I went to REI last weekend and picked up some of their "stormproof" matches to try out.

They performed amazingly well. And at around $4.00 for 50 (2 boxes of 25) versus around $3.00 for 25 NATO matches, they are definitely contenders.

Hutch:

Would you mind elaborating on your opinion of the REI matches, please!

I noticed the sticks appear thinner in the picture when compared to the BCB matches. Any problems while striking.

Are these a "strike-anywhere match?"

I like the price and may have to add some to my own kit! Thanks.

Stargazer

Never mind what the critics say...they have never raised a statue to a critic!

Sure.

The actual difference in the wooden sticks is negligible, if any, although I must commend your eyesight. The REI match in the closeup picture above had been handled considerably. I whittled off a few thin slices while marveling over it - plus I may have even chewed on it a bit. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Here's a closeup of two fresh ones.



I had no problems striking them, (choke up, strike down - do not draw) although I must say the extra "bare" stick length has pros & cons: because it is longer, I was comfortable knowing that I had more wood to burn, before my fingers; but I exercised more caution in spite of the length because I envisioned it breaking easier for some reason (which it didn't). I also had to try a couple of matchsafes for size - keep that in mind.


Like the NATO matches, the REI matches are not strike anywhere and do require a striker. The REI's have 2 strikers on the box and 2 sealed packets containing 2 strikers each - a nice touch.




The NATO's have one striker built into the cap.




As I stated, performance of the REI's compared to that of the NATO's: I lit an REI match, then dunked it into a container of water for a second. When I removed the match, it "re-lit" itself and started burning again. I then tried to blow it out and was unsuccessful. Once the incendiary head burned down to the bare wood, it was easy to extinguish.

Given a waterproof matchsafe, I feel comfortable using the REI's.

I use the REI storm matches. I love them. I had to cut the stick down by about 1/4 inch to fit them into my match safe. I've also broken the stick, before I learned to choke up on them while striking.

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I just choke up on it, holding it by the flammable part, but not all the way up to the head. And make sure I move my fingers to the wood part ASAP after getting it lit. I haven't broken one yet that way.

I use the REI matches for all my "normal" outdoor activities. I have both the REI's and the NATOs in my emergency kits. I like the sealed container for the NATOs.

I find the REIs easier to light and having the striking surfaces already seperate and ready to go is a nice touch.

Goatrider:

You might want to add what is often called a "Roach clip" to use when striking matches. With the homemade ones, you can make it as short as you want, and with the commercial ones, you can use it in a retracted position for striking, then extend it to get deep into the firewood "tepee".

For those of you that do not know, extending match holders ("Roach clips") were originally designed for the furnace and hot water heater trade in the lighting of gas pilots. The ones you can buy at an HVAC-R supplier are thin as a good pen with a pocket clip and extend like a cars radio antenna to place the flame where you want it.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

And their secondary, more common use... we won't get into <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />