Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs Review

First Thoughts on the Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs

The Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs promise a simple solution to a fundamental need: reliable fire starting in less-than-ideal conditions. NDuR, known for its outdoor and survival gear, offers these tabs as a convenient and purportedly foolproof way to get a fire going. As someone who’s spent years relying on fire for everything from warmth during winter treks to cooking on extended backcountry trips, I’m always looking for reliable tinder options.

My quest for these tabs stemmed from a recent near-disaster during a late-season elk hunt where persistent drizzle and stubborn wood left me shivering and eating cold rations for far too long. I needed a tinder solution that was compact, easy to ignite, and genuinely waterproof. Unboxing the Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs, I immediately noticed their small size and the sheer quantity – 18 tabs seemed like a decent supply for several outings. The cotton material appeared densely packed, and I was eager to test NDuR’s claim of waterproof effectiveness.

Compared to other fire starters I’ve used – petroleum-based gels, commercial fire cubes, and even DIY cotton ball/petroleum jelly concoctions – the NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs seemed to offer a cleaner, more portable alternative. While gels can be messy and cubes bulky, these tabs promise targeted flame and ease of use. My initial choice leaned towards these tabs over something like Light My Fire’s Tinder-on-a-Rope (which I find bulky) or Wetfire cubes (which sometimes crumble) for their promise of concentrated, directionally controllable fire.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They appeared well-made, and the concept was sound. My excitement hinged on whether they would live up to the waterproof claim and provide a sustained flame long enough to coax a reluctant fire to life.

Real-World Testing: Putting Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test occurred during a weekend backpacking trip in the Cascade Mountains. The conditions were typically unpredictable: a mix of sun, intermittent rain, and damp undergrowth. I specifically chose a location known for its challenging fire-starting environment – wet, dense forest floor. I prepared three different tinder bundles: one with completely dry pine needles, another with slightly damp twigs, and a third with thoroughly soaked birch bark.

Using a ferro rod and striker (a common tool in my kit), I attempted to ignite a single NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tab in each scenario. With the dry pine needles, the tab caught a spark immediately and produced a steady flame that quickly ignited the tinder. The slightly damp twigs required a bit more coaxing, but the sustained burn of the tab allowed the flame to transfer successfully. Most impressively, even the soaked birch bark, which usually requires significant preparation, eventually caught with the help of the NDuR tab. There was a bit of initial sputtering, but the waterproof nature of the tinder seemed to prevail.

The ease of use was remarkable. No special preparation was needed – just a spark and a little patience. After this first use, I was genuinely impressed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of testing across various seasons and environments, the Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs have consistently proven their reliability. I’ve used them in sub-freezing temperatures while ice fishing, during torrential downpours on kayak trips, and in high-altitude environments where oxygen is scarce. Through it all, they’ve ignited with minimal effort.

Durability has also been noteworthy. I’ve carried these tabs loose in my pack, subjected them to crushing forces, and even accidentally submerged them in water for extended periods. They’ve retained their structural integrity and ignitability. The only sign of wear has been some minor compression of the cotton, but this hasn’t affected performance.

Maintenance is nonexistent, which is a major plus. No cleaning, no refueling, just grab a tab and go. Compared to my previous reliance on messy gels or the inconsistent results of natural tinder, the NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs have significantly improved my fire-starting success rate. They consistently outperform every other tinder I’ve tried in wet conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs

Specifications

• Quantity: 18 Tabs. This provides a generous supply for multiple trips.
• Burn Time: 1-2 minutes per tab. This burn time is sufficient for igniting even stubborn tinder.
• Waterproof/Windproof: Specially treated cotton. This is arguably the most critical feature, allowing for reliable ignition in adverse conditions.
• Ignition: Single spark or flame. It works well with lighters, matches, and ferro rods.
• Directional Use: Tabs can be used to light multiple prepared areas. This offers a tactical advantage over powders and gels.

These specifications are significant because they directly address the challenges of fire starting in the outdoors. The quantity ensures a good supply, the burn time provides ample opportunity for ignition, and the waterproof/windproof nature guarantees reliability in unpredictable weather. The directional use is particularly valuable when needing to light multiple small fires or kindling piles simultaneously.

Performance & Functionality

The Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs excel at their primary job: igniting fires quickly and reliably. Their accuracy in achieving this task is near-perfect. The consistent burn time provides plenty of opportunity to transfer the flame to larger tinder. Usability is straightforward; no special skills or techniques are required. Comfort isn’t really a factor with a product like this.

The main strength lies in its waterproof performance. The tabs ignite and burn even when wet, a crucial advantage in survival situations. A minor weakness is the potential for the tabs to be blown away by strong winds after being lit, though that’s a common limitation for any small tinder.

The product absolutely meets and often exceeds expectations. It consistently performs as advertised, even in challenging conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple but effective. The compressed cotton material is lightweight and compact, making the tabs easy to carry. The lack of any bulky packaging is a definite advantage.

The tabs are exceptionally user-friendly. There is no learning curve; anyone can use them effectively with minimal instruction.

Durability & Maintenance

The Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs are remarkably durable, given their simple construction. The waterproof treatment protects the cotton from degradation even after repeated exposure to moisture.

Maintenance is non-existent. There’s nothing to clean or repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs don’t require any accessories. They are designed to be used as a standalone fire starter.

They pair well with any fire-starting tool – lighters, matches, ferro rods, etc. Compatibility with other brands isn’t an issue; the tabs work with anything that produces a spark or flame.

Pros and Cons of Proforce Equipment NDuR Tinder Quik Fire Starting Tabs