This product is proudly made in the United States of America.
Made from recyclable ABS plastic, the polySTRIKER XL™ fills the minimalist niche without sacrificing design or usability. The polySTRIKER™ line features the same innovative tungsten carbide striker design as the nanoSTRIKER XL™. The tungsten carbide insert is built into an easy-to-use striking tool that snaps into the handle.
The striking handle and tool are connected by a lanyard to ensure both parts are present and accounted for at all times. The striking tool securely snaps into the handle when not in use. Simply push the tool out from the cut-out in the back of the handle and you're ready to rock.
The rod has a protective coating from the factory, remove with a few scrapes of the striking tool before striking. When striking use moderate pressure and high speed when scraping rod.
Posted by Chuck on 18th Sep 2015
I bought a polySTRIKER and a polySTRIKER XL. The XL goes into my pack for general firestarting, whhile the smaller version is for my pocket survival kit, which is based on an Altoids tin. I did have to modify the handle somewhat to get it to fit, but I didn't have to sacrifice any of its sturdiness.
I've used Exotac products before, and they always deliver high quality and dependability. My last one was stolen, hence the reorder.
I can't say enough about the quality of service, either. When I placed my order I noticed a couple of issues regarding payment and delivery, stemming from my end. Jeremey went above and beyond to help me clarify things and get the order to me. I think Exotac ferrocerium (firestee)l products should be standard equipment in anyone's camping and survival kit.
Posted by Eric on 9th Feb 2015
Nice,compact and solid, functions very well, a little bit better then the Nano. Awkward to use at first due to the retention cord but not a major issue. This will come with me everywhere!
Posted by Bruce on 26th Jan 2015
If you have an larger rod, use it. If you have a better striker, carry it. This one is not the easiest to use, nor one of the worst. It is the most expensive.
Posted by Brian Griffin on 21st Feb 2014
The polySTRIKER XL is an awesome fire starter! It throws an amazing shower of hot molten sparks! Since I bought the first one I have given all of my LMF and primus rods away and replaced them with poly and poly XLs.Great product, thanks!
Posted by Unknown on 3rd Jan 2014
This IS a good "FIRESTEEL." I have several exotac products including the 2 Nano XLs, which
is mainly a key chain item since we live in Alaska. Gloved hands are not unusual for at least 6 months of the year. We recently purchased a coupled of polystrikers XL. We've
tried the polystriker Xl in the woods 6 times. RESULTS: I could not access the striker from the handle with gloved hands, yes I have large hands, but my wife was able to get the striker out of the handle with gloved hands using her little finger. We tried the 45 degree angle recommended, but about 60 to 70 degrees worked more consistently. We have an assortment of larger hardened carbon steel strikers and they worked better then the ones provided {12/18/2013} with the Poltstriker XL. We were able to start, time, and extinguish any coals from an assortment of tenders {broke open waterproof cbs to expose to expose raw cotton including vaseline cb, gel max cb, dry cb, tinder quick, mini infernos, magnesium and natural tenders above knee deep snow {dead leaves and vines with small dead fall} but resorted to the larger strikers as they were easier to use and threw more sparks. Recognizing that all stikers are different, our results indicate a larger sticking head would be advantageous for the polystiker XL.
Posted by Richard Steger on 27th Dec 2013
Purchased the poly striker to use with my alcohol stoves and it does that very well. I've only used it at the house; so no field trial comments are available yet.
I was surprised to see the amount of sparks generated on the first use. It was really amazing and if you can't get a fire started with this device you you stay at home.
10,000 strike is a lot and if it lasts this long you will most likely lose it before wearing it out.
Posted by Flavio Rodicio on 24th Jul 2013
Make sure you angle the striker at 45 degrees and you'll get lots of sparks everytime. I scraped the rod about 7 times and it set a newspaper on fire..and I did it inside of my truck with the AC running in high...! ( I know... not very smart to play with fire inside of a car, but never thought it will work that good ).
Posted by Doug on 21st Jan 2013
As far as commercially available ferro rods go, this is my favorite. It throws plenty of sparks, is very lite weight and sized incredibly well for proper use. I really like the striker. After I wear out the ferro rod ill probably detach the striker and carry it with my home made ferro rod instead of buying another polystrike. The only reason I'm not buying another polystrike is simply because I want to make my own and be able to replace the ferro rods as they wear down. If the rod was replaceable I wouldn't bother making my own and would continue to use the polystrike XL. I haven't used a lighter or matches to start a fire in about a year now, this is my preferred method. The more you know the less you carry.
Posted by Jerry on 18th Dec 2012
On my second one.Carry all the time.Firestarting made easy.
Posted by Bill on 9th Dec 2012
It does exactly what I want it to do. Great addition to my backpack!!
Posted by KF on 20th Sep 2012
Perfect item for the camping 'box' and works great!
Posted by Michael Wiesner on 18th Sep 2012
I teach kids and adults fire building and the polySTRIKER XL is the most durable.Most people do not spend enough time preparing tinder so I need a lot of ferro rod for repeated striking.The striker throws a large shower of sparks to lite tinder quickly.
Posted by Palmer on 19th Jul 2012
Does what its suppose to do. Looks sexy on my Habilis Bushtool sheath.
Posted by Unknown on 9th May 2012
Lightweight, feels solid, works great. Glad it's made in the USA!
Posted by Beaujoe on 28th Feb 2012
This ferro rod is awesome!! The striker it came with is the best ive seen in any rod out there. The fact that it store into the handle is a great feature. Easy to pop out with gloves on. Very sharp edges, can light my alcohol stove from damn near 5ft away!! love it
I chose this striker over the nano's due to the fact i thought the nano's would be hard to use in cold weather and what not...Too many parts to deal in below 0 weather. So far i have not been let down all.
I will be buying another as soon as it wears down. The few extra bucks is well worth it for a quality product proudly made in the USA. Thanks exotac keep up the great work!!!