The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve seen a lot of fire starters in my decade plus of tactical gear experience, from complex ferro rod systems to simple disposable lighters. When I first laid eyes on the Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter, it was the unassuming simplicity and budget-friendly price tag that drew me in. This small, lightweight magnesium bar, made by Ultimate Survival Technologies (UST), promises hundreds of reliable fires with its included shaver/striker.
My decision to give the MagBar a try stemmed from a need for a compact and dependable backup fire starter for my hiking and camping trips. Too often, I’ve relied solely on lighters, only to find them waterlogged or out of fuel at the worst possible moment. The MagBar’s promise of working even when wet was a major selling point.
Upon unboxing (or rather, unwrapping, given its minimal packaging), I was immediately struck by its diminutive size and weight. The MagBar feels solid and well-constructed, despite its low price. The attached striker on a keychain is a thoughtful addition, ensuring you always have the necessary tool at hand.
Compared to similar magnesium fire starters like the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel or the slightly larger Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter, the Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter seemed the most streamlined and convenient for pocket carry. I ultimately chose the MagBar due to its integrated striker and smaller form factor, appealing to my desire for minimalism. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; could something this small and inexpensive really deliver on its promise of reliable fire starting?
Real-World Testing: Putting Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter took place during a weekend camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. The weather was predictably unpredictable, with periods of sunshine interspersed with light rain. I wanted to simulate real-world conditions, so I purposefully gathered damp twigs and leaves for my tinder bundle.
The MagBar was surprisingly easy to use, even with slightly wet hands. Shaving off magnesium onto the tinder bundle required a bit of effort, but the included striker produced a consistent shower of sparks. It took a few tries to get a sustained flame, but once the magnesium shavings ignited, they burned hot and long enough to dry out the surrounding tinder and get the fire going. The damp conditions presented no significant challenge to the MagBar’s performance.
I didn’t anticipate how much force was needed to scrape off magnesium. However, after a few practice runs, I found an angle and pressure that worked efficiently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on various outdoor adventures, the Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The magnesium bar itself shows minimal signs of wear, and the striker remains sharp and functional. I’ve used it in everything from sunny desert environments to cold, damp forests, and it has consistently performed without fail.
Cleaning and maintenance are virtually nonexistent; I simply wipe it down with a cloth after each use to remove any debris. Compared to other fire starters I’ve used in the past, the MagBar stands out for its simplicity and dependability. It outperforms matches in wet conditions and is more compact and lightweight than many butane lighters. It definitely earns a spot as a go-to in my kit.
Breaking Down the Features of Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter
Specifications
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter is a compact and lightweight fire-starting tool designed for emergency and outdoor use.
- Size: LxWxD: 3.1 in x 1.1 in x 0.4 in (79 mm x 29 mm x 10 mm). This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket, pack, or survival kit.
- Weight: 1.8 oz (50 g). Its light weight ensures it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your gear.
- Material: Magnesium Alloy. Magnesium is highly flammable, even when wet, making it ideal for starting fires in challenging conditions.
- Striker: Includes a steel striker attached on a key chain. The attached striker ensures you always have a means of creating sparks, essential for igniting the magnesium shavings.
- Reliability: Reliably starts hundreds of fires. Its ability to start numerous fires makes it a long-lasting and dependable tool for survival situations.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the MagBar’s usability and effectiveness. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry, while the magnesium construction ensures reliable fire starting in any condition.
Performance & Functionality
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter excels at its primary task: starting fires quickly and reliably. The magnesium bar shaves easily, and the included striker generates a generous shower of sparks, even when wet. It consistently ignites tinder bundles composed of dry grass, leaves, and small twigs.
The biggest strength is its dependability in adverse conditions. The main weakness is that scraping magnesium takes more effort than expected.
It meets and exceeds expectations for a budget-friendly fire starter.
Design & Ergonomics
The MagBar’s design is simple and functional. The magnesium bar is easy to grip, and the attached striker is conveniently located. The overall build quality is surprisingly good for the price, with no noticeable flaws or weaknesses.
It is very user-friendly; the only learning curve involves mastering the shaving technique.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter is built to last. The magnesium bar is solid and resistant to damage, and the striker is made from durable steel. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter comes with only one accessory: the attached striker on a keychain. There are no customization options available, as its design is simple and straightforward.
It is compatible with any type of tinder, such as cotton balls, dryer lint, or commercially available fire starters.
Pros and Cons of Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter
Pros
- Reliable fire starting in all conditions. The magnesium construction ensures it works even when wet, a critical feature in survival situations.
- Compact and lightweight design. Easy to carry in a pocket, pack, or survival kit without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Integrated striker. The attached striker eliminates the need for a separate tool, ensuring you always have everything you need to start a fire.
- Long-lasting. Capable of starting hundreds of fires, providing a reliable source of ignition for extended trips or emergencies.
- Affordable. Excellent value for money, making it accessible to anyone needing a dependable fire starter.
Cons
- Difficult to shave magnesium initially. Requires practice and a firm grip to effectively shave off magnesium shavings.
- Small size can be difficult to grip for users with larger hands. The compact design may be less comfortable for some users.
Who Should Buy Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter?
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter is perfect for:
- Hikers and Backpackers: Provides a reliable backup fire starter in case of wet or lost matches.
- Campers: A simple and effective tool for starting campfires.
- Survivalists: An essential component of any survival kit.
- Preppers: A long-lasting and dependable fire-starting solution for emergency preparedness.
This product is not ideal for:
- Individuals seeking a one-handed fire-starting solution.
- Those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality tinder such as cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
Conclusion on Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter
The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter is an exceptional value for its price. Its reliability, compact size, and integrated striker make it a must-have for anyone who spends time outdoors or values emergency preparedness. While it may require some practice to master the shaving technique, its dependability in all conditions makes it well worth the effort.
The price of $4.99 is more than justified, considering its long lifespan and ability to start hundreds of fires. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable fire starter. The Ultimate Survival MagBar Fire Starter is a testament to the fact that essential gear doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Pick one up and add it to your kit; you won’t regret it.