on propane): https://www.glasstorchtech.com/_files/ugd/0f433e_940fa1536d544665a118116eb9542e62.pdf
- GTT, Lynx bench torch instruction sheet (PDF): https://www.glasstorchtech.com/_files/ugd/0f433e_2cc690cf1a864891b9bab3e0d745bb89.pdf
- GTT, Bobcat instruction sheet (PDF): https://www.glasstorchtech.com/_files/ugd/0f433e_ca86d174db4a40fe8bd70834dc70dea6.pdf
Editor’s note: GTT’s Flow Rate Chart figures are rounded, measured on propane, and describe the largest usable flame; GTT says natural gas draws roughly 2.5 times the propane volume and that actual use is generally lower. The Lynx’s own instruction sheet gives a higher oxygen pressure range than the chart. Prices are GTT’s listed prices as recorded in our catalog; confirm current specs and prices with GTT before you buy.