ExotacpolySTRIKER XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter

This is my first fire starter and I researched several others as well as different designs. I really like this fire starter for several reasons. One is the larger size which makes it easy to hold both the rod as well as the striker. Another is the storage for the striker when not in use. The thicker rod is also a reason why I chose the XL over the standard one. The only negative I can say is the lack of cover for the rod. I would have loved to have some sort of cover or cap to protect the rod. As I said, it's my first fire starter so I don't know whether having the exposed rod is more vulnerable to breakage. Still, I like it enough that I may buy another one in a different color.I had my 13 yr old son test it out in the yard over a standard cotton ball. He has never used one before and hesitantly striked it, resulted in only small sparks. I told him to strike it more confidently and the cotton ball immediately lid up. There was a small amount of wind (enough to move the cotton ball around until I placed a small rock to hold it in place).Please click YES if my review have been helpful to you, it will encourage me to continue writing and updating my reviews, and leave a comment if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer if I can be of help.

Disclaimer: I paid full price for this and have received nothing from the seller other than this excellent fire starter.That said, I don't think i can add to the accolades other reviewers have given this tool. Like many, I have tried just about every fire starter combo there is. Some have been sufficient some have been almost embarrassing. I need to have a yard sale.I was convinced this was the best yet when yesterday I was able to start a fire in the rain in my fire pit ( at home ). My tender was a combination of lint, Vaseline soaked cotton ball and some magnesium sprinkled on for good measure. I also had some fat lighter laying around. The Exotac produced a couple of humongous sparks that ignited the tinder in no time. Gave the fire some air, added a little fat lighter and slowly built the fire up using semi wet twigs,etc. By this time I figured I was wet enough and let the fire die. I have no doubt I could have continued to build the fire up but being in my backyard saw no reason to do so. Plus, my wife was yelling at me.Didn't mean to ramble on but I really like this one. In fact, just ordered another one for my wife to pack in. Thanks

It fit’s perfect to the hand. Good striker and hot sparks is a must in your EDC OR fire making kit

Pros:I love this thing, great design, storing the striker in the handle was brilliant! This makes storing the XL a snap. Also the striker is in the shape of an "I" beam so you have multiple striking surfaces which is awesome! The handle on the XL is very comfortable to use and very rugged. The rod seems to be attached to the handle quite well, I haven't seen any movement at all (unlike cheaper rods). This thing throws showers of sparks, although it took me a few minutes to get the right angle. I think anyone could light a fire quite easily with this rod. All in all a very well designed, rugged and effective ferro rod.Cons:I could wish that the handle was a little shorter and the rod a little longer. Also the overall length of the XL is too long to fit in most sheath pouches. And because the rod is only 2 inches long it may not fit securely in kydex ferro rod holders. However, it fits great on my Spec-Ops basic modular sheath, I wove the rod into the molle webbing and it's secured in place.

Okay, I own the UST Blastmatch, UST Sparkie (4 of them), Mora Light My Fire and four other name brand fire starters, all were my favorite at one time until something new shows up and it gets my attention.Now, In comes the Exotac Polystriker XL. All I can say is wow, what a great design, the striker stores in the handle (obvious) and the ferrocerium rod is 5/16" W 2" L, the total length is 5 3/8'' and the weight is 1.4 oz (40g). The material is not cheap on this thing, from my experience with plastics if it has the word poly you know it's some tough stuff and it's made in the USA so that's a plus right there.This fire steel puts out huge sparks so don't try this in the house. Now the striker, what can I say except that it's the best one I have ever used. The Tungsten carbide steel on this striker can be sharpened and if you use the striker on your other fire steels they will work better.Buy one you won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading my review of the Exotac polyStriker XL.

Sparks

Out of the box the unit as a whole has a quality feel to it even the plastic handle looks and feels quality, you have to see it to understand. That said I have been practicing with it lots around the house and yard to see what lights best. Any true tinder (cotton ball, twine, alcohol wipes ect.) lights right away one or two strikes. More damp stuff takes more work and prep but its the same with a zippo. The lanyard could be longer but not a big deal still workable, rode is thick and strong and handles all the over pressure I give it. I've learned to not use as much pressure and it works the same. it's light and the handy orange color makes it easy to find if you drop it. Just practice with it and it should serve you well, I'm going to buy a few more for some other kits and they should last a very long time. I've used cheaper flints and you definitely can tell the difference in handling and confidence it gives you, not a last ditch I hope this works or it doesn't break feel.

This things throws major sparks, it has a very good striker and has a good size. It is my first fire steel and will recommend to everyone.

Terrible - I heard good things about this rod, but scrape after scrape after scrape, when it does spark, very little spark is given off, I have now tested and scraped so much that I think I went through about 20% of the rod in one afternoon. Not sure what people are seeing in this, but it can't be this rod.

Dieses Teil hab ich auf Youtube entdeckt. Dabei wurden verschiedene Feuerstarter getestet. Dann war für mich klar, der PolyStriker XL ist für mich die richtige Wahl. Endlich hat man was in der Hand. Klasse auch der Schaber, der scharf und schön zu nehmen ist. Natürlich kann man dazu auch sein Messer nehmen, aber der Schaber ist so schön im Griff integriert, verbunden mit einer Kordel, das funktioniert einfach. Bin sehr zufrieden.

This rod really sparks. Its shape makes it handy to operate. The handle of the rods just so for a good grip and the striker gives also an excellent hold. Its overall shape is perfect to stow in any lose corner and its weight is no issue when you want to travel light. I recommend this rod warmly and enthusiastically.

Appears well designed and highly rated, but actual use proves otherwise. Specifically, the "ultra sharp striker" is so dull as to render it useless (repeated attempts failed to produce sparks). Tested the rod with the Light My Fire striker and it threw sparks as advertised! Exotac's website claims small batch quality control and innovative designs, however cost and performance leave much to be desired. Buyer beware! Test this product rather than assuming you can rely on it in what could be a survival situation.