Mr. Ritter,
Since it is apparent that you are reading this thread, is there any chance you could fix a typo in one of your older articles?

In your post on this website entitled, "Foodsaver Sucks, Not Vacuum We're Talking About", you write about the "Jimbo snorkle style machine" at the end of the post. Its the first sentence in the second to last paragraph.

http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=61

Thanks.
Conway Yee

I guess the question is what are you willing to spend? I have a light commercial chamber vacuum sealer. It cost $1000 and it almost certainly overkill for what you need, but it can do some things that no clamp or snorkel machine can do. For instance, I can seal a bag of water completely tight with no bubbles. It will almost vac most all the atmo out, preserving stuff like Weber tinder or WetFire that's ruined by air.

Chamber machines start at about $550- not cheap but pretty amazing if you need advanced capabilities.

And Phaedrus' gizmo makes very durable packages. He graciously sent me some packets of tinder he had prepared; they have been knocking around in my packs for about two years or so and they show no signs of wear or abrasion. Really, really durable.

Do any of these allow for making your own size, like a laminating machine does, or do you need the bags to be pre-sealed on 3 sides? Specifically, I'm thinking of IFAKs which would be pocket size, or 3"x5".

Malpaso... they will typically have a "seal" and "vacuum/seal" button... the "seal" option allows you to make your own sized bags.. pic is of a channel bag I made to act as a water carrier that folds for my wallet... note double sealing stripes on left side and bottom

That's what I'm looking for too. Would like to see more details on that capability. I don't have a whole lot of use for only being able to package things in an 8"x10" form factor.

Thanks. Fixed and updated.

Doug which Simbo is the one you use: DZ-280/A, DZ-280/2SD, or the DZ-280/2SE? How do you go about sealing small packets or pouches?

Several years ago I wanted a vacuum sealer for various purposes; storing/freezing meat and chicken I would buy on sale; packaging WetFire and other tinders; etc. After a lot of research I purchased the FoodSaver GameSaver DeluxePlus with the Jar Sealer attachment. It has served me well but I only use it occasionally (perhaps once every month or two). Almost every unit/brand I reviewed had very mixed reviews in terms of durability and reliability, even the one I purchased.

I initially bought the FoodSaver GameSaver Silver as I liked the 12Volt DC power, but had to return it as it was DOA. That’s when I tried the one I have now and as I said it works well and I can use it off my vehicle inverter should I need it in the field. The price fit my budget and it had the features I wanted.


So, if/when you get one I suggest two things:

• Test it immediately and be sure it and all accessories work correctly.
• Pace yourself in its use, especially if you but a less expensive model like mine. I usually do two or three seals then let it rest for a minute or two before resuming.

Please let us know what you decide upon and how it works for you.

Be aware that it is not at all clear [to me] that parts are available for anything other than the DZ-280A. Likely, all but a few components are shared. I suspect that the DZ-280/2SE is JUST THE DZ-280/A with a small jar hooked up to the oval connector in the back of the unit (but am not sure).

Conway Yee