Lightning Strike: The Jessica of Fire Starting Devices?

[@BrianLiles]

"If you can't get a fire started with this thing; don't ever leave the city!" I actually laughed out loud! Fun review Chris, thanks!

[@irondoger]

If you own one of these things don’t ever leave the city ha ha

[@larryfinley9221]

Using a ferro rod is all about technique, that in 2021 is learned by watching good videos and then practicing starting fires. I went out today and bought my first ferro rod for $3.99, after watching about 2 hours worth of bushcraft videos on how to use them. It took me 3 minutes to start my first fire with one, on a paper towel. I then started my second fire on a piece of rotted softwood in about 2 minutes. $3.99 vs $60.00? $3.99 is working just fine for me.

[@l3o1205]

So guys, lesson learned. If you want him to review something, just call it "the Jessica of ________"

[@preparedmind101]

Won't work. I am the sole determiner of the J-label.

[@l3o1205]

PREPAREDMIND101 Haha lol!

[@michaelreed649]

+Leo McKee I think calling it "the Jessica of ______ will work as long as others have brought it up. Chris is "the sole determiner of the J- label" but saying the J-word does seem to make him perk up and listen and at least consider it as a reviewable item.. LOL, it worked this time to get a review and I am glad it did. How about it Chris? PREPAREDMIND101 Is this a new way of insuring a review of a product? Too Funny.

[@stormnordnes1189]

The sharpens best sharpener is the Jessica of.............. The tungsten carbide field sharpeners

[@jeredsyn1964]

Chris when you were hesitating to tell us how much it costs I was thinking to myself Oh crap this thing is going to be like $200. $60 for a life saving emergency piece of equipment is not a lot of money, it's perfect for a bug out bag. I think I would conserve it, and not pull it out of the bag every time I went out in the woods. You could make it even better if you put a misch metal rod in there, hell that would make it a weapon too. Mike

[@RedFatCat78]

You can make this yourself... one piece of copper tubing or steel a bolt a bit of sawing with a iron saw... 10 mins job... im going to make one this weekend...

[@EdmundLizotteFLDCRAFTLTC]

Chris - thanks for the video. Yes, it is pricey at $60, but a combustion source that is nearly 100% dead on reliable in a survival situation, I contend it is well worth the price. Also, I would rather give a U.S. company $60 for a great product than $25 to a Chinese company. Thanks for the video!

[@briancampbell395]

Thank you Edmund...I was saddened to see others say ship it over seas...or lets steal the idea and not support the community.

[@preparedmind101]

You said it. I didn't want to have to deal with the price do much in the video but I know the market and when there is that much gap people ARE going to bitch.

[@gilbos440rt]

Buy ONCE cry ONCE! He came up with a awesome system, as a machinist I can see quality when I see it. It's a little pricey, but you'll only have to buy it once IMHO

[@lonetrader1]

At 60 bucks I'm cool with it, but I heard at first it was 200$

[@MrTatts64]

For me it boils down to two simple questions. Does it work as good as it claims? Is it going to have a massive impact on being able to help me live in a real emergency? If the answers are yes, then its worth twice the asking price, because my life is certainly worth that and more! Great video, thanks!!

[@preparedmind101]

The hardest part about doing a review like this is thinking the product is great but also knowing that 98.4% of the people watching it are going to have a stroke when they hear the price. But maybe that is something they need to see. Give your thoughts on the device and the price separately.

[@BrianPrendergast]

I had seen this product somewhere else and thought the exact same thing you did. "I have to get a couple of those." Then I found the site and saw the price. Too rich for my blood. It doesn't "solve" any problems it just makes things easier. I wonder if they could get the price down by selling it without the firesteel and without the tinder. The site lists tinder refills as $10 and the rod is prob close to $10 and no manual labor to put things together.

[@hawknives]

It's the last fire starter you will need. The company probably does not expect repeat customers. Hence one time high price.

[@hawknives]

When your freezing your ass off, trying to start a fire in the snow or rain, you'll wish you had one....even at $150. Cold sucks! Warm is good!

[@preparedmind101]

Here's the thing: I dont feel I personally NEED it, but I think if you laid all ferro-based firestarters out on a table and said "We're dropping you off in the jungle... You get to pick ONLY ONE".... people would choose this one every single time. At least, I think they would if they used it side by side.

[@1234566bigpapa]

Lol lol doing the best that can brother with the dyslexic mind. Love the vids dan

[@uncleboogie69]

so..thanks i will make one out of copper pipe and cork and a solid big ferro rod

[@gamerpaddy]

i got a flin & Steel firestarter from ebay for 1$ 3 years ago,i use it very frequently and it still works like its new. and it doesnt look like a outdoor dildo.

[@GinEric84]

Well done sir, you set it up so I was expecting a WAY more outrageous price. 60 Bucks is a bargain compared to the price I was expecting :)

[@jodopeg]

That shit cost $70,,,,A ZipLock bag with some dry news paper and a Bic lighter in your bug out pack would accomplish the same emergency fire starting .... Smart is being effective without spending a bunch of money to be fashionable at the same time.

[@thomasherbert5790]

+jodopeg Piss on your paper, you are probably the kind that trashes the woods..

[@zaappp1588]

+jodopeg You're missing the genius logic. By the time the SHTF, your money will be no use so you must spend it all before then and then sit around, preparedly, waiting for it to happen. ta daa

[@wild7985]

jodopeg lmfao

[@BigBrotherIsTooBig]

Agree, too many people rely on "gear". Knowledge is what will save you. Gear gets consumed a.k.a it can only be used so many times (think this ferro rod, it will eventually wear out), or will get lost or stolen or fail. IMO, one of the most important skills to learn is flintknapping. It's nice to have all that stuff, but eventually it won't do you any good.

[@bchicks34]

I have a 9 and 6 year old that have one for emergency reasons in their get home bag and for the price of cheap Nikes my sons can use this without any problem or worry. I appreciate the review. Just like all of your reviews I believe you are honest, to the point and I learn every time I watch them. Thanks

[@briancampbell395]

I went and met these folks, at Easter, during a road trip...I bought 2, it was honestly the last dollars i had in my pocket. Recently I was caught in a snowstorm camping and I followed the steps I've seen on your channel and William Myers Channel...split open my firewood, shaved some etc.... used the supplied tinder...had fire immediately. This was the first time starting by ferro rod...I soon had a warm tea in me..and the confidence of a good night in the mountains. Thank you Chris for doing the demo, I was happy to support a local business. I'm sure I just bought the last fire starter I'll ever use

[@Elrond_Hubbard1]

I love how people will spare no expense when it comes to gear like knives and other items, but when it comes to the actual tool that creats the fire, that the other expensive tools were brought to make, they get frugal all of a sudden.

[@ifokshepah6746]

"For dummies" couldn't have said it any better. Flicks a fire to the grass...

[@amtrak151]

iFokshe Pah i guess i wasn't the only one that noticed that lol

[@Bassghost007]

Ha! Was thinking the same shit.

[@adams7235]

"knock it off fire!" he saids while hitting the object on fire into the grass around, not thinking if it could possibly start a fire in the forest that hes in. Good job man

[@preparedmind101]

Adam Szpiczynski That "forest" is my old backyard. Its still there.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

Wow, what an fucking moron! If the ground caught fire he would have seen it, HE WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE. You think he just has no peripheral vision and he cant see what's happening 45 degrees to the side of him, it was less than five feet away from him, like whatever brush he's in will just combust and burn down everything around him and he's just sitting there not noticing.

[@jedijoelam]

I'm 7 years late to this video, but I wanna say I get this product. There's the $100 BK9, then there's the $300+ BRK Bravo Crusader. Both work incredibly well, it all comes down to preference sometimes. That being said, $60 is quite steep...

[@itscork]

"Hey.......knock it off, fire!"

[@markgoulette5056]

I have one, carry it with me every time I go camping/atving. I wouldn't leave home without it... Another plus is that it was made/designed by a Boy Scout and his dad and that helps support them.

[@BIGMUDDYDOG]

I've been camping for over 70 years and I've never needed more than matches. Now everyone is more interested in expensive needless junk than just enjoying life.

[@0neTwo3]

Very cool, I like that the striker channel has a stop at the end... With a naked rod It is SO easy to swipe off the end and knock your tinder away from the sparks. This thing is as close to idiot proof as any fire starting method I have ever seen!

[@preparedmind101]

Yep. If the skeptics had one in hand they'd think so too. I don't throw the J-word around lightly.

[@cchgn]

Actually the technique is to hold the striker and pull the rod, so as not to knock ant tinder away. This product suggests doing it backwards.

[@ChromeDragon1969]

cchgn Try doing that with a broken arm or if your hands are too cold to grip the rod or striker... This tool is a life saving device for emergency situations, not to build every fire you will ever start.

[@cchgn]

Walter Cunniff Really? you spent energy deciding to post that to me? wow, we could sit here try and come up with every little scenario to disclaim every device known to man. Did you invent this device? Do you represent these folks of this device. So now it's just a an emergency device? Really? So for several times the cost of a bic lighter, this is only good for emergencies. Hmm. Btw, if you have a broken arm out in the wild, you have alot more problems than trying to use a striker/ferro rod. Same with if your hands are so cold, that you can't properly use a stiker/ferro rod. Btw, this guy didn't even invent this device. He is testing it, it's not his place to say what the device is meant for. I've been making fires for 40 yrs, when as a young Boy Scout, earned a badge by making a fire and cooking a meal with nothing but a single match. Then went on to join the Marine Corps and learned more ways to start fires. I make and own Compression fire starters and have every means to start a fire. Even this guy says that this device solves the problem of regular striker/ferro rods where the sparks go everywhere except to the tinder. I was addressing that issue. IMO, the reason for that is improper technique of a striker/ferro rod, hence my explanation. Maybe you could provide something we can use, instead of trying to get on her and be pompous, I would have to call you an idiot.

[@ChromeDragon1969]

cchgn Lol. I like the fact that you mentioned you were a Boy Scout and earned your Merit Badge for fire making. So did I, almost 40 years ago. Of course, I had been making fires and cooking on them for years before I was a Boy Scout. I spent the first 19 years of my life in a little hamlet called Indian Lake, in the central Adirondack State park, where bushcraft was a way of life. You were in the Marines. I respect that more than you probably know. I spent 8 years in the Army 10th SFG. Yeah, I learned more ways to make fire as well. Everyone knows that a Bic lighter is the most widely used fire starter on the planet. Sometimes they do not work. I have had brand new Bic lighters not work due to freezing temperatures. (When I got home it worked fine) Having a fool proof back up is a good idea. This product, in my opinion, is just that. Anyone can use it with zero training. That makes it an impressive emergency tool. I realize that he is only doing a product review. That is why I watched the video. I wanted to see if the hype matched the product after watching the official product video on their website. As for technique with a fire steel, I find that pinning the tinder under the tip of the rod and striking straight down into it works the best for me. It offers more control over the spark distribution and with proper body placement, blocks most winds from interfering. As for being pompous... That was never my intention. I was merely pointing out that the technique that you use, or even my technique, will not work if you are suffering from hypothermia or an injured limb. Yes you do have more issues than starting a fire if you have a broken limb. However. That fire will afford you the ability to signal for help and treat your injury more completely. Thanks for the return comment. Walt

[@MrWmburr7]

Another great feature of the Lightening Strike: your striker will never knock your tinder pile over because the striker doesn't leave the aluminum tube. Thanks for the demo, Chris.

[@preparedmind101]

+William Burr Very good point!

[@devildogmp1]

Regarding loosing your gear, try a strip or two of reflective tape that matches your gear, you won't loose gear as much and it will identify it as yours and not your friends in a camping trip or something. I like your videos quite a bit, keep up the good work.

[@leonj1102]

I could honestly accept the price for something like an emergency vehicle kit. Alot of people dang near froze this past winter in the south due to those snow storms and being stranded on highways.

[@timhallas4275]

When he showed the "tinder" compartment, I thought, "This would be a good place to store my Bic lighter and some waterproof matches." .... then I thought, why buy a $60 fire starter when I can store my Bic lighter and some waterproof matches in a free cigar tube.

[@SnowyOwlPrepper]

Jessica seems to have blue eyes and a spark that sets people on fire. Awesome.

[@preparedmind101]

She does. Oh..you meant the Lightning Strike?

[@SOGOnic]

I have one in my wife's car bag. She doesn't go out or practice near like I do and this is a piece of mind for me, when I'm not around.

[@morganchavis1835]

6 years later this is still $60. Very cool fire starter but I can't bring myself to pay that for such a simple device. 🤷‍♀️

[@LuckyXIII84]

6:54 - yeah just flick your burning tinder into the fucking woods...

[@stevec6642]

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to call you on this. The Jessica of firestarters is actually called "all weather firestarter". it is absolutely kick ass

[@boynextdoor1]

6:54 only you can prevent forest fires

[@byrdmanbushcrafter1891]

So you can make 10 of these for the same price? Go to the store, buy the pvc and glue, then to another store to buy the ferro rod, fire starter of your choice, then home and put it all together. Your time starts when you leave the house. Gas for your car or truck. How much is your time worth? Your not really thinking this though

[@FatBastardPipes]

The price was a kicker. BUT... I made one for under $10. Took me few hours to make and it works the same. The trick is the concentrated tip.

[@OldBadBoy99]

It's not for a "Weekend at Bernie's", but for a survival item, that is a great item.

[@Ryskimus]

I would have no problem paying $60 for something that works every time and that you can use to start a fire one handed. If I ever go on an extended trip into the woods this thing will end up in my pack for sure.

[@timbrooks9498]

Not sure if you covered it but a great thing about it, is you can also use it with one arm. Just point it at your tinder, step on it with your foot and strike it with your good arm! Pretty awesome tool!

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Pretty awesome waste of money. A UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match will all work MUCH better one-handed to spark a fire, and all 6 combined are $12 less than one Lightning Strike.

[@vintageliving]

I paused the video and went over to amazon to see if they had it. I already figured it would be expensive but honestly didn't expect that. I'm still going to get one, I think it's worth it as well...

[@charleslyon1179]

That was a great review of a great product. I had the same reaction when I saw their video and went to buy one on their web site. So before I invested 60.00 + dollars I just had to see a no BS review. Thanks.

[@mickychristian6936]

Price line is high, there is no getting around it. How much is it worth to get that fire going when its 20F, you just pulled yourself out of the stream where you broke through the ice, you can hardly feel your hands and can just break a few limbs off the underside of a cedar tree now barley able to move your hands, the metric ton of bic lighters you purchased are wet you can't hold on to them, you have no clothes dry enough to dry the wheel on the lighter.... BUT, you can grip this unit with numb hands and the track machined into it assists with maintaining contact and guides your strike down the rod. Now you have a small fire that you can work with and feed to a large enough fire to dry/warm yourself and your clothes... $60.00 bucks is nothing and a bucket full of wet lighters is worth nothing. I think most average people don't grasp how bad it can get because they are used to driving to the campsite and unloading the car then setting up the tent. That's not really the market this company is after...

[@txcoastie57]

One of our Assistant Scoutmasters received this item as a gift from his son. At a weekend camp out he demonstrated the starter. It worked great. I wanted to see if it would light my MSR Firefly camp stove. We turned on the stove and on the first strike the stove lit. After seeing this I ordered it as soon as I returned home. Not only as a tinder starter it works great on propane stoves. The price is a little high, but this may be the last fire stater I buy.

[@pepperoni-prepper]

for someone who works as a remote pilot etc, and needs a professional survival kit, this is a great idea. Its also a great idea for extreme hikers. You dont have to struggle with the price if you address the real market for the product. reviewing an item like this with weekend campers and walmart survivalists as the viewers is a problem because the product is not designed for amateurs. Dont get me wrong, i use a chinese rod and the back of a broken hacksaw blade, but thats because its my ever day fire starter, and not a survival tool. I can afford for my fire starter to break or fail me...even though ive been using it daily for years and its still perfectly fine.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Just to be contrary, but that would take up as much space as 6 cheap Bic lighters. Here in the North, we have birch bark so starting a fire is easy without "super tinder" and yes Bics work in extreme cold weather if you keep them next to your body to warm up.

[@kingsilicon735]

Holland's video 'demonstrating' the LS against the competition said all I need to know about the company.

[@mattworner4404]

Saw these on Darrell Holland's site a bit of time ago and was immediately impressed by the design. Took a shot at two, one for each vehicle's emergency kit. (They were only $56 then IIRC.) As you said, Chris. They are bomb proof built and work like a champ. Great addition to my emergency fire/water kit. Not cheap, but neither is hypothermia to deal with...

[@blackwolf721000]

I think the video is a bit long for an individual product test. You do well to address all the points you do, but you can surely save about a third of the time. Many things are being said redundantly. Thanks for your great vids. I'm just getting into these things, appreciate your information.

[@preparedmind101]

That happens when you don't script. Scripted videos sound dry and boring to me. I do what I do and the market will decide if they want to watch or not. Many people prefer that because I'm working things out in the fly and not just regurgitating product line items.

[@blackwolf721000]

PREPAREDMIND101 Yeah, I wouldn't like it if you just read their documentation. It's fine if you don't script. I've seen plenty of people much worse; you're a relatively good presenter.

[@Rick-wn5oh]

My flint and steel with a little bit of char cloth does the trick for me. I get ignition every time. The steel never wears out and you can find chert or quartz everywhere.

[@TheRealtreeman]

I was checking these out awhile back I seen the father and son doing a video on these and like you said if it is going to save your ass in a life or death scenario there is not a price on your life I totally think it is worth the money

[@TimHarperW5TAH]

I use a welders Stryker. Just squeeze and you have Sparks. The enclosed head keeps the Sparks moving toward your tinder.

[@ericwilliams2185]

Really looks like an awesome survival tool. Thanks for the info.

[@salvadorgarcia3113]

Bought one a year ago an definitely worth it. I was on the fence for awhile and glad I bought one. Spark is larger than my light my fire and easier to light stuff with.

[@MrAjusog]

I tried this about two feet front m the ground to see if it would work without burning my deck. Large sparks flew out like a shotgun, caught my shoelace on fire. And it was raining. +20 out of 20, definitely a "Jessica" and her hot friend...

[@benhaven]

I'm not really into the survival thing, but this got my attention for a good two hours of your other videos!! You do a really good job presenting the material. I like how you show the packaging, unless you've lost it. You do seem to lose a lot of stuff. Lol! People like you are why they make lanyards! Good work.

[@jeremydarling5749]

yeah, the price shocked me too but I'm still getting one because it works as soon as you need it, no messing around with anything just fire. it is what it is.

[@jerryfrancis7523]

Great review Chris. Living on less than $900 a month,$60 is a lot of money but not really if you stop and think what you're getting for the money. You only have to buy it one time in your life.

[@jordanwheeler2009]

I completely see the quality in this product. Looking at it through the lens of "an air force pilot's survival kit" really helps to put it into perspective. However, I use steel wool and a 9volt and Ive never had an issue starting a fire even in the rain. Just saying, it's a good option and way cheaper.

[@john51880]

Price was worth it. It is bomb proof quality! Have used it literally in a rain storm in the dark and while wearing gloves. One swipe and fire!

[@h011yw00d]

60 bucks is nuts though. This should be 25-30 bucks max.

[@joemacch6284]

I got one. Worth every penny. I like the design. Like you say there are some limitations but it works easily and you can always find it.Got The red color can see it anywhere. Thanks for the info.

[@Milkman4279]

$60 isn't bad, what you get vs what you pay for, totally worth it.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

A machined aluminum tube? Nicee, the fact it's not cast is a huge sign of quality, even though aluminum is quite easy to mill.

[@howardl5059]

It looks great, but would be better if it 1) came in bright orange so you could find it easier if you drop it and 2) had a screw on water proof cap for the tinder. The price should start to coming down as more of the less experienced preppers start buying them.

[@tbkuntrystrong]

Love the review and a great little peace of gear. Thinking out of the box made one great little fire starter. I will definitely be getting one. Two thumbs up on the review, just wish I had one for my trip in the Flint Hills today.

[@woodlandcps1203]

Chris my nine year old son and his friends, use the Lightning Strike, it is so easy and helps build confidence, it is worth every penny......

[@mayjahcon4662]

Knocks fire off of stump realizes brush fire has started after completing review of lightning strike. LOL

[@hisfriend3337]

This is truly an amazing product. I got mine in and within minutes I was smiling, this is even *better* than advertised.

[@hisfriend3337]

“Aim small, miss small.”

[@fireraisr]

looks very well made. personally I think the $60 price tag is warranted for what you get out of it. I agree that it belongs in something like a bob. For me it isn't the price tag, it's the size. lugging that around seems unnecessary. For those that think it isn't worth the money, when you factor in that it's a completely self contained system the other arguments don't really hold water. $10 for a firesteel blank, $5 for a striker, $5 for a pipe at the hardware store and misc fasteners you could probably make your own for $20 + time. For me a quality product is worth more than something I threw together. There are things you go cheap on, fire and knife aren't really in that category for me.

[@bluefacedant8074]

You're right it is a great product and as such worth the price if you can afford it. I have a work around however, I had an old mini mag flashlight in the garage and I made my own version with a Dremel tool. It's actually more compact and showers sparks even tighter than my actual official Holland Gun brand striker. In addition a belt holster for the mini mag was already on the market.

[@johnnyd1972]

Chris, I was watching the video that they have on the company site and was kind of going back and forth whether to get it or not. But then he talked about having an arm injury and used the product one handed to start a fire and that was a seller. Other than a lighter, no other fire starter is going to let you effect fire one handed.

[@UDPride]

Gotta say Im impressed with this product. I dont know if its worth 60 clams, but it sure does what its designed to do. That said, fire strikes, flints, ferros, etc are all backup fire-starting devices when your main devices do not work. What should be everyone's main fire-starting device? A Bic lighter.

[@zigzag3349]

If you're a good woodsman a little fire on the ground shouldn't scare you, unless it's fire season in the Okanagan (Interior BC Canada, goddamn desert up here), but if your in more temperate climates it shouldn't be a problem.

[@JAMaxeRestoration]

I don't understand the criticism, I like this unit, it's not over engineered it's just good engineering. As for the price it is a bit high, if you can't afford it, like anything else in life move on to something in your price range.

[@firstnamelastname7143]

Premium life saving device, lol. Its a piece of tubing to confine and direct the sparks to a smaller concentrated area. You can accomplish the same result by gripping the rod exposing shorter length, striking tighter, slower more controlled strokes, or using a bowl or cup to contain tinder and sparks. $60 for this is ridiculous with so many ways of starting fire.

[@nccrawford]

Well, I hope you are getting a piece of the action. I just went and bought the red one with extra tinder- $70 + unknown shipping until they process the order tomorrow. Good stuff...

[@GetMeThere1]

Thing is, nobody needs it -- especially since it's big and unwieldy and expensive. If you're going to carry something like that, then just carry several butane lighters. If you won't take the very reasonable amount of time to learn how to use the standard firesteel and knife spine then, yeah, just get the butane lighter. Indeed, we should ALL be carrying the butane lighters (and super-duper-weatherproof-near-flare-type matches) when we know we may really NEED a fire. Fire-strikers are great, and anyone interested in bushcraft or prepping NEEDS to be capable with them (as well as friction fire methods). But a capable person ALSO doesn't take unnecessary chances -- you take the butane lighter, etc., when you're going WAY out, and could actually get in a tough situation.

[@D00MTR33]

This thing looks like the Mercedes of fire starters. Only way to improve on it for me is if it was made out of titanium but that would raise the price 2 fold if nkt more. Whoever came up with this is a genius, it has everything you need, done right and it comes in a nice neat package. Big thumbs up to the guys making this product.

[@MaZEEZaM]

Even after two years it still costs $60!

[@TheEddgreen]

Even after three years it still costs $60! And if you diy it's only $10

[@synchc]

selling for £135 on amazon in the uk. really dumb imo. they could corner the market with a more reasonable price.

[@EDC_Soldier]

They now have a Mini version. Half the size, all the cost.

[@pmessinger]

He could have just said "I was really shocked." Is he just filling time? I'll never get this time back.

[@jwf1208]

This is an ingenious solution to a non-existent problem.

[@TheBeeman410]

Nice fire starter BUT it's not worth $60.... Great Review ! Thank you sir!

[@jtyearsley]

Hit the nail on the head, you're pretty much right about everything you said. I gotta say, though, that I just keep a couple cigarette lighters and stormproof matches in my "oh shit" bag and it's a lot cheaper. And those are for the exact same emergency situation that this fire starter is. Another great review, keep em comin!

[@markanderson6692]

Got here looking at lightning strikes truck, but ....Seriously, if you are going to anticipate being in a place with no way to make fire and you are going to bring something with you.....one word...."BIC" :)

[@rogerbuss6069]

I just visited the website for the firestarter and noticed they offer a "mini-lightning strike" as well. I was hoping for a reduced cost to match the size difference........not so much......its the same price. Unfortunately!! Still, as a "once in a liftime" type of item, ( it IS an "investment" rather than a "terminal" item.) In that respect it isn't TOO much to spend, if you think about it IN that respect. Still a GREAT product from your demonstration and review! Based on that, as soon as its feasible, I will buying ONE! (Surely not 5, as YOU said!) Thanks for the review!. Love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@danclanlynch]

This looks like it would make one-handed operation a hell of a lot easier than most ferro rods.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

But the UST Sparkie, a UST Sparkwheel, a Long Bang brass striker, a Spark Lite, a Zippo Striker with tinder, or a UST Blast Match are all MUCH easier to use one-handed, and you can buy all 6 of them for over $12 less than you can buy one Lightning Strike. It's gimmicky and overpriced beyond sense.

[@lordnebo]

I had mine for 3 years so far love it

[@Brandon-ml7ge]

The behemoth of a fire starter for sure! I didn't see it do anything a dozen other flint/steel starters haven't.

[@Adam_Newman]

Expensive but great piece of kit, gonna pick one up

[@tested123]

one observation...the set screw requires an allen wrench. set screws can work them selves loose. do you carry a set of allen wrenches in your survival pack? change it to a flat head or include the allen key with the product. otherwise it really is a better mouse trap.

[@texaswader]

I like it.. I like the concept and from what I saw I like that it actually works as designed. I ordered one from Amazon for $67.50 and free freight. It doesn't weigh anything so it won't bother me but it will sure start every fire for me. Thanks for the heads up!

[@lastgameplay]

I checked these out some months ago and they were 40 bucks, I'm pretty sure. 60 bucks surprises me.

[@Franetzky]

People complaining about a seemingly very good product like they would have to replace it in a month. Then yes it would be expensive, replace it in 10 years then not so expensive. Besides trying to light a fire with frozen fingers is hard enough, this product is big enough for you to handle with cold numb hands that barely work right.

[@RealitySurvival]

Looks great! I can't wait to get my hands on one to give it a try!

[@TheMountainRN]

I agree with his statement. Even look that with injury or lost of fine movement you could use the device.

[@lostworld762x39mm]

I looked around in my house, and got 1 inch diameter aluminum pipe that was 8 inch long, a feral rod and some epoxy. then I made one for about $10. the only tool I needed was a hack saw.

[@CrimFerret]

$60 doesn't seem that bad for a quality tool that does it's job that well. Buy it once and get a lifetime of use from it.

[@PREPFORIT]

" If you can't light a fire with this...then don't leave the city" LOL. Great design and functional/ thanks.

[@hoooooops]

Great and well conceived product, easy and safe to use and if the fire rod is done you can replace it easily (naked rods are mostly cheaper than a new firestarter). Well, 60$ (or ~44€)...i think it is worth the price. Thanks for the review, Chris!

[@ron8078]

Thanks for the info Prep, I think its worth the 60 bucks for the wife or kid that's just starting to learn. After that you'll always have it in the glove box or emergency kit somewhere. You get the thumbs up.

[@sallymaggiespotty]

old fashioned matches are still the best.And they're free.

[@mikeshoults4155]

great review. totally agree with your take on it. for emergency kit, pilot, trucker, ect. I think you are right about the production cost. I think if the makers were to license it to a bigger company that has capital and supplies to produce it cheaper they can totally drop that price. It would sell like crazy if you they did that. Holland Guns is that the name? well they should consider it(I think they are considering the "patent pending" written on the side.). hold on guys, I think once the business deals are done it'll hit your major outlets soon.

[@Robnord1]

I think you got the most likely customer 100% right Chris when you mentioned pilot's survival kit. Military contract is probably the makers goal and reason for the price....like the old (probably true) tale of gov buying $100 toilet seats. Nice review.