I must be buying the wrong lighters (Mini Bics) because I get twice as much spark from the SparkLite as I do from a Mini Bic (yes with the guard removed). Maybe you guys are referring to the full-sized Bics? I have no info on those. They are way too big for me to consider carrying so I have never even bothered testing them. As far as tinder goes... the TQ that comes with the SL is great stuff. It's my favorite tinder for wet weather, hands down. However I have had much success lighting both toilet paper and natural tinder with a SL. I have had success doing this with the spark from a Mini Bic lighter also, but not as much. If my choice is an empty Mini Bic or a SL, I'm taking the SL!