Exotac NanoStriker XL Fire Starter Review

[@SensiblePrepper]

Exotac 20% off Sootch20 Coupon Code www.exotac.com/?ref=fre1w9xvbvmq

[@jt-xn8bw]

Thanks for the tip about pulling "away"on the striker -this is another great video

[@rebelscout19d95]

I bought this one a few years ago at a good price. I have used this on multiple camping trips. It's also my EDC firestarter. I love this company they make excellent firestarters.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for sharing Brother!

[@rebelscout19d95]

@@SensiblePrepper Its part of an EDC kit I carry in my patrol vehicle. Love both of your channels and have been a long time subscriber! Keep up the great work Sootch! Hope to meet you one day of you come back to Atlanta.

[@mylifeisamememylifeispathe3140]

I think all men should know how to build a good fire. I practiced my fire building it's a lot harder than it seems especially when it's cold outside. Practice whenever you can.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Agreed. It's much harder than most people think. Thanks Brother

[@tomislavobrovac9313]

@@andrethedias it's one of those things everyone should learn. Like riding a bike, swimming, patch up a small wound, do some basic cooking, fixing up your sink etc. It's called being a self-reliant adult. I don't understand how can someone live their whole lives without picking up some of those basic living skills, no matter where you live or do for a living.

[@danlabowskie9428]

You have me sold. I carry a ferro rod in my pocket. I got hot and it got full of sweat and started to corrod. I have been looking at the exotac xl for awhile now and I'm just going to get it. I know it'll be worth it. Thanks. I love your videos.

[@surferbum65]

I have one of these and have been teaching my 10 year old granddaughter to use it works awesome thanks sootch00 great review!

[@alf3553]

Great little striker. I’ve had one for about a year. Stays in a EDC pouch along with a Fenix E12, mini Bic, Fox 40 whistle, Gerber Clutch multi tool and two tinder quik

[@RayMak]

Thank you for this

[@koreakiwon]

May God bless you and your country. As always, thank you for a great review.

[@The.Alabama.Woodsman]

I own this in peuter. It's amazing! I love it. I attached it to my EDC knife. Wearing it around the neck is comfortable as well. Its small but incredibly comfortable to use with tons of fire making sparks. It's worth the money.

[@WarGrrl3]

I love the exotac and keep one on my keychain always, my friends laugh at me but it came in handy more than once. Now they each want one. but I also love that larger orange handled ferro rod you showed in the beginning of the vid as it works great and is only $3 (or less sometimes) I like to have both. Exotac really does have quality products.

[@kfeltenberger]

Interesting piece of kit. My only concern is that it requires fine motor skills to open and assemble, something you might not have when it's cold out (and something that was driven home tonight when I forgot my gloves while walking the dog...my hands were numb by the time I got home).

[@Kwaark]

yeah very good point

[@jackg.7745]

Great video and review Sootch. I love the Nano Strikes. I have one in just about every fire kit I own and I own quite a few. They’re well made, compact and easy to use. Worth every penny IMHO. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@shandar3278]

Thanks for the great review Sootch! God bless my friend.

[@grayintheuk8021]

Really like Exotac as a fire starter, just excellent and such a hot spark. Their angled striker is small but really good.

[@america12g]

I am seeing a lot of hate. It's not like you have to buy everything he reviews he is just showing the items capabilities.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Brother!

[@rhino5419]

No hate from me just realistic statements and constatations. Sootch has to be one of the most highly respected members of the comunity. It is not hate to have a different opinion or to present an alternative in a polite way. Good health and stay safe.

[@dthreadjr]

Nice review of an overpriced Mini sparker

[@13ECHO20]

Exactly....

[@Roux-AtlasCreation]

last year I got a hold of one for like 10$ at academy because they were having a sale. I enjoy having it, and have made several fires with it no problem.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I completely agree. As you said, you can certainly buy a completely capable ferro rod for a lot less but there is something to be said for quality and Exotac just makes really nice stuff.

[@rhino5419]

Just been to the Exotac website. No where can i find the words, "made in usa". American company yes but where are they actually manufactured. Maxpedition is also a great american company known for its high quality products but they are manufactured in china. Like Kershaw, buck, spiderco (taiwan), coldsteel, Schrade, Gerber. All great american companies but they manufacture some if not all their products in china. I am not saying this is the case with exotac, just that i have found no proof to the contrary. All these products are good. But Don't be fooled into thinking that they are made in USA just because they are American companies. I Have Nothing against any of these companies or products but i Don't like people being mislead. Good health and stay safe.

[@TubeYou7]

I got two almost just like that off ebay for like 2 bucks. The ones I got have a compartment for tender and a built in compass. I'll say I probably wouldn't trust the compass but other then that it's good to go with the rubber seals and all.

[@davidglazener7921]

I bought an exact knockoff for $3. EXACT same thing for one tenth the cost.

[@stuartmccloud307]

Lot of people hating on this. Yes its a bit pricey, so is a benchmade or Gransfors. No its not the ideal firestarter as it is a bit small, but what is the best firestarter?? the one you have on you. Its an EDC clip it to your car keys and forget about it bit of kit. Suddenly one day when you are stuck and need fire..boof, there she is.

[@Outland9000]

Got one years ago with spare ferro rods... Still going strong.

[@mtower235]

I’ve carried one on my keychain for years. Make sure you screw the pieces down tight otherwise they won’t be there after a day. Other than that it’s held up well and I’ve not broken the ferro rod like I have exposed ones fighting, hiking, hunting etc.

[@bdh3949]

When I fight I put my ferro rod in my back pocket.

[@mtower235]

In my job you don’t know when that’s coming. This case really is tough. I’m not wild about the striker though.

[@jakenorman7579]

I was in the forest backpacking in Canada just the other day, I had 2 big lighters on me and they both failed at only -16 Celsius. Got my fire going with my fire steel

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very Cool product Sootch00 an long live the republic Sir

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Do you like the firerod or the nanostriker xl more? And why?

[@jackpinesavage1628]

I'm Jack pine Savage, a DNA descendant from the Neanderthals and I approve of the exotac nanostriker XL. Fire good.

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Great ferro rod. I’ve got a few Nathan4071 ferro rods, they are the best to me. But I really like self contained housing the Exotac comes in. Great review.

[@edrodriguez9144]

Sootch this is an outstanding fire starting device and should be carried in every BOG or GHB, the price is not bad and if it works when the chips are down, could be the difference between making it home or not !

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Ed! I agree totally.

[@nicholasramsey1988]

The best tool is the one you have with you when you need it. There may just be times when you don’t have a 6” long 1/2” wide striker on your person. Or that having a back up in case the main one gets lost. Because it is well made in America I would pay a bit more. May not be everybody’s go to but, I bet everybody has had sometime they wished they had had one. Great review thanks.

[@dustin7562]

Sootch I broke mine I dropped it and the rod broke inside the threads do they have a warranty? Thanks

[@240pixel]

Hey Don. you should look more into locks too. Master lock hanging there in the background is notorious for being weak against low skill attacks. Good start would be the LPL _(Lock picking lawyer)_

[@leelarsen7330]

240pixel it also happens to be unlocked so blah.

[@birdsonthehoodeatingpopcor415]

It looks like it can also act as a sort of kubitan or blunt force instrument. Catchy music, too!

[@SensiblePrepper]

Great point and one I should have added. Thanks!

[@birdsonthehoodeatingpopcor415]

@@SensiblePrepper I would appreciate your upvoting my comment so I can have bragging rights among those in my crowd. LOL BIG FAN! I have used your sign-off many times in my political postings. During some of our nation's more trying times it has given me a little boost. Thanks, man! Lee

[@JMWmemphis]

The ust wallet tool is a great companion to any fire steel

[@davidglazener7921]

That nano stricker costs around $30. Google unbranded nanostriker. EXACTLY THE SAME. $3. EXACTLY. One tenth the price!!!!!

[@83Henno]

Been meaning to pick one of these up

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

I have one on my key ring edc ... love it

[@G13-j3c]

Fire fly makes tooth pick size to put into your Swiss Army knife , and it’s price is crazy

[@mountainghost556]

That's a good little fire striker did a video on it a few months ago.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Excellent! Thanks Brother!

[@roycalvo6000]

Love it! Have it on my keychain.

[@outdoorandbushcraft39]

And the cordage included is a special fire lighting cordage. You didn't mention that in the video

[@AlexLopez-yv6rr]

Would be nice if you could also used it as a blunt weapon kinda like a tactical pen

[@wpherigo1]

I like how you’re always playing with fire! Can you tell us about that fire pit you used and maybe other fire pits you have?

[@lordhumungus9993]

Any cavity space for tinder?

[@DoomOfConviction]

ferrocerium rods are waterproof, they oxidate and get coating on wet air, just remove the oxidation aka coating and you can strike with a wet ferrocerium rod because they are build with magnesium and that’s burning under water.

[@bradyanderson201]

You really need to start up a podcast. I’m sure a ton of people would agree!

[@derektodd4126]

Is there a distributor in the UK?

[@themoodybobby1]

This is not recommended in a survival kit or for survival situation. When dexterity could mean life or death. This is ok for camping. Its to small and requires good dexterity. Dont bet your life on this. Exotac is a good company and this is an ok product. Do yourself A favor get a big solid ferro rod and big striker. Or at least a large striker for this. After real use overtime the threads have stripped out on these for me. They sure do look cool and makes a cute toy to play with when your life isnt depending on it. Not for a survival kit.

[@themoodybobby1]

@John Smith No just the threads strip out. I found that tiny striker to be useless. Especially in a survival situation you would want something to provide a huge shower of sparks when seconds count. Add to that cold hands and this thing could get someone that doesn't know any better killed.

[@NebulousCat]

Nothing beats the Speedy Sharp as a striker. Cold numb hands require big solid tools. No end to large ferro rods.

[@jessiemckinney1104]

That is an awesome looking fire steel.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for watching Jessie!

[@davidtate166]

I love these things.got a few.👍😀

[@paulsmith3266]

Can I set fire to my hair with this?

[@deeannawendt8210]

Wonderful.

[@rebeccaiya8731]

I have this orange 1.awesome

[@remb9614]

Seems like a bit much for a ferro rod. Why do we need an aluminum waterproof housing for an already waterproof steel rod. Buy a few small ones or just buy a huge one for the same price.

[@matthewmartinez3131]

I hear “vasoline and Cotten balls” in everyone of his videos lol

[@matthewmartinez3131]

Someone needs to make a parody just like they did for hikok45

[@Outland9000]

Its cheap and works really well.

[@lowerspeedhigherdrag]

What’s the proper amount of vasoline for each cotton ball?

[@upnorthof60]

Why would you do a waterproof demonstration? All fire steels work wet 100% of the time.

[@SensiblePrepper]

It keeps the striker from rusting and water off your tender from moisture on the Rod.

[@texedwards3039]

thanks for the info

[@upnorthof60]

@@SensiblePrepper I have never once had an issue with rust or moisture from using a wet fero rod. I own this same Exotac and the rubber gasket is there to maintain a positive connection between the pieces when tighten together. It also prevents the treads from backing off from vibration when used in the field or as an EDC. These are commonly used on keychains or zippers. Im not hating on the video or anything, however, I don't think a waterproof test is relevant or should be used as selling point for any fero rod no matter the brand. All fero rods will work 100% of the time when wet no matter the brand or cost.

[@outdoorandbushcraft39]

I was thinking the same thing. It's not even necessary for it to be waterproof. Like a normal firesteel isn't good enough

[@dannybaker4641]

I think this is a great ferro rod but a fire steel is a different thing altogether.

[@calihiker7980]

I prefer the whistles that come with the ferro rod and striker over this. It’s multi functional and cheap.

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing !

[@johngeisiii8090]

This company is in Ga. just south of Athens, north of Atlanta

[@stevelinbergbaby135]

I use a fat boy rod with wooden handle -3/4 x 6"

[@ccmogs5757]

Hey Sootch , i hope you"ve got a better lock on that gate now other than that crappy masterlock :)

[@mediclimber]

Everything Exotac makes is top shelf, made in America but you pay for it too. Yes, it's marked, look at the end where the split ring goes.

[@bigizzysworld4253]

For $50 its not worth it. They have less expensive options that are just as good. Can buy one at walmart for around $7. All the gear you test and support is outrageously priced.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Like the Surplus mess kits I just reviewed? Or the Cheapest Bug Out Bag you can put together at Walmart for $87 including the backpack?

[@SensiblePrepper]

Plus it's only $25

[@commanderstud2417]

Wait..... Its 50 bucks?!!!

[@bigizzysworld4253]

You do some stuff thats affordable, but the majority of things you review are overpriced. Olights, backpacks, medkits etc...the prepper and survival community gets price gouged by these companies

[@bigizzysworld4253]

Even at $25 its overpriced. Ive bought fire steels and other things like it for less than half of that for years. Who cares if it has some aluminum body on it. Thats cosmetic and does nothing for function. Another thing they get to charge ya for

[@13ECHO20]

Another type of fire starter to consider. It's all a matter of taste, so to speak. As for me, I have my Blast Match. (Not knocking the one in the video.,)

[@anthonycabbage]

I need one!

[@bangabruhh8291]

Sootch “impordant” 00 , it’s a T Sootch not a D.

[@jeffsmith6441]

The only thing keeping me from getting one is the size of the striker. It's so small!

[@davidboone6786]

Keep doing videos lovem

[@JoeFrohlich]

Do you like Exotac more than Firesteel.Com?

[@johnnybeanz1296]

Good question. I own both. The exotac is better in a small pocket size kit. Otherwise firesteel is a much better value.

[@stalwart263]

Operating an Exotac Nano XL with very cold hands is very difficult. Yes they are made very well but KISS.

[@Talkstoguns]

Mmmmm. Fire. Good.

[@cloudcleaver23]

I can't understand why this needs to be three pieces. I'd prefer if the tube covering the rod became the striker once the device is separated, instead of needing a third component.

[@g.mumford7980]

Aren't you the gun guy? Sootch..?

[@sledgehammer5123]

First time I used mine, the rod broke at the threaded end. Not impressed.

[@Tsiri09]

Everybody should have basic survival skills.

[@AthanasiusCM919]

5 inch ferro rod and a trusty knife raise my moral way more than this bell with whiste :-) Wipe ferro rod and it works... 3 pieces that you can loose does not make me feel any safer!

[@Scarywoody]

At $25 you can buy a bunch of BIC's.

[@aldig3935]

Thats true

[@G13-j3c]

Fire 🔥 was are first technology.

[@danielphillips9977]

$25 on Amazon 👍

[@chuffin-lgraphics3736]

Got one from temu for £3

[@budx55]

$30?!?!?! What the hell? I bought these from Wish for $2 each. Why pay Exotac $28 more just to have their name put on it.

[@GetMeThere1]

Er...this is a little silly. A fire steel rod doesn't have to be protected or kept dry. This looks like something made specifically for somebody who has too much money and must spend some!

[@bryanpiper5815]

3.50 on ebay

[@sourmash5715]

you should change your name to mr. gadget.

[@3bears]

I never got on with these. I bought a knock off china version the whole thing is just waaaaay too fiddly. Just Try using it with cold wet hands or with gloves. HA! just buy an LMF one it just works without the tacticool gimmickry

[@aznboi344]

eBay has the same fire starter probably straight from the factory for $7

[@MrAnon77]

I keep hearing Beavis’ voice...

[@calicops951]

Look purdy, but overpriced for its function. Good sales pitch.

[@thefear420]

First

[@SensiblePrepper]

Congrats Spodes!

[@Oh-Jeez]

imagine someone actually EDCing this.. lmao. I just bought one but its going in my camping/bugout bag.

[@tomsmith6094]

$ 50 not for me with $ 50 I can buy a huge ferro rod and last longer too I cannot play with Mickey mouse ferro rod do you see the small striker oh my God 50 LOL 😂

[@FulcrumMW]

$30?? Yikes...

[@NebulousCat]

What a crappy fire starter. Tiny parts that are hard to hold and easy to lose. You are much better off with a large ferro rod and a Speedy Sharp as a scrapper. Leave these toys at home.

[@therealbigfoot3076]

Bible..... Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

[@SensiblePrepper]

Definitely!

[@marywagner3644]

Dependable

[@andrewrobinson6703]

My address is.....

[@pault5947]

Goodj ob they have 'O' rings,. Nothing worse in a fantasy 'survival' situation than a damp fire steel🤣

[@outdoorandbushcraft39]

What kind of rod? A 'ferrosee um' rod? Or a ferroserium rod? 😂 Lol

[@Francois_Dupont]

firesteel isnt Magnesium. at least get the basics right before making a video.