Spark-Lite

[Joben]

Hi guys.

Anyone have thoughts on the Spark-Lite firestarter?
(As if i really need more firebuilding stuff, but this one caught my eye )

It looks like a scaled up cigarette-lighter sparker...spin the wheel.

It seems to have a few things going for it, small, light, cheap, one handed operation, waterproof.

 

[Chinpo]

I have one that I got in an AMK Survival kit. I've only used it a few times for practice and to make sure it worked, so I can't comment on it's durability or average life span.
I found that it threw enough sparks to easily light dryer lint, PJCBs, toilet paper and some shaved wood. It was simple to use one handed in good conditions. If your hands were really cold, I think it would be far more difficult to spin the little wheel.
It's very light and compact, but anything with working parts has more chance of failing, so I prefer to use an LMF. It's also only good for approximately 1000 sparks.
I think it has it's place as a back up firelighter, but for continuous use, something more rugged is called for.

 

[Marion David Poff]

The Spark-Lite is pretty cool, the inventor proved that you could use it to light a fire with your feet, if I remember correctly.

An article by Doug Ritter.... http://www.equipped.com/firestrt.htm

 

[hikeeba]

I've got several, and have used them from time to time. They've always worked well for me. I like them because they are really small and lightweight. They allow for a teeny-tiny fire kit. IIRC, you should be able to get about 1000 sparks off the Spark-Lite.

 

[go2ndAmend]

They are very small and lightweight. I have one stashed in each of my compact and mini PSK's. They are not that easy to use, but do work. I would not want to depend on them if I was slightly hypothermic as they are so small it would be difficult to use them. That said, they are certainly much better than nothing.