Solo Scientific

Solid built ,compact

I purchased this with the intent of having something I could stash in a backpack and not have to worry about until I needed a fire.This unit is fantastic! The housing is very very well made. I'm pretty sure that no matter what you put it through, it will outlast the user. It screws together very smoothly when you put it away, and the rubber gasket helps keep moisture out to avoid corrosion.The first few strikes on it might not be impressive, because it comes with the fire starter rod a little coated in something, but once you've exposed it it really goes off with every strike. The only reason I've ever seen it fail to spark is if someone doesn't put enough pressure in to it for fear of breaking it, which isn't going to happen.I throw mine in my backpack in a baggie with a bit of dryer lint, which goes up on the first strike every time. Also works well if you strike it right into a can of sterno or other cooking fuel to light it up.If you're ever in the need to light something up, this is your tool. Simple, rugged, reliable.

Third one I’ve bought, they do wear down but I like these because I have confidence in them to make reliable fire.

I ordered two of these - one for each car. When they came in I was happily surprised by the sturdy quality machining and fit/finish. These look fairly indestructible - the casing won't slip with wet hands and can easily file down sharp edges on plastic/wood, etc. Within a few scrapes along the rod (to remove the finish) it was sparking consistently and strongly. It easily ignites tinder with no problem. I tied some paracord to mine (normal split rings won't fit) and put them onto carabiners that we keep on our keyrings. Nice product guys!FOLLOW UP 01/14/13: I've used these now on camping trips, hiking, etc - they are fantastic! Just make sure that you keep a sharp knife edge for striking and you'll be getting a fire going in no time. Once again, great product and holding up well over time with multiple uses. These fire starters are nicely constructed and do their job well.

I've had numerous different fire sticks, most better but a few were worse than this one.This thing feels burly in your hand, and unlike many of the plastic versions, it doesn't slide through your fingers when wet. While the stick is the same as most others, this thing weighs far more than any others I've used. You'll know it's in your pocket, it's not for you if you're counting grams or going super compact.When first opened, the screw holding the striker in place was barely hanging by a thread.This design is incredibly awkward to use as it was meant to be. Using the included striker, I was unable to get any adequate spark, but had no problems when I used a knife instead. The directions mention eventually flipping the striker over for a clean edge, so you'd also need a precision screwdriver some time down the line, assuming you have better luck with it than I did.All things being as they are, this was a ridiculously poor purchase. Even at full retail, the plastic handled versions of this are less than half the cost, less than half the weight, don't need a screwdriver, and are silly far more user friendly and versatile.

This was my first fire stick and didn't know any better. I came to learn and find that there are far better fire sticks than this hyped up steel. There are others in the market that are half the price but worked twice better. Also, the poor operability of this stick due to its ergonomics isn't that good. Steel is heavier, if not heaviest, among other fire sticks. I currently have and tested the Gerber Bear Grylls, Light My Fire, and UST firestarters... I recommend them over the Aurora. I give this a three star because it feels indestructible, and it does spark.

This fire starter was made well but the striker part was not made big enough. I bought this one for my husband and the gobspark for me. i did a lot of research these two were the best made in USA ones to choose from. We tried both with not much luck it takes a while to wear off coating and to get a spark. I even used a cotton ball with vaseoline and still not luck. I got so hot working at it in the snow, that I ended up using a flicker I had stashed. Make sure you use the cotton on something dark not on snow or white paper and walk away you will never find it again. When we finally got a spark the spark was much bigger on the Gobspark than this one. My husband reverted to matches to get the job done and I to a flicker. We will only use this in a extreme case of emergency nothing else around I will use matches, flicker or lighter first. Will invest in all now.To have on hand. don't know till you try. The emergency orange matches still seem like the best thing to have the most of, on hand.

I use this little gadget extensively when backpacking. So much so, I've stopped bothering to check if I have matches in my go kit but make darn sure this is packed.Adding a good length of chord to the cap turned out to be essential - it's inevitable this little item will get dropped in tall grass - having it tethered has actually saved me from being concerned about those darn matches.Lighting an MSR Whisperlite or Jetboil canister is super easy - sparks fly far enough there's no need to get close to the fuel source to get it going.