TOPS firestarter vs Doan or BSA hot spark?

L

lumpymike1

Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
476
Just wanted to check and see what people thought of the TOPS firestarter, the one with 2 mag rods and the ferrocium pressed into the aluminum handle.

I know that it is more expensive than a DOAN or a BSA hotspark, both of which I have and use.

Any users or feedback on it?

Thanks

Mike
 
Used them all and the TOPS is it, for me of the 3. I started a couple fires with the TOPS in Peru and it was fun. One strike was an accidental with the RAT Izula and the shower of sparks caught the tinder so I was happy.

There is an article coming out soon on the TOPS Firestarter.

In South America
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I'll have to through in a word of caution.

This is not a knock against TOPS. This is "test your gear before you need it."

As witnessed by myself and the friend mentioned:

While not sourced directly from TOPS, a friend purchased the same rod (likely the same rod, but I cannot be 100% certain), which failed to provide adequate sparks from the ferro rod portion. Instead, continued striking wore away the rod. Weak sparks every eighth strike or so.

It was struck with a P38 can opener, Light My Fire striker, squared knife spine, Corona sharpener, and SAK saw. These same strikers were used on a BSA hot spark as well as a Light My Fire Army model ferro rod for comparison with satisfactory sparking.

My guess is there was a QC issue with that batch of rods and may well be an isolated issue.

Again, this is a word to check new gear before heading into the woods.

I otherwise like the form factor of the TOPS unit over the DOAN, like the inclusion of magnesium over the BSA Hotspark (which I have on my keychain), and it's NOT one of those latest misch-metal made-in-China you-have-to-strike-fast-and-away-from-tinder roads. I've gotten to rather dislike those new rods.
 
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