Let’s dive right into detailed reviews of four exceptional fire-starting products from Exotac – a brand renowned for its high-quality, American-made survival gear.
From the nanoSTRIKER XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter to the fireSLEEVE Ruggedized Waterproof Lighter, each product is designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind.
Read on to discover how these Exotac Fire Starter Reviews can enhance your next outdoor adventure.
Table of Contents
- Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL Review
- Exotac nanoSPARK Review
- Exotac fireROD Review
- EXOTAC titanLIGHT Review
- Exotac fireSLEEVE Review
- Exotac quickLIGHT Tinder Review
- FAQs for Exotac Fire Starters
- Are Exotac products good quality?
- How do Exotac fire starters compare to traditional methods?
- Why do I need a waterproof lighter case like the Exotac fireSLEEVE?
- Is the EXOTAC titanLIGHT reliable?
- What are the key features of the Exotac fireROD?
- Is the Exotac nanoSPARK easy to use?
- Is the Exotac titanLIGHT a good survival lighter?
- Which lighters will fit in the Exotac fireSLEEVE lighter case?
Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL Review
The Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast.
This compact fire starter is designed with a unique blend of functionality and durability, making it a must-have for any camping, hiking, or fire starter kit.
The nanoSTRIKER XL is a testament to Exotac’s commitment to high-quality outdoor products.
Functionality and Design
It features a waterproof Ferro rod that can produce up to 3,000 fire-starting strikes. The rod is replaceable, ensuring continuous use and longevity.
The fire starter’s body is CNC machined from high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum, providing rugged protection and durability.
The compact and collapsible design makes it easy to carry in a backpack or pocket, making it a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure.
Ease of Use
The nanoSTRIKER XL is designed for ease of use.
The sharp tungsten carbide striker produces a prodigious spark, making fire-starting a breeze even in challenging conditions.
The nanoSTRIKER XL is also designed to be self-contained, ensuring all components are safely stored and readily available when needed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- High-quality, durable materials
- Replaceable Ferro rod
- Includes a high-quality striker
- Easy to use
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- The striker may be small for some users
- Requires practice to master the fire-starting technique
Summing it up
The Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL is a reliable, high-quality fire starter that combines functionality and durability. Its compact design and replaceable Ferro rod make it a valuable addition to any outdoor kit.
Despite its small striker, with practice, this tool can be a lifesaver in the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, or survivalist, the nanoSTRIKER XL is a worthy investment for your outdoor adventures.
You can read more about it in our Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL review post.
- Expert Craftsmanship: The nanoSTRIKER XL by Exotac is a testament to superior design and functionality. Its unique, compact, and collapsible strike tool design is a standout feature, making it an essential survival tool.
- Unmatched Spark: The waterproof Ferro rod, a key component of the nanoSTRIKER XL, delivers an impressive spark unparalleled by any other product of its size. This feature makes it a must-have in any survival kit.
- Replaceable Ferro Rod: The 1/4-inch Ferro rod included with the nanoSTRIKER XL is not only waterproof but also replaceable. This feature allows for continuous use, providing up to 3000 strikes per rod, making it a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure.
- Outdoor Essential: The nanoSTRIKER XL is not just a fire starter; it’s a tool designed for safe storage in your backpack, pocket, or survival kit. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting, this tool is an essential part of your gear.
- High-Grade Materials: The nanoSTRIKER XL is CNC machined from high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum, sourced from the USA. This material choice ensures rugged protection and durability, while the replaceable rods and sharp tungsten carbide striker ensure long-lasting use.
- Made in USA: Exotac takes pride in its manufacturing process. All products, including the nanoSTRIKER XL, are beautifully designed, masterfully forged, and hand-finished in the USA.
Exotac nanoSPARK Review
The Exotac nanoSPARK Ultra-Compact Fire Starter may look like a traditional survival lighter.
However, it’s not lighter in the traditional sense because it doesn’t use fuel, and it doesn’t create its own flame.
Functionality and Design
The nanoSPARK is a fire starter that uses a thumbwheel and a flint to produce sparks that you use to ignite your tinder bed.
The nanoSPARK features a waterproof storage compartment that can hold quickLIGHT Tinder and up to 5 replacement flints, so you will always have the necessary supplies to start a fire, even in challenging conditions.
The fire starter is made from USA high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum making it tough enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Ease of Use
The nanoSPARK is designed for one-handed operation, making it easy to use even in difficult situations.
The high-spark flint wheel produces a strong spark, ensuring a quick and efficient fire start.
The lanyard slot allows you to secure the nanoSPARK to your gear or around your neck for easy access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- One-handed operation
- Waterproof storage compartment
- High-spark flint wheel
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other fire starters
- It doesn’t produce its own flame, only sparks
- No included lanyard
Summing it up
The Exotac nanoSPARK Ultra-Compact Fire Starter is a reliable and efficient tool for any outdoor adventure.
Its compact design and one-handed operation make it a valuable addition to any outdoor kit. Despite its higher price point, the nanoSPARK’s functionality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
You can read my full nanoSPARK Review here.
- Effortless Use: The nanoSPARK by Exotac is designed for ease of use. With a little practice, it can be operated with just one hand, making it a reliable tool even in situations where an injury might limit your capabilities.
- Convenient Flint Replacement: The nanoSPARK features a replaceable flint system. By simply removing the brass screw inside the tinder capsule, the flint can be replaced. The design also allows for storage of up to 5 extra flints within the tinder capsule, ensuring you’re always prepared.
- Tinder Storage: The nanoSPARK’s body can be unscrewed from the flint holder to reveal a quickLIGHT tab. This tab can be fluffed with a knife or pulled apart with your fingers to catch the first spark. The lanyard slot can also be paired with a tinderZIP zipper pull for additional tinder storage.
- High-Spark Flint Wheel: The custom-designed flint wheel of the nanoSPARK features larger, deeper teeth that generate a ferocious spark. When your tinder is properly prepared, the high-spark flint wheel ensures a quick light.
- Waterproof Design: The nanoSPARK is designed with waterproofing in mind. O-rings in the flint retaining screw and the tinder capsule ensure that your tinder stays dry and ready to use. The nanoSPARK is CNC machined from high-grade 6061 aluminum, sourced from the USA, and then anodized for protection.
Exotac fireROD Review
The Exotac fireROD Ferrocerium Firestarter is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
Functionality and Design
The fireROD is designed with a high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum body, ensuring rugged protection and durability.
The fireROD is CNC machined in-house in the USA, demonstrating a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The waterproof housing offers secure internal threading with an O-ring for additional protection against moisture. This feature allows you to store tinder of your choice in this multifunctional tool, making it a versatile addition to your outdoor gear.
It’s capable of up to 5,000 fire-starting strikes, ensuring you’re never left out in the cold.
Ease of Use
The fireROD’s 5/16″ ferrocerium rod is designed for continuous use, whether you’re making campfires, lighting a stove, or attending to other survival essentials.
This tool is designed for outdoor survival and can be used with any bushcraft knife to spark a fire while camping, hiking, or backpacking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality 6061 anodized aluminum body for durability
- Waterproof housing for tinder storage
- 5/16″ ferrocerium rod for up to 5,000 strikes
- Designed and manufactured in the USA
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other fire starters
- No included striker, reliant on having a knife or similar tool
Summing it up
The Exotac fireROD Ferrocerium Firestarter is a high-quality, reliable tool for any outdoor adventure. Its durable design and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for those who frequently find themselves in the great outdoors.
- Superior Construction: The fireROD by Exotac is a testament to quality design and craftsmanship. It is CNC machined in-house from high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum sourced from the USA, ensuring rugged protection and durability.
- Secure Tinder Storage: The fireROD features a waterproof housing with secure internal threading and an O-ring for added protection against moisture. This design allows you to store your choice of tinder within this multifunctional tool, ready for use when you need it.
- Reliable Ferro Rod: The fireROD comes with a 5/16″ ferrocerium rod that can be threaded into the handle for continuous use. Whether you’re making campfires, lighting a stove, or preparing for other survival scenarios, this rod is designed for up to 5,000 fire-starting strikes.
- Outdoor Survival Tool: The fireROD is designed with outdoor survival in mind. The refillable ferro rods can be used with any bushcraft knife to spark a fire, making it an essential tool for camping, hiking, or backpacking.
- Made in USA: Exotac takes pride in its manufacturing process. All products, including the fireROD, are beautifully designed, masterfully machined, and hand-finished in the USA.
EXOTAC titanLIGHT Review
The EXOTAC titanLIGHT is a top-tier, evaporation-proof survival lighter that is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Functionality and Design
The titanLIGHT is designed with a high-spark flint wheel, outperforming competitors’ piezo-based lighters or butane torch lighters.
Its unique O-ring design makes the lighter water and evaporation resistant, protecting against rain and moisture and preventing fuel evaporation, a common issue with traditional butane lighters.
The titanLIGHT is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and promises durability and longevity.
It features an internally threaded cap with a secure O-ring, making it waterproof up to more than 1 meter.
Ease of Use
Refilling the lighter is a breeze with Zippo brand lighter fluid, and it can hold up to 2mL of fuel or more.
Easy to replace flints that are more reliable than the piezo-electric ignition other inferior lighters use.
The watertight cap twists on and off with just a single rotation making it easy to spark up a flame and close it back up when you’re done.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-spark flint wheel outperforms competitor lighters
- Water and evaporation-resistant design
- Made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Easy to refill with Zippo brand lighter fluid
- Holds up to 2mL of fuel or more
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
- May require frequent refilling depending on usage
Summing it up
The EXOTAC titanLIGHT is a top-notch survival lighter designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its high-spark flint wheel, evaporation-proof design, and aircraft-grade aluminum construction make it a durable and reliable tool for lighting fires in various outdoor situations.
Its waterproof capabilities, easy refilling process, and generous fuel capacity further enhance its usability. Additionally, being made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty adds to its appeal.
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Exotac fireSLEEVE Review
The Exotac fireSLEEVE is a waterproof, floating lighter case designed to keep your lighter safe and functional in all conditions.
Functionality and Design
The body of the fireSLEEVE is molded from flexible TPE, similar to silicon, which seals off the lighter from moisture intrusion.
The cap is made from super-tough, glass-filled nylon and protects the red gas button from accidental depression.
- Gas-Lock Strap: The fireSLEEVE features a strap that holds down the red button, keeping the lighter on until you slide the strap off with your thumb. This is particularly useful when reaching into tight spots.
- Waterproof: When capped, the fireSLEEVE is waterproof up to 3 feet of water and will float. The high-grip surface of the flexible body ensures it stays in your hand when wet.
- Safety Cap: The cap keeps moisture out and protects the red gas button from accidental depression. When the lighter is in use, the cap can be stored on the bottom of the fireSLEEVE body.
Ease of Use
The fireSLEEVE is compatible with any BIC Classic lighter, which can be found in pretty much any drug store, gas station, or convenience store in the country.
And if you already know how to use a BIC lighter, then you pretty much know how to use the fireSLEEVE.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Waterproof and floating design ensures functionality in all conditions
- Gas-lock strap allows for continuous use without holding down the button
- Safety cap protects against accidental depression of the gas button
- Compatible with BIC Classic lighters
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Some users have found the gas-lock strap to be a bit tricky to use
- It’s only compatible with BIC Classic lighters, limiting options for a lighter choice, but I feel it’s more of a plus, given the fact that you can find a BIC just about anywhere your journey takes you.
Summing it up
The Exotac fireSLEEVE is a reliable and durable accessory for your BIC Classic lighter.
Its waterproof and floating design ensures your lighter stays functional in all conditions, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor or survival kit.
- Gas-Lock Strap: The fireSLEEVE by Exotac features a flexible strap that holds down the red button, keeping the lighter on until you slide the strap off with your thumb. This feature is particularly useful when reaching into tight spots, demonstrating the product’s thoughtful design.
- Waterproof and Floatable: When capped, the fireSLEEVE is not only waterproof up to 3 ft. of water but also floats. The high-grip surface of its flexible body ensures it stays in your hand when wet, enhancing its usability in various conditions.
- Compatibility: The fireSLEEVE is designed to work with any BIC Classic lighter (not included). The replacement process is simple: pull out the old one and slide in the new. If necessary, a small dab of silicon grease can be used for ease of installation.
- Safety Cap: The cap of the fireSLEEVE serves dual purposes. It not only keeps moisture out but also prevents the red gas button from being accidentally depressed in your pack. When the lighter is in use, the cap can be conveniently stored on the bottom of the fireSLEEVE body.
- Quality Material: The fireSLEEVE is molded from flexible TPE (similar to silicon), providing a gasket-like seal around the circumference of the BIC lighter to protect it from moisture intrusion. The cap is molded from super-tough, glass-filled nylon, ensuring durability.
- Made in USA: Exotac takes pride in its manufacturing process. All products, including the fireSLEEVE, are beautifully designed, masterfully machined, and hand-finished in the USA.
Exotac quickLIGHT Tinder Review
The Exotac quickLIGHT is a high-performance waterproof tinder designed to make fire-starting a breeze.
Functionality and Design
Each package includes 12 quickLIGHT tabs.
Each of the 12 quickLIGHTs is designed for multiple uses, so a 12-pack can theoretically be used to start dozens of fires.
The dry-treated cotton repels water to prevent it from being absorbed. If it gets wet, simply shake off the water and fluff the end with dry hands before lighting.
Ease of Use
The quickLIGHT is easy to light and can be ignited from a ferrocerium rod like the nanoSTRIKER XL or a sparked like the nanoSPARK. All you need to do is pull apart and fluff the end to maximize surface area, then spark.
The quickLIGHT will burn for 1-2 minutes. However, you typically only need an open flame for a few seconds to light a tinder bundle. So, once your fire is started, you can snuff out a quickLIGHT tab and save it to use again later.
Like all Exotac products, the quickLIGHT is made in the USA, ensuring high-quality design and manufacturing.
Pros:
Pros and Cons
- Easy to light with a ferrocerium rod or a sparker
- Dry-treated cotton is clean to the touch and easy to light
- Water-resistant, making it ideal for use in wet conditions
- Can be snuffed out and reused later
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Burn time of 1-2 minutes may not be sufficient if you are starting a fire with wet wood.
- Requires dry hands for optimal use
The Exotac quickLIGHT tinder is a valuable addition to any outdoor survival kit, providing a reliable, easy-to-use fire-starting solution. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual camper, the Exotac quickLIGHT can help you start a fire quickly and efficiently, even in challenging conditions.
- EASY TO LIGHT: quickLIGHT can be ignited using a ferrocerium rod like our nanoSTRIKER XL or a sparker such as our nanoSPARK. To maximize the surface area, simply pull it apart and fluff the end. Then, create a spark to initiate the ignition process.
- MULTIPLE USES: quickLIGHT burns for approximately 1-2 minutes. Often, only a brief moment of an open flame is required to ignite a tinder bundle. You can extinguish the quickLIGHT and reuse it later.
- NO MESS: quickLIGHT consists of dry-treated cotton that feels clean to the touch. It is exceptionally easy to light, even with a small spark.
- WATER-RESISTANT: The dry-treated cotton repels water to prevent absorption. Before lighting, simply remove any moisture by knocking it off and fluff the end using dry hands.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our products are meticulously designed, expertly crafted, and hand-finished in the United States.
FAQs for Exotac Fire Starters
Are Exotac products good quality?
Exotac products are known for their high-quality design and functionality. They are made in the USA, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and adherence to strict quality standards. Each product is thoughtfully designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, incorporating features that enhance usability and durability. From waterproof and evaporation-proof designs to high-spark flint wheels and replaceable rods, Exotac products are built to last and perform in all conditions.
How do Exotac fire starters compare to traditional methods?
Exotac fire starters, such as the nanoSTRIKER XL and fireROD, offer significant advantages over traditional fire-starting methods. They are compact, lightweight, and designed for easy use, even in challenging conditions. The high-spark flint wheels and ferrocerium rods produce strong sparks for quick and efficient fire starting. Additionally, features like waterproof storage compartments and replaceable rods enhance the longevity and functionality of these tools.
Why do I need a waterproof lighter case like the Exotac fireSLEEVE?
A waterproof lighter case like the Exotac fireSLEEVE is essential for outdoor adventures as it protects your lighter from moisture, ensuring it remains functional even in wet conditions. The fireSLEEVE is designed to float, preventing your lighter from getting lost in water bodies. Its gas-lock strap allows continuous use without holding the button, which is particularly useful in challenging situations.
Is the EXOTAC titanLIGHT reliable?
The EXOTAC titanLIGHT is a reliable tool for outdoor survival due to its evaporation-proof design, high-spark flint wheel, and durable construction. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring its longevity. The lighter is water and evaporation resistant, protecting against rain and moisture and preventing fuel evaporation. It’s easy to refill with Zippo brand lighter fluid and can hold up to 2mL of fuel.
What are the key features of the Exotac fireROD?
The Exotac fireROD Ferrocerium Firestarter is a high-quality outdoor tool featuring waterproof housing and a 5/16″ ferrocerium rod capable of up to 5,000 fire-starting strikes. The waterproof housing offers secure internal threading with an O-ring for additional protection against moisture, allowing you to store the tinder of your choice in this multifunctional tool.
Is the Exotac nanoSPARK easy to use?
The Exotac nanoSPARK Ultra-Compact Fire Starter is designed for one-handed operation, making it easy to use even in difficult situations. The high-spark flint wheel produces a strong spark, ensuring a quick and efficient fire start. It also features a waterproof storage compartment that can hold quickLIGHT Tinder and up to 5 replacement flints, ensuring that you always have the necessary supplies to start a fire, even in challenging conditions.
Is the Exotac titanLIGHT a good survival lighter?
The EXOTAC titanLIGHT is a high-quality, evaporation-proof survival lighter designed with a high-spark flint wheel that outperforms competitor piezo-based lighters or butane torch lighters. Its unique O-ring design makes the lighter water and evaporation resistant, protecting against rain and moisture and preventing fuel evaporation. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the titanLIGHT promises durability and longevity.
Which lighters will fit in the Exotac fireSLEEVE lighter case?
The Exotac fireSLEEVE is a waterproof, floating lighter case designed to keep your lighter safe and functional in all conditions. It is compatible with any BIC Classic lighter and is made in the USA. The body of the fireSLEEVE is molded from flexible TPE, which seals off the lighter from moisture intrusion. The cap is made from super-tough, glass-filled nylon and protects the red gas button from accidental depression.
- QUALITY DESIGN: Exotac’s fireROD is CNC machined, in-house from a USA high-grade 6061 anodized aluminum body for rugged protection and durability.
- TINDER STORAGE CAPSULE: The waterproof housing offers a secure internal threading with an O-ring for additional protection against moisture. Store tinder of your choice in this multifunctional tool.
- 5/16” FERRO ROD: The fireROD ferrocerium rod measures 5/16″ in diameter and is able to be threaded into the handle of your fireROD for continuous use while making campfires, lighting the stove, or…
- INSTANT FIRE: Exotac’s nanoSTRIKER XL features a unique compact, collapsible strike tool design and a waterproof Ferro rod that supplies the most prodigious spark for its size. Survival essentials are…
- 1/4-INCH FERRO ROD: The included Ferro rod is not only waterproof but replaceable as well. Simply unthread it from the body of the fireROD and thread in a replacement rod for continuous use anywhere;…
- FOR OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS: The nanoSTRIKER XL fire starter is the perfect tool to safely store in your backpack, pocket, survival kit or bag with the rest of your gear when going hiking, camping, or…
- ONE-HANDED OPERATION: Not only is the nanoSPARK easy to use with just a little practice, but it is also operable with one hand in the event of an injury.
- FLAMMABLE CORE: The tinderZIP features an easily flammable core that can pull apart, exposing the inner material, and used as a fire starter with a simple spark.
- IMPERMEABLE TO WATER: A durable and waterproof design makes the tinderZIP an excellent tool to bring on your next outdoor adventure; wax-like outer coating makes it water-resistant and reliable, so…
- IMPRESSIVE BURN TIME: Pull back the outer coating and reveal the flammable inner red treated core until it is puffed; it can activate using a Ferro rod such as our nanoSTRIKER XL for a quick spark…
- YOUR KNIFE IS YOUR STRIKER: Use the spine of your knife to strike the fireROD XL. Many bushcrafting knives do not round over the edges of the spine leaving them sharp for use as a striking tool.
- TINDER STORAGE: Remove the top cap to reveal a large compartment that holds four quickLIGHT tabs (included) or tinder of your choice.
- HEAVY-DUTY REPAIR TAPE: The approx. 12 in. (4.7 cm) of repair tape can be used for patching holes, as an improvised bandage, creating bush-crafting tools, or even as tinder (yes, it’s flammable!)
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