Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter vs Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter Blaze
Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter ($24.95) vs Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter Blaze ($29.95) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right ferro rod.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter | Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter Blaze |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.95 | $29.95 |
| Weight | 53g | 76g |
| Weight | 53 g (1.8 oz), per vargooutdoors.com product page | 76 g (2.7 oz), per vargooutdoors.com product page |
| Length collapsed | 5.9 in (152 mm) | 7.2 in |
| Length extended | 18.2 in (464 mm) | — |
| Material | Stainless steel | — |
| Ignition | Integrated ferrocerium rod | Flint wheel, replaceable flints |
| Carry | Carrying clip | Attachment ring |
| Fuel | — | Standard lighter fluid, refillable |
| Water resistance | — | Waterproof lighter |
Pros & Cons
Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter
- Bellows keeps your face off the fire
- Thousands of strikes from the ferro rod
- Clip for easy carry
- Rugged steel build
- 53 g is heavy for pocket carry
- Longer than most EDC fire tools
- Sparks only, no flame
- Bellows is a bulky extra for casual use
Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter Blaze
- Real flame plus bellows
- Refillable
- Waterproof
- Replaceable flints
- 76 g is heavy
- Long for pocket carry
- Lighter fluid can evaporate or leak
- Not child safe, per the brand
Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter is the better value at $24.95. Both are part of our curated ferro rod index — tap through to check current pricing.
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