MSRÂ Handheld Piezo Igniter
Spark your canister backpacking stove to life quickly and easily with the MSR Handheld Piezo igniter.
- A simple press of the button on the back of the igniter produces a reliable spark that will light your canister stove (not included)
- Ignition element is protected inside the igniter's tube, making it more reliable than stove-mounted igniters
- Tube also collects a small amount of gas from the stove to aid ignition
- MSR Handheld Piezo igniter is not compatible with the MSR Reactor stove, or other radiant burners
Imported.
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | Plastic/steel |
| Dimensions | 0.7 x 3.2 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 ounce |
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Consistent and easy to use
I've had this little igniter for years and used it on a regular basis, mainly to light my MSR Whisperlight and PocketRocket. Maybe I'll try it with my car camping stove this weekend and update the review. The most I've ever had to "click it" (after learning how to use it) is twice before the stove ignites. I've used it in all temperatures, elevations, and winds and it's done just fine. I do remember when I first tried it, I had to learn to get the tip of the lighter right up on the stove to get it to work. It's different from a flame, which can get closer without putting the lighter right on the stove. When and if this one wears out, I'll definitely pick up another one.
good backup after some tweaks
Got this as a backup, wet matches or an empty lighter are bad enough at I could light the pocket stove or even then use that to start a campfire in an emergency. Tried it out and it works works better with a tweak. There is a dimple in the tube to act as the spark concentrator, but the tube is sealed and its at the end. you need lots of gas to get the gas to the spark. twist the open tube end with needle nose pliers and now it sparks at the end where its easier to light the gas. Other downside is the tie point - too small for a keychain or paracord so its useless. No way to attach it to a bag etc. just a poor design on that part.
Hit or Miss
Loved my first version of this igniter, which worked well for several years yet finally gave way with only providing a tiny spark, insufficient to light my Pocket Rocket stove. Reviews for this replacement indicated as many negatives as positives, but I purchased one hoping for the best. Alas, now that I've finally tried it, seems that the new one is one of the duds, only providing a tiny and insufficient spark, and I'm a month late for REI's exceptional return policy. Advice: buy away if you're close to an REI and can try out this igniter right away. Then return or exchange it it doesn't work. Good luck...
Works in a pinch
After purchasing, I used it to light my isobutane stove in my kitchen. It took 3-4 attempts to finally light it. I then took it on a small backpacking trip which ended up being rainy and breezy. Under these conditions it took forever to get it to light. I have not tried using it on my Whisper Lite yet, but will on my next outing. The spark it puts off is very weak. I normally use a flint/steel to light all of my isobutane and white fuel stoves and have better results. I will definitely keep it in my pack. It also went through the wash after I returned home and it still worked. I gave it 3 stars because it is very small and works wet or dry, but it does same a while with weather due to the weak spark.
Finally, a solution to empty lighters.
I purchased this because the little piezo igniter on my Primus backpacking stove only works intermittently. I immediately notice that the spark is much bigger. There is a hollow tube that collects the gas. That clearly aids in ignition. I have a standard two-burner base camp stove as well. Although I have not tried this igniter with that stove I'm sure it'll work just great. Meaning I won't have to fumble around with lighters... and the frustration that goes along with finding out they're empty. All in all I would say this product lives up to the advertising. I'd recommend you attach a piece of fishing line as the small size while beneficial for backpacking will make it easy to lose.
Not Reliable
In my opinion this product should not be sold by REI since you might reasonably expect this to be your source of fire, at least for lighting your stove. I have purchased two of these MSR Igniters, the first failed to spark almost immediately. I picked up another one which produces a weak spark occasionally (1 in 4 clicks) but never large enough to ignite a MSR Windburner Stove. I have successfully lit the stove once in several hundred clicks on at least four trips--I keep hoping! Thankfully I always pack a cheap lighter as a backup. If you decide to give this a try, have a reliable backup.
Best Thing Since the Wheel
You don't need matches. You don't need batteries, a charger, or charger cables. You don't need butane (for your lighter). You don't need flints or wicks. All you need is one of these tiny, negligible-weight, fits-in-your-Pocket-Rocket-case-along-with-your-Pocket-Rocket Piezo Igniter! This will light your stove regardless of conditions (except under water, I guess; and I haven't tried it on the moon yet, either). If you need an affordable, light-weight, compact, and extremely reliable way to light your camp stove every time (who doesn't?!), buy one (or two!) of these.
Alcohol stove, works for me
Unlike SoCalKen, I was able to use this igniter to light all three alcohol stoves in my backpacking gear. The trick was to hold the igniter tube over the alcohol fuel a few seconds (just above the fuel, 3-5 secs typically) so some vapor collects inside the igniter tube, then the igniter lights the fuel no problem. A nice clean light-up every time.
Not quality
Lights my burner about once every 5 clicks. It wastes gas. I do not recommend.
Gotta figure it out
This things works wonders once you figure it out. While testing it out, I couldn't get it to light a camp stove. After trying different ways of lighting, I figured it out. You have to make sure the end is touching the burner when trying to ignite it. And after that it works 100% of the time