Arc Lighter. Worth it, or gimmick?

[ATCclears]

Anyone have and using one of these? Recommended? I'd never seen it before this morning.

https://amzn.to/35O7Lor

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[wired]

I have no use for one but I bought it nonetheless. Damn you.

 

[Member 34319]

Doubles as a taser.

 

[Lazyfaire]

Not sure how I would use it. Touch it to metal and it will electrify it. Make your teeth buzz.

 

[Member 34319]

They work pretty well for fire starting. Got to get close though. Had one in the car for years, never recharged it. Still keeps going. This thread reminded me to charge it.

 

[teflon6string]

Almost makes me wish I still smoked, but that train left the station last century.

 

[arrowshooter]

I have three now and love them, the latest being the one in the OP's link.

 

[The Heretic]

Got to get close though.

That's why I hesitate to get one.

 

[Camelfilter]

Regular old butane lighters work fine, my current preference are mini-bic.

However cheapo Chinese versions work fine as well. Including at altitude & in the cold / wind. Used them fine up to 5,000 ish Meters in the Himalaya (Xiangjiang, Tibet, Nepal)... way back when.

Worked best if kept in a chest pocket, however also worked if not kept "warm" by warming them up in hands.

New fangled (for the time) windproof refillable piezo lighter didn't work...

 

[Member 34319]

That's why I hesitate to get one.

They make long ones. Meant for candles.

 

[Capn Jack]

Hmmm... Wife has a lot of problems pulling the trigger on those propane stove lighters.

Wonder how that long one would work.

I sprung for a pair ... Needed something for Valentine's Day.

 

[P7M13]

Have Not used one, and see no reason to start.
Still use strike anywhere matches when camping, and have both a butane and old school lighter fluid type for backup.

 

[The Heretic]

Dollar Tree finally restocked box matches, so I picked up 3 boxes and two more butane disposable lighters. I also have a propane torch that works quite well.

It would seem to me the main benefit of an arc lighter would be the wind resistance.

 

[Sundance]

Have a couple, works well for fireworks , specially the long candle version. Have had only one issue - pouring rain and tried to light a fire, shocked myself .

 

[powermad]

No charge needed.

The Clickspring Fire Piston

Using an ignition technique completely different to most fire starting methods, The Clickspring Fire Piston is particularly suited to starting a fire in high wind conditions, and so is a perfect component of any survival, camping or hiking bag. Aside from its practical use, its also a fun gadget...

clickspring.myshopify.com

You can get them much cheaper than that one though.

 

[peternov01]

i use a long one to light my stove in my rv. It beats matches and is usb chargeable.

 

[SFischer22]

Anyone have and using one of these? Recommended? I'd never seen it before this morning.

https://amzn.to/35O7Lor

A good old fashioned Zippo has never disappointed me.

 

[wired]

I got mine. It works

 

[po18guy]

I have Chad Vader's cell number. When I need a light I just give him a call.

 

[Ben B.]

No charge needed.

The Clickspring Fire Piston

Using an ignition technique completely different to most fire starting methods, The Clickspring Fire Piston is particularly suited to starting a fire in high wind conditions, and so is a perfect component of any survival, camping or hiking bag. Aside from its practical use, its also a fun gadget...

clickspring.myshopify.com

You can get them much cheaper than that one though.

Fire pistons take work. You may be able the get an ember from charcloth "in high wind" but then you have to move that delicate ember into the fluff ball without losing it or it blowing away/blowing out.

They are cool & interesting but not with the weight of lighters & matches.