The other day I received a container of Survival Matches and a box of their Stormproof Matches from UCO. In the last few days I have had a chance to play with them.
UCO states “The Stormproof Matches are easy to light, and will stay lit for up to 15 seconds, even after being submerged in water!” They come in a cardboard box that contains 25 matches and 2 strikers.
UCO Survival Matches come in a waterproof case that includes 15 matches and 2 strikers. The case features an integrated, replaceable striker on the outside to provide an easy location for lighting matches. Survival Matches are a compact version of UCO Stormproof Matches and are easy to light, and will stay lit for up to 12 seconds, even after being submerged in water. I counted the matches in mine and only found ten, giving them the benefit of the doubt this may have been a second that they sent me.
The first thing I had to do was test the claims made by UCO. Both matches were subjected to the same tests. The matches lit easily enough when the enclosed strikers were used. Blowing them out was next to impossible.
Blowing as hard as I could the flame would barely flicker and believe me my wife says I am full of wind. So now, for the last test, will they stay lit after being submerged in water? I took a glass of water, lit a match and dunked it in the water. The flame died down but reignited as soon as I pulled the match out of the water. These matches did everything they claimed. I have made my own waterproof matches in the past, but have never had any perform like these. They are not cheap but if you really want the best, they seem to be it.
Grab some for yourself and keep them handy for the next major emergency.
Howard
That’s just cool Howard. My homemade water-proof matches really didn’t turn out well. These seem like a pretty neat alternative.
~ Sandy Taylor
Great review Howard! I also found the link to the UCO website to be very usful. Very interesting products there. The fuel cell charging product was fascinating.
I know this is off topic but it’s the way my brain works. Since we are discussing starting fires in a storm and keeping safe from fallout, I begin to think about how we will get good information during a SHTF scenario especially if our computers won’t work or we don’t have an internet. I think I should acquire a good shortwave radio to keep from flying blind. Probably one with solar or hand crank capabilities for powering up. I know nothing about electronics so please keep that in mind. Maybe an article on communications and recommendations for the uninformed would help. Thanks
Laurie
Shortwave radios are something I am learning about. I have recently purchased a couple of radios. Here is a link to a previous post I wrote on the subject, https://bit.ly/ITPxhn. I will write more in the future.
Howard
Good series of photos. I can’t believe that match comes back to life after being under water!
Robert
The product demonstration video is pretty spectacular too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQAkZYYdXkU