Surfing a few newsgroups and came accross this link -whats the general opinion on "waterproof matches"?

http://www.angelfire.com/pro/outdoors0/

joblot

The only 'waterproof' matches that I have used are the NATO wind/waterproof matches. I have used these many times with good results. They give a hot flame that can't be put out by the elements and is relitivly easy to light. the only problem is that they sometimes snap, but when you pick up the knack this doesn't often happen.

Check here for Doug's findings:
http://www.equipped.org/devices28.htm#StrikeOne

I needed an intellectual diversion today, having voted @ 7A.M. Perhaps the smell of sulfer will cleanse my nose. So, on to the great Strike Anywhere test in the tradition of the condom test. First I read everything there is to know about the things @ www.diamondbrands.com. I then randomly opened one of my 5 boxes of strike anywheres. On to a count and sorting ; 250 as advertised, 18 had undersized white tips, 9 deformed,2 broken and 1 missing the entire head. That left 230 well formed matches. Burn time with a good match ,held head down @ 45 degrees in still air is 30 seconds from ignition to burning fingers. Of the 18 undersized white tips, 5 literally popped off on ignition, flamed out and left a redhead requiring use of the box striker. 13 readilly ignited with a little care and burned normally. All9 deformed matches igniited with care to strike the white portion. The broken matches could not be ignited. Striking surfaces used were my living room wall, leather boot soles and provided box striker. That box striker is also the only strip I can also reliably ignite lifeboat matches with on a hard surface. Shipping regulations are making it harder to find strike anywheres. Matches are also denigrated in survival literature as " finite and fragile." As a final test I asked my next door nieghbor, a recent immigrant from Nepal to start a barbeque fire. Displayed were a metal match and hacksaw blade, disposablelighter and box of remaining matches. She immedietely reached for the matches. In a real life scenario WE may be incapacitated.The 12 y/o child or asphalt pounder possibly won't understand a firesteel, but everyone knows about wooden matches.

...involves the term 'waterproof', as it is often applied to radically different products. For example, Coghlan's sells at least two different kinds of 'waterproof' matches. The more common variety are called 'Waterproof Safety Matches', and may be found at virtually any store that sells outdoorsy or camping type goodies. The 'Safety' matches are indeed waterproof, but they have tiny little heads and are easily extinguished by the slightest breeze. I'm sure they're fine for firing up the charcoal cooker next to the RV, but I'd be awfully nervous sticking them in a serious survival kit. The other kind are called 'Wind and Waterproof Matches.' They tend to be a little harder to find, but they're a lot closer to what you're thinking of regarding a NATO or 'Lifeboat' style match. All matches are not created equal.

<< The other kind are called 'Wind and Waterproof Matches.' >>

Yeah, these are OK and not too hard to find. Actually, they're pretty good IMHO. Not in a waterproof container, but the NATO matches striker is exposed too, so so even those can be improved (as a system). The Coghlins need the same striking motion as the NATO matches.

Hi Tom,I guess I'm just confused.

I have read about this jabbing motion and I have tried it myself. I've even succeeded ... occasionally. I've also broken more than my share of matches attempting (failing) to master it. Finally, I just gave up, because, quite frankly, I've never needed it. In an earlier post I mentioned how I've always had great luck with NATOs just striking them on the top of the bottle like I would any other match. They have always started great for me, and I don't break them anymore. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Now you say that the Coughlan's "Wind and Water Proof" matches require the same jabbing motion. I've never used the infamous jab with them; I just strike them like I do all other matches. I've never had a problem. So, I guess I'm just asking for confirmation of the problem. Do you really find it difficult to strike these types of matches normally?

Anyone else care to share your experiences? I really am curious, as I seem to be unable to replicate the problem.

Stay safe,
J.T.

i have tryed/used 3 type's:
-the NATO one
-the coughlan waterproof matches ( the small tiped one )
-hurrican matches

the coughlans are good for normall use and wenn you don't have tinder, the NATO type are very hard to get out wenn it is going, but needs tinder and are harder to strike ( i have never been able to light one on the striker of the vial ), the hurrican matches are almost like the NATO once, but smaller ( has a slightly less burining time ) and is cheaper.

I put the coughlans and the NATO once in mine kits.

i've seen some interesting looking matches, made by bryant+may, they are called barbeque matches, and have a large head and a long stick made from pressed wood chips and wax. the idea beeing that to light a BBQ you just lob in a couple of these baby's. thought that they might be good for fires whent he weather was a bit bad, i mean, if you're having a BBq the weather is bound to be dreadful! can't find a link page i'm affraid!
steve

I bought some NATO matches and have been unable to get them to light using either the jabbing motion or the 'standard match' methodusing the striker at the top. (Actually, I got it to light once but the match had broken in the attempt).

What am I missing??? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />