Excellent review Mark. "SOL" evolved into "TSOL" and has a widely known meaning. Branding fail. lol. Your idea to light a storm match first is excellent.
Thanks Mark! good stuff. I am going to assume it will light at challenging low temps, where a BIC can be fussy. I am slow to acquire gear that has internal/non-replaceable batteries. But, as you say, I too like to get gifts that are usable that I might not pull the trigger on myself. Cheers from Lapeer, Michistan - USA
I'm a gadget girl. I think it's a great item. I use a small rechargeable flashlight every night. It never fails when I turn out the lights there is something I can't find in the dark mostly where I laid down my hand splints. I also have a black Labradoodle and a black floor. I need the flashlight to avoid stepping on or tripping over my dog when I have to get up in the night. I only need the light for a few seconds, so I like that the lighter comes with that feature.
Fair enough. I have flashlights stashed all over my house and in my pack for similar reasons. I just prefer to have my light separate from my lighter. Thank for commenting
Nice review Mark. I’ve had one of these for about a month and have mostly used it to light the BBQ using the Weber cubes, no roughing up needed. I haven’t gone through the level of testing you’ve done. I bought it because I can recharge it in the field indefinitely (unless the battery dies). Yes it’s kind of a novelty item but it works nicely and it’s fun. I don’t really use the flashlight much but nice to know it’s there.
@@MarkYoungBushcraft honestly that's even bigger than keeping your starters dry. You can always make fire if your tinder is dry with friction. If your tinder is wet then well you have to find another way to start a fire or somehow just get smoke to dry it
Good info sir. I like it that you tested several materials. Some or them I keep in my bug out and get home. I have one of these types of lighters I keep in my gear, it’s a longer flexible neck in it. They are comparable To a big bug the one thing over the Vic is it’s wind proof. That’s the reason I purchased one any way. I have some small personal power sources with solar charging I have in my bags as well for other devices I deem more critical but since I do have I figured why not get a plasma for the convenience of it. Otherwise I would probably pass on it. For me these lighters have a usefulness if you have a way to charge them but if it was gonna create more hassle or more gear to carry I would pass. Thanks for the great video.
I've had 2 for over a year. I use the flashlights often in my work and can light about 40 cigarettes (2 packs) before charging. On bright, the flashlight has @100 ft illumination, not very wide.Low will last longer, @ 3 hours. Cheers
Great video and product! Although I feel fuel free may be misleading as it still can run out of its own kinda gas lol. What's that firestarter that's like a small piston and makes heat through rapid friction? To me that's fuel free. I'm sure someone knows what it's called...
Yes, they do need to be charged so they are not truly fuel free. The item you are describing is a fire piston. I have an old video on one th-cam.com/video/MJeu4eMpvkc/w-d-xo.html Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark. I probably won't be picking one up, but if I am gifted one I will use it. I have many mini and regular Bic lighters and fero rods that never let me down. Seems like a novelty to me. Cheers buddy.
Thank you Mark great review, just got this one and i got a question, how do i know when is fully charged? I can see a blue light and thats all.. thank you again!
Most welcome. The top is a few years old and was sold through Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada. I like it because the extra-long zipper makes it easy to get on and off
Great review Mark, too bad that the battery can't be replaced but then again, regular Bic lighters can't be refilled either. Hope you will let us know longer term use and how long it holds up for. Thanks for sharing. :) :)
Iirc you also got a zippo hand warmer for Christmas, i wonder if it would light that where you need several seconds of contact. But if you’re carrying fuel for the hand warmer, then a wick lighter that lights when frozen might be a better choice! I notice there is another SOL model of plasma lighter, i think without the flashlight.
Great video Mark. Really liked the testing of the many different materials. Seems more and more outdoor items rely on recharging. What about a gyro powered plasma lighter. I have a plasma lighter with a small beam section. Still does the job in the wind.
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I guess I was trying to put the idea of a gyro lighter into the head of a bright spark out there in internet land. I thought about your 'chat' with us, about content etc. TH-camrs have personalities, and we are here because we like yours. Do what you love to do.
Bic lighters are not windproof, that's what makes this lighter a good choice (if you're in windy conditions often) . The downside to this lighter is that they chose to use micro USB instead of type c for a charging port. so you're forced to carry around an obsolete USB cable for probably just this lighter.
Ok Mark, I hate to have to make you test one more thing, but there one you forgot. Will it work as a mini taser if you touch it to your skin? 😀 Btw, I see a knife that isn’t a full grind…..is there a new knife review in the works?
JF: Yes, it will put a serious hurt on a ladybug the next time one tries to mug you. Check with your local law enforcement department to see whether the use of a device such as this in such a manner requires training or registry.
@@adamnoman4658 Well I know it obviously wouldn’t knock someone down. That was called a joke, but I’m willing to bet it would hurt your finger…..or you would burst into flames! (That was a joke too)
G’day from Oz. I have the SOL emergency /survival kit. About the size of an Altoid box. It’s in my EDC pack. Check it out folks Thx again for your work. Lars
@@darthkek1953 that is the same for me, but I figured out if it's okay that u become only half of the labeled POWER, that SOLAR work nearly ok everywhere. I charge all my small devices incl. . including laptops on my solar Island Setup. u only need a big ACCU and double or Tripple SOLAR PANELS and u be good to go
Excellent review Mark. "SOL" evolved into "TSOL" and has a widely known meaning. Branding fail. lol. Your idea to light a storm match first is excellent.
Good to know about the change. Thanks for commenting
I remember you walk softly and carry a big stick ! I liked your beaver dam stick idea excellent !!!
Thanks for commenting
Thanks Mark! good stuff.
I am going to assume it will light at challenging low temps, where a BIC can be fussy. I am slow to acquire gear that has internal/non-replaceable batteries. But, as you say, I too like to get gifts that are usable that I might not pull the trigger on myself.
Cheers from Lapeer, Michistan - USA
I agree. The best about non-replaceable batteries. I do like this lighter but it is not going to replace my BICs. Thanks for commenting
I'm a gadget girl. I think it's a great item. I use a small rechargeable flashlight every night. It never fails when I turn out the lights there is something I can't find in the dark mostly where I laid down my hand splints. I also have a black Labradoodle and a black floor. I need the flashlight to avoid stepping on or tripping over my dog when I have to get up in the night. I only need the light for a few seconds, so I like that the lighter comes with that feature.
Fair enough. I have flashlights stashed all over my house and in my pack for similar reasons. I just prefer to have my light separate from my lighter. Thank for commenting
...they are absolutely ideal for initiating the catalytic reaction in a Zippo or Butterfly pocket handwarmer that uses Naptha...
Good point. I have a Zippo I will use this with. Thanks for commenting
Nice review Mark. I’ve had one of these for about a month and have mostly used it to light the BBQ using the Weber cubes, no roughing up needed. I haven’t gone through the level of testing you’ve done. I bought it because I can recharge it in the field indefinitely (unless the battery dies). Yes it’s kind of a novelty item but it works nicely and it’s fun. I don’t really use the flashlight much but nice to know it’s there.
I find I am using it more than I thought. Works great. Thanks for commenting
It's supposed to work in rain or wind. Thanks for the review! Great video
Only if your tinder is dry. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft honestly that's even bigger than keeping your starters dry. You can always make fire if your tinder is dry with friction. If your tinder is wet then well you have to find another way to start a fire or somehow just get smoke to dry it
I enjoyed how you set fire to all kinds of things.
So much fun😅. Thanks for commenting John
Good info sir. I like it that you tested several materials. Some or them I keep in my bug out and get home. I have one of these types of lighters I keep in my gear, it’s a longer flexible neck in it. They are comparable
To a big bug the one thing over the Vic is it’s wind proof. That’s the reason I purchased one any way. I have some small personal power sources with solar charging I have in my bags as well for other devices I deem more critical but since I do have I figured why not get a plasma for the convenience of it. Otherwise I would probably pass on it. For me these lighters have a usefulness if you have a way to charge them but if it was gonna create more hassle or more gear to carry I would pass. Thanks for the great video.
I agree. The one thing to remember with these lighters is to keep them charged. Thanks for commenting
Really interesting demontration, I'm going to take a look at that. Thanks for the video, informative and to the point as always
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting
I've had 2 for over a year. I use the flashlights often in my work and can light about 40 cigarettes (2 packs) before charging. On bright, the flashlight has @100 ft illumination, not very wide.Low will last longer, @ 3 hours. Cheers
Good information based on experience. Thanks for commenting
Great video and product! Although I feel fuel free may be misleading as it still can run out of its own kinda gas lol.
What's that firestarter that's like a small piston and makes heat through rapid friction? To me that's fuel free. I'm sure someone knows what it's called...
Yes, they do need to be charged so they are not truly fuel free. The item you are describing is a fire piston. I have an old video on one th-cam.com/video/MJeu4eMpvkc/w-d-xo.html Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft awesome thanks!
Great review. I bought this one and the Tesla by survival frog. They are in my emergency bags with a few other items.
Right on. They work well. Thanks for commenting
Hello from British Columbia Canada
🇨🇦👍👋♥️not sure how I missed this...
No worries. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark. I probably won't be picking one up, but if I am gifted one I will use it. I have many mini and regular Bic lighters and fero rods that never let me down. Seems like a novelty to me. Cheers buddy.
Yes, it won't replace my BICs of ferro rods but it does have a spot in my kit. Thanks for commenting
Almost every bic I have had has stopped working when very cold or wet. This lighter is not a novelty, it lights in all conditions when others wont.
Thank you Mark great review, just got this one and i got a question, how do i know when is fully charged? I can see a blue light and thats all.. thank you again!
I apologize but I can't find my lighter to confirm so I do not have the confidence to answer
I found my lighter and it was in need of a charge. The blue LED next to the charging port comes on while charging and goes out when complete
Thanks for sharing. Out of curiosity, what brand is your grey zipped top ?
Most welcome. The top is a few years old and was sold through Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada. I like it because the extra-long zipper makes it easy to get on and off
Great review Mark, too bad that the battery can't be replaced but then again, regular Bic lighters can't be refilled either. Hope you will let us know longer term use and how long it holds up for. Thanks for sharing. :) :)
Hi Jacky. I expect it should last a few years at least. It is a good lighter but won't replace the BIC. Thanks for commenting
Iirc you also got a zippo hand warmer for Christmas, i wonder if it would light that where you need several seconds of contact. But if you’re carrying fuel for the hand warmer, then a wick lighter that lights when frozen might be a better choice! I notice there is another SOL model of plasma lighter, i think without the flashlight.
I have not tried that but I will. Thanks for commenting
Great video Mark. Really liked the testing of the many different materials. Seems more and more outdoor items rely on recharging. What about a gyro powered plasma lighter. I have a plasma lighter with a small beam section. Still does the job in the wind.
I try not to rely on items with batteries but it is hard to get away from, including my camera gear. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I guess I was trying to put the idea of a gyro lighter into the head of a bright spark out there in internet land. I thought about your 'chat' with us, about content etc. TH-camrs have personalities, and we are here because we like yours. Do what you love to do.
Mark good review and demonstration , thanks for sharing ,God bless !
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Great Test & Demo, Thanks Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting Terry
Which lighter(s) is your preferred one or several?
Most often I carry a simple BIC lighter. I may have a couple of spares. I also carry at least one ferrocerium rod. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you
Thanks for the video!
Most welcome
very nice review but i preffer explorer waterproof arc lighter from ebay the form factor is more appealing 😉
Yes, I took a look at it. Very nice. Thanks for commenting
Are you still using this or have you come across a newer item for your kit/EDC?
Not so much but now that you reminded me of it, I will get it out and start carrying it again. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft What have you been using instead?
@@mathewharrison Nothing new. Just a BIC lighter and ferro-rod
Thanks for sharing!
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Having three ways to start a fire is what you need.
Thanks for commenting
Bic lighters are not windproof, that's what makes this lighter a good choice (if you're in windy conditions often) . The downside to this lighter is that they chose to use micro USB instead of type c for a charging port. so you're forced to carry around an obsolete USB cable for probably just this lighter.
Good points. Thanks for commenting
Ok Mark, I hate to have to make you test one more thing, but there one you forgot. Will it work as a mini taser if you touch it to your skin? 😀
Btw, I see a knife that isn’t a full grind…..is there a new knife review in the works?
No way. I have been tasered enough in my career. Good eye Jim. Review coming soon
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I’m hoping you’ve been tasered as part of RCMP training and not some unfortunate turn of events that made them tase you! 😀
JF: Yes, it will put a serious hurt on a ladybug the next time one tries to mug you.
Check with your local law enforcement department to see whether the use of a device such as this in such a manner requires training or registry.
@@adamnoman4658 Well I know it obviously wouldn’t knock someone down. That was called a joke, but I’m willing to bet it would hurt your finger…..or you would burst into flames! (That was a joke too)
Thanks Mark.
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
They said to carry 3 ways to make a fire. Ferro rod, matches, lighter. Now, make it 4. Throw in an electric lighter! 😂
It is handy for sure. Thanks for commenting
That plasma lighter would go good with my butane lighter that looks just like it.
Good combination. Thanks for commenting
How much is it ?
I don't list prices as it depends on where you are buying from. Thanks for commenting
G’day from Oz. I have the SOL emergency /survival kit. About the size of an Altoid box. It’s in my EDC pack. Check it out folks Thx again for your work. Lars
I will take a look. Thanks for commenting
Be nice for a link below
Thanks for commenting
Cut up pieces of a sparkler they burn hot
Interesting idea. Will give it a try. Thanks for commenting
i only use this Electric-Lighters, because they are safe and i can charge it for free on my Solar -Setup
If you have a solar setup they make sense.
yes, and after findind out the usge u never want to go back
@@sirdee9607 where I live solar is somewhere between unreliable and useless, it is not a globally reliable energy source.
@@darthkek1953 that is the same for me, but I figured out if it's okay that u become only half of the labeled POWER, that SOLAR work nearly ok everywhere. I charge all my small devices incl. . including laptops on my solar Island Setup. u only need a big ACCU and double or Tripple SOLAR PANELS and u be good to go
I love using solar. Although, only for extended camping trips. Thanks for commenting
electricity is a fuel, same as any other type.
Yes it is. Thanks for commenting