What's your favorite matches brand?

[rebel]

Has anyone done a match analysis to see which is the best?

I just use what's available and that's usually the diamond brand, kitchen, strike anywhere type that I pick up at the grocery store. I like the size of the bigger sticks. For match book matches, I like the military matches that came in the MRE's.

I have noticed that in the smaller matches of the strike anywhere (same diamond brand), the match heads have gotten much smaller. They're almost useless.

Several questions:

I've never tried the waterproof / windproof matches. Are they better and worth the price?

Do you prefer the strike on the sandpaper type or strike anywhere type?

What do you think is the best match brand?

Thanks...

[SARKY]

Match?! what the heck do you need a match for? Oh wait my favorite match is the BlastMatch!!!

[rebel]

Match?! what the heck do you need a match for? Oh wait my favorite match is the BlastMatch!!!

I've got a couple of the fire steel rods. Is the BlastMatch a better product for that type of fire starting method?

[Sourdough]

Blue Diamond Brand

[crashdive123]

Blue Diamond.

[dscrick]

I have to agree that the quality on the strike anywhere types has gone down. I used to be able to find the old Ohio Blue tips. Those were REALLY strike anywhere matches! You could flick one with a thumbnail and it would light!

The low quality is probably due to product liability. Some nimrod probably lit his crotch on fire trying to strike one on his zipper and called a lawyer.

[Rick]

I'd have to go with Blue Diamond but rarely use a match these days.

[Old GI]

I have to agree that the quality on the strike anywhere types has gone down. I used to be able to find the old Ohio Blue tips. Those were REALLY strike anywhere matches! You could flick one with a thumbnail and it would light!

The low quality is probably due to product liability. Some nimrod probably lit his crotch on fire trying to strike one on his zipper and called a lawyer.

I did NOT call a lawyer!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well when we went Camping I used one strike from My Firesteel on a PJ cotton ball (the wood was even damp). That fire remained going (even if only as coals) the entire time we were camping. I had a lighter, but the only time it was used was to light a cigarette when I was away from camp. The firesteel was only something like $8 and will probably last my lifetime,if the camping trip is any indication.

[finallyME]

The waterproof matches work, but I have only used it once. I try to not use them, just carry them as my last option. If my firesteel and lighter fail me, then I know I have a bunch of waterproof matches. But, because of their price, I don't use them. I do use the strike anywhere matches and like those, but I use a lighter (cheap bic) more, as it seems to be more convenient.

For fire, I always try to carry 2 firesteels (one to use and one that doesn't get used at all), a couple lighters, and a waterproof container with waterproof matches inside. The reason for 2 firesteels is that I want to use one for practice, but still want the possibility of a lot of fires. So, no matter how much I use one, I know I still have a fresh one if I get in a situation that would require long term fire lighting capabilities.

[rebel]

You guys are warming-up nice for the poll on fire starting tools.

[Ken]

Yep, Blue Diamond.

[Survival Guy 10]

blue diamonds but the last time i saw one was 2 years ago at a convient food store

[SARKY]

I've got a couple of the fire steel rods. Is the BlastMatch a better product for that type of fire starting method?

The BlastMatch is a fire steel that is spring loaded to the out position so that you can use it one handed. Also the rod itself is thicker than most firesteel and throws one hell of a shower of HOT sparks.

[dscrick]

I did NOT call a lawyer!

ROFLMAO! That's funny

[NCO]

Sampo. By the way, I suppose those strike anywhere type matches are illegal here... oh well.. As a smoker I do prefer a lighter..

[Sam]

Diamond Kitchen strike anywhere are the usual ones. I also like the 'lifeboat' matches. I buy them thru REI and at $4.50 for 50 they are pricey, but I use them anyway. I mean why buy something and not use it?
-Sam

[trax]

Favorite matches? easy nell& trax, although I still think a certain other female on this forum oughta be heading for Alaska and meet the legend of the doorless outhouse owner, and Ken and 2d2k ran a pretty close third.

[skunkkiller]

the one that lite!

[nell67]

Favorite matches? easy nell& trax, although I still think a certain other female on this forum oughta be heading for Alaska and meet the legend of the doorless outhouse owner, and Ken and 2d2k ran a pretty close third.

Best answer EVER!