My first and probably last Spark Lite didn't produce big enough sparks to light a TinderQuick either. The SL and TQ were both brand new. I kind of don't trust these tiny sparkers with wheel too much since then.

With some regret I think I'll have to join your ranks of not trusting the SL raptor. Too bad, because with a whole drilled in the base the SL went on a key chain very nicely.

haven't actually tried the tinder-quick yet, but I did get a spark-lite in a kit. Tried it, tossed it in the garbage. It might work if you had nothing else, but there are lots of better options available.

Interesting. I've tried lighting a Tinder Quik with a Spark-Lite, and it worked perfectly. For me, at least, it produces sparks at least as well as a Bic.

I read somewhere that there was a protective coating on the flint, and you have to strike it a couple of times to clear that. Mine sparked the first time, so I don't know about that.

I also read that the flint will disintegrate over time without that coating, so I bought another one to carry for emergency use. I don't know if it's true, but two is almost always better than one.

The one I tested came in the AMK/Doug Ritter survival pack. Does anyone know if those are tested before putting them in the packs?

In summation: this tenderfoot survivalist had no trouble at all with his Spark-Lite.

I picked up a spark-lite recently, and was able to get tinder quik burning with it. It took a lot of fluffing, and a lot of tries. I'd hate to try it if the tinder quik started out wet - I doubt I could get the fire going at all in with a spark-lite in that case.

I may just go with a ferrocerium rod instead, it gives me much better sparks. I can't start a fire one-handed with it, but I usually can't with the spark-lite either!

I am only 16 but I have been working on a new rendition of the blast match, its 7/16"x7/16"x2 1/4" and i havent finished the prototype but hopefully it makes it to market. If anyone knows how to market stuff, i can show you how it works. If it wasnt for spiders and guests, i would post pictures, but i dont trust too many people. What should the name be? Mini-Match?

As I think I noted this above, but in case I missed it, I've actually lint tinder quik w/the spark lite in question, but it hadn't been compressed for two years in my wallet and and the spark lite was newer. This could just be user error on my part though. Regardless, I've decided to upgrade my keychain to a "sparky" Ordered 3 today.

R

Also of note - I just compared a new spark-like to the one that has been on my keys, for whatever reason, it throws a lot more spark. I've decided to go DR style Sparky for my keys anyways. (http://equipped.org/pp/pic690.htm) Though not one handed, I think it will be more reliable.

MY guess would be on the flint being bad, not the spark lite. Flint deteriorates, or something, after a while-I have a small metal one I bought from someone suggesting it on here, and the flint is replaceable. I think it retailed for $10-$15 or so. There is even a little slot on the side that you could put a small needle in & wrap with line. I bought this & got rid of all my other spark lites. Nifty little device-just forgot who makes it, or where I bought it from.

The flint on all spark lites is replacable. I replaced mine with a Bic flint when it got down too low. I am still thinking on a name, Mini-Match sounds good but its too basic sounding. Cmon guys, i need help... I will see if this idea passes with UST and possibly do a test review for some of you. Please, i need a good, catchy name.