Super exciting review on... matches

tknife

tknife

Joined
Mar 18, 1999
Messages
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Okay, not the most exciting thing, but these are pretty good. I always seem to end up at REI after a hike, guess it gets me jazzed up and thinking I need... something :D

I was lucky and didn't walk out spending too much though, just got the matches and a 2 pack of Fox 40 whistles.

The only other "storm proof" matches I have used have been the Lifeboat matches that come in the little white snap close containers.

These are made by a company called UCO. They come in a nice bright yellow container with an o-ring sealed screw on cap and a striker on the side.
P1000167.jpg

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Inside there are 25 matches, two extra strikers, and some cotton for rattle prevention and for tinder
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These suckers are much larger than the lifeboat matches I've used
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They throw a strong, slow burning flame. I didn't time it, but it took a good 10-15 seconds to burn down the match head. I was also swinging it around trying to create some wind but it stayed going strong.

Next test will be to drop it in water...:thumbup:
 
Let us know how it goes :D

I've had my eyes peeled for those around here. None around yet. That yellow case they come in looks alright. I am wondering if the striker strip on the side becomes wet , can you dry it off and still strike one?
 
I will do more tests with water, and I will get the striker wet as well and see what happens. I would definitely rather do it at home, than when I am in a real need :thumbup:

I also saw these at REI, and I am almost positive they are the same kind of match but without the container. http://www.rei.com/product/617046/rei-stormproof-matches

So if they're good, I can replace them for a little less money.
 
Right on, thanks for the videos MT :thumbup: It's great to see what they can go through. So I have seen them before, and passed them by. It was the bright yellow container that caught my eye, so they did good on adding that (I'm like a raccoon, attracted to shiny things :D )
 
I'm sure they'll be glad to know their ploy worked! :)

also look for my extra double secret mod you can do for your match safe (hint it's in WS&S :D)
 
I got some of those, but they were in a box instead of the ducky little match safe. I haven't had a chance to try them yet. Thanks for the vids.
 
hiwa said:
I am wondering if the striker strip on the side becomes wet , can you dry it off and still strike one?
Click to expand...

I'd be interested in this as well. All of the striker strips I've seen have simply torn apart once wet.
 
Don't light them inside, lots of smelly smoke, and you can't put them out.
 
Those look pretty good... I'm curious about the striker getting wet as well.

I bought a brick of Coughlan's waterproof matches... they are really inconsistent. One will light well and easy, the next is a crooked piece of wood that breaks when you try to strike it, and the next doesn't have enough of a tip on it to get it to light on the striker.

These look significantly better.
 
Of the several boxes I have, each match looks great. None have failed to strike, light, or burn.
 
w/ mine I keep the striker inside the safe, actually it's enclosed in plastic and then in the safe- not sure how rugged the striker's are, but figured no sense chancing anything :)

matchsafe.jpg
 
There are spare strikers on the inside, and they are sealed. If the one outside gets wet or worn down you can replace it. This thing comes in OD green too.
 
I dont think a red phosphorus strike-pad can handle moisture. Thats why Exotac's placed it underneath the lid on their Matchcap.

But id be really interested to find out if you they have fixed that problem.
 
"I will do more tests with water, and I will get the striker wet as well and see what happens. I would definitely rather do it at home, than when I am in a real need"

You'd think that, but you know I tested every single one of mine and they worked just fine at home. Then I get out in the field and for some danged reason NOT A SINGLE ONE LIT (on a dry day, too!)!!!
 
I wrapped a regular strike-pad outside my Matchcap, and use the original pad underneath the screw-off cap as a backup.

For those of you who've seen it...Forgive me for the recycled pic.

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jeverettk said:
"I will do more tests with water, and I will get the striker wet as well and see what happens. I would definitely rather do it at home, than when I am in a real need"

You'd think that, but you know I tested every single one of mine and they worked just fine at home. Then I get out in the field and for some danged reason NOT A SINGLE ONE LIT (on a dry day, too!)!!!
Click to expand...

Were they the same matches? I know Murphy's Law is always at work, but that's crazy that none of them would light!
 
jeverettk said:
You'd think that, but you know I tested every single one of mine and they worked just fine at home. Then I get out in the field and for some danged reason NOT A SINGLE ONE LIT (on a dry day, too!)!!!
Click to expand...

You then proceeded to throw away your matches, pulled out your firesteel and lit your fire, correct? :D
 
I think it's because he "tested" (read: struck) every single one of them at home! So they were all used and, thus, wouldn't be able to light. :p
 
Here's a super snazzy Hollywood type video I did for my water testing ;) :D

[youtube]vy3M2QVx8gc[/youtube]

Conclusion: Wet or damp striker won't work at all, but the wet match worked fine with a dry striker :thumbup:

And another good thing, the match case floats.
 
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