When I first saw the Exotac nanoSPARK, I thought it was a tiny survival lighter, but it’s not.
The nanoSpark is a fire-starting tool that uses a flint wheel and a flint to produce sparks that ignite tinder. It’s basically a lighter without the lighter fluid, but so much more.
In this review, I’ll break down its key features, usability, and performance to help you decide if it’s worth your investment.
Table of Contents
Key Features
Extremely Portable Fire-Starter
One of the standout features of the Exotac nanoSPARK is its incredibly compact and lightweight design. Measuring just 1.8 inches long and weighing only 0.5 ounces (14 grams), this tiny fire starter is one of the most portable options on the market.
To put its small size into perspective, the nanoSPARK is shorter than a typical house key and weighs less than a quarter. It can easily fit on a keychain, in a pocket, or attached to a zipper pull on your backpack without adding noticeable bulk or weight.
Despite its diminutive dimensions, the nanoSPARK doesn’t sacrifice durability or performance. The body is constructed from a rugged aluminum alloy that resists corrosion and wear, while the tungsten carbide striker and ferrocerium rod components are designed for longevity. This little device can generate thousands of hot sparks.
Whether you’re looking to trim weight from your backpacking kit, build an ultralight survival tin, or just want an inconspicuous but capable everyday carry fire starter, the Exotac nanoSPARK fits the bill. This is one piece of gear where size truly doesn’t matter – except for how easy it is to carry anywhere.
Here is a section titled “One-Handed Operation” that addresses my recommendation about discussing the one-handed usability of the Exotac nanoSPARK:
One-Handed Operation
Another advantage of the Exotac nanoSPARK is its ability to be operated with just one hand. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but in a survival situation or during cold weather when dexterity is limited, being able to start a fire using a single hand can be a game-changer.
The nanoSPARK’s compact rectangular body is easy to grip securely, while the textured spinner wheel at one end allows you to generate sparks with a simple flick of your thumb. There’s no need to hold a separate striker or coordinate two hands – just grasp the nanoSPARK in your palm and use your thumb to spin the wheel against the ferrocerium rod.
This one-handed operation sets the nanoSPARK apart from other popular fire starters requiring two hands or more effort to ignite. With a little practice, you can even use the nanoSPARK while wearing gloves, which is a valuable feature in cold conditions.
Starting a fire with one hand also frees up your other hand to hold your tinder material at the ready. Whether using natural tinder like dry grass or a commercial fire starting wick, having a free hand to position it close to the sparks makes ignition faster and easier.
Being able to operate your fire starter one-handed is a significant benefit in an emergency situation where you may be injured or have to use your other hand for a different task. The nanoSPARK’s thoughtful design makes this possible without compromising performance.
While one-handed use may not be necessary for every fire-starting scenario, having the option adds welcome flexibility and convenience. Combined with the nanoSPARK’s compact size, durable construction, and spark-generating power, one-handed operation is another reason this tiny fire starter is a top choice for survival kits and everyday carry.
Standout Features:
- Compact Fire Starter: One of the key features of the Exotac NanoSPARK is its small size, making it an ultraportable ignition device ideal for any backpacker or outdoor enthusiast.
- Durable Design: This fire starter’s CNC machined aluminum construction makes it durable and long-lasting, providing countless sparks.
- Low-Friction Flint Wheel: The NanoSPARK incorporates a low-friction flint wheel capable of easily igniting various types of tinder.
- Waterproof Interior Container: This tool features a waterproof interior container perfect for storing tinder and keeping it dry until you need to use it.
- One-hand Operation: Its design allows for convenient one-hand operation.
- Efficient Fire Starting Tool: Besides being compact and easy to use, it functions like a traditional lighter, effectively generating sparks when the flint wheel is spun onto the tinder.
- Replaceable Flint: The flint can be quickly replaced when it wears out, and you can store five extra flints in the waterproof case.
Pros and Cons
Exploring the pros and cons of the Exotac NanoSPARK is an essential way to highlight its functionality and determine whether it fits your outdoor needs. Let’s delve into these aspects.
Pros
- Constructed with durable aluminum for years of rugged use.
- The waterproof interior container allows users to carry tinder or replacement flints without fear of it getting wet.
- One-handed operation makes NanoSPARK convenient for users.
- It includes five quickLIGHT tinder tabs which can ignite with just one spin of the spark wheel.
- The knurled exterior makes it easier to handle.
- It’s an ultra-compact fire starter that ensures easy portability.
- Laynard slot allows you to quickly attach it to your gear, wear it around your neck, or provide extra tinder when attached to a tinderZIP.
- A single replaceable flint can start hundreds of fires.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to the competition (but I feel the extra cost is justified).
- Flints can be difficult to replace when wearing gloves.
- Has several failure points like the flint wheel breaking or running out of flints (thankfully, you can store spare flints in the waterproof body).
- It doesn’t produce a huge shower of sparks, making it more difficult to ignite your tinder versus using something like a Ferro Rod.
User Experience and Performance
The nanoSPARK is dead-simple to use.
If you can use a BIC or Zippo lighter, you can use the nanoSPARK.
All you have to do is place the nanoSPARK within an inch or two of your tinder and spin the flint wheel with your thumb. That’s all there is to it.
And the one major advantage the nanoSPARK has over a Ferro Rod is that you can operate the nanoSPARK with just one hand, which comes in handy if you’re using your other hand for things like shielding your tinder from the wind.
From a performance perspective, the biggest issue I have with spark wheels like the nano is that they just don’t produce a huge shower of sparks, so you have to make sure that you are very close to your tinder and that your tinder is highly-combustible.
Fortunately, Exotac includes a 5-pack of their excellent quickLIGHT tinder with the nanoSPARK.
Here’s a quick video demonstration of how easy it is to use the nanoSPARK to ignite the included quickLIGHT tinder:
Or, you could make your own vaseline-coated cotton ball fire starters, which can easily be ignited with just a few sparks from the nanoSPARK.
Customer Reviews
The Exotac nanoSTRIKER is a compact firestarter designed to be reliable in outdoor situations. However, customer reviews indicate mixed opinions about the product’s effectiveness and value.
Pros
- Compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or EDC kit
- Waterproof tinder storage compartment is a useful feature
- Can generate sparks even when wet
Cons
- Spark wheel is very stiff and difficult to operate at first
- Overpriced for the quality and performance
- Some reviewers found it flimsy and poorly made
- Requires a lot of effort to actually start a fire compared to matches or a lighter
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Based on the reviews, the Exotac nanoSTRIKER received a lukewarm reception. While it has some positive attributes like the compact size and waterproof tinder storage, many customers were disappointed with the product’s usability and felt it was overpriced for what you get.
The general consensus is that traditional stormproof matches or a simple lighter are more practical and reliable options for starting fires outdoors. The nanoSTRIKER seems to be more of a niche product for those who specifically want a compact flint-based firestarter and are willing to pay a premium for it, but it may not be the best choice for the average camper or hiker.
Final Thoughts on the Exotac NanoSPARK
Personally speaking, if I could only have one piece of fire-starting gear in my bag, it would be a combination Ferro Rod and Magnesium Fire Starter like the Fire-Fast Trekker.
However, it’s always best to have more than one type of fire-starting tool in your fire-starter kit or bug-out bag.
And the Exotac nanoSPARK has earned a place in mine.
It’s easy to use, it’s easy to transport, it’s reliable, and it’s easy to love.
Plus, it looks cool as hell.
So, I have no problem recommending the Exotac nanoSPARK to anyone looking for a small, compact, and effective firestarter to add to their bag of fire-starting tricks.
Speaking of Exotac, be sure to check out our Exotac Fire Starter Reviews post for reviews on the entire line of Exotac fire-starting tools.
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