Sparklite Firestarter

[Idaho Jarhead]

Have you guys heard of this Sparklite? Wondering how and if they work....

Here is the direct link

 

[Fallbrook Forge]

http://www.lifeviewoutdoors.com/store/survivalgear/spark-lite-fire-starter.html

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook%20Gear/Fire%20Starters/Spark-Lite%20Fire%20Starter/Owner%20Review%20by%20Andrew%20Mytys/

http://www.equipped.org/firestrt.htm

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/spark_lite_fire_starter_basic.html

http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?page=article&id_article=45

http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/sl.html

google my friend, google.
I haven't used one, but from what I gather they are pretty good for a tiny, itty bitty spark maker

 

[abo4ster]

Good to have if you injured a hand or arm. Other than that, didn't really care for it as you can't control the amount of force applied to the rod. Also, you are relying on something with multiple and movable parts. Plus you can't see the condition of the rod over time.

If you are looking for something small and reliable, try sparky which is about the same size with the magnesium...

http://www.wisementrading.com/firestarters/magnesium.htm

 

[longbow50]

I've been using the Spark-lite and it's tinder for several years. No problems at all getting a fire going in wet & windy weather. No problems with the sparker, though I've used several units, only one has seen more than 50 or so uses.

Still, I carry at least three methods of ignition and like many here, my primary is a ferro rod (BSA Hotspark).

 

[HornyToad]

I have a sparklite that I bought many years ago when they were made of brass rather than plastic. It doesn't throw a shower of sparks like a firesteel but it does provide a reliable spark, basically a bic with no fuel. Everyone seems to carry cotton balls coated in vasilene. If you pull out some loose fibers (uncoated) stick the wheel right into them, they will light everytime. If it's windy, just hold the cotton in one hand and flick the wheel with your other. Get ready to stick the cotton into your tinder because it will be on fire. Unit is very small, light and easy to use. Carry your firesteel too for backup. Just like a Zippo, you can unscrew the spring to make sure you have plenty of flint before your next outing.

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

When I was a young Boy Scout I was taking a class at summer camp to get the "Wilderness Survival" merit badge. I don't remember the details, but one of the requirements was to make a fire by three different methods, one of them being flint and steel. One of the boys had a little wheel that you could rev up, then push a button and it shot a stream of sparks into your tinder. I never saw it, but heard about it from a bunch of the kids. I have never been able to find anything like that, but thought this might be close. Has anyone ever seen what I am talking about? This was more than a couple days ago, so the details aren't there...