MSR piezo igniter vs. Mini Bic

[Guy Trek]

I found it interesting that the standalone piezo igniter that is bundled with the MSR Microrocket weighs 0.5 oz., while a Mini Bic with plastic insert removed weighs a bit less at 0.4 oz.

Question: even if the Mini Bic runs out of fuel, won't the igniter mechanism create a spark and more or less function just like the MSR piezo igniter?

[Randy Martin]

Yes, but I think the benefit of the piezo lighter is that the spark is further away from your hand and therefore much less chance to get burned.

[Bob Gross]

The Mini Bic is dual purpose for me. Besides making fire, I can count the number of days that I've been out starting my stove by how much hair is burned off the back of my right hand.

–B.G.–

[Dale Wambaugh]

And Bob is left handed! :)

[Bob Gross]

It gets more confusing with a white gas stove, because the initial flare takes out all of the hair on the back of my right hand in one puff. Then I can't keep track of days.

All of that is useful, though. It makes the "Stove Is Lit, Dummy" indicator.

–B.G.–

[Jerry Adams]

white gas stove – takes off eyebrows also

[EndoftheTrail]

Before piezo, I carried two mini BIC's. Now, I carry just one — as backup. So the piezo is 0.1 oz heavier…. but it's cool and fun to use. :)

[Author]

Posts