In Defence of "Redheads" - Rant

About a year back I tried Sambas Matches which at that stage were only really in bunnings, as match alternatives to the brand "Redheads". Of course, I was lured in by the cheaper price and no sales at bunnings so was a no-brainer.

The smell was so fumey and high-level solvent-like (I tried all sizes as we were completely out, the long bbq ones plus the medium and small sizes), and ALL released non-phosphorus-like fumes with the initial ignition, as well as the aftermath after extinguishing.

Also massive stick breaking proportions!!!

Has anyone else noticed this??????

It could be the wood treatment (although I would assume untreated???), but more likely the phosphorous match-head mix, but it really stung and imprinted itself as a smell that should not be undertaken by a human who cares about their lungs.

I've kept them and just use them outside where I can avoid the fumes, but I've since gone back to Redheads, but worry that they will lose market share from the price difference, and we'll be left with a samba monopoly. I have been dismayed to see prominent them in most major supermarkets.

Having gone back to Redheads, I have zero regrets:

  • zero % stick breaks (small size), compared to ~40% with sambas. This alone is worth the price difference for me.
  • immediate ignition, compared to a few tries with sambas. Likely box + head factors.

People, keep buying Redheads matches please!! If only for your lungs.

No financial agenda here, just an evening rant after lighting some candles.

Comments

  • +2

    I use a lighter, need that horizontal flame.

    • Yes, I used to… the long-handled ones have skyrocketted in price though. Any cheap suppliers? Do you refill? I still use them with no gas for the spark for the gas-stove but that's not always reliable.

      • Why not just buy a sparker.

        • +1

          Dont bring logic to this.

      • If you have a look around the woodfire accessories area of bunnings, there is a can you can use to refill the plastic lighters. You just stick it in the hole at the bottom and it fills up within micro seconds.

        • I will refill! Thanks!

      • I bought a couple of rechargable arc ones off amazon, have lasted incredibly well so far.

        • Thats good, how long have you had them?

          • @Embaloo: couple of years now, they've only been recharged a few times though (bought a two pack, so one is for the kitchen/bbq the other the missus uses for candles on a regular basis)

            The battery just seems to last an incredibly long time and I haven't noticed it degrade much yet. Dunno if it'll just go pop one day but so far so good.

      • +1

        i don't use mine very often but when they run out I refill them, I haven't bought a new one for years

  • +1

    I have an electric plasma lighter. Not the best-reviewed, but on special on Ozbargain.

    I've started using it in place of matches for firelighters and candles (where possible).

    Might be worth a look depending on what you're using matches for.

    • :o will take a look!

  • +6

    Headline:O.P. burnt by Bunnings purchase despite hot price.

    • +2

      subheading : Leading product flamed.

  • +9

    I came here thinking I was going to read a defence about hot Scots…. 🤷‍♀️😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    • This is rubbish.

  • -3

    In Defence of "Redheads" - Rant

    I prefer Brunettes…

    Redheads are crazy….

    • I was genuinely expecting a picture of Julia Gillard in your link. I left disappointed.

      • -3

        Is she a genuine Redhead?

        • +2

          I never looked to find out

          • -3

            @MS Paint: Maybe Kevin Rudd can let us know?

            • @jv: Pretty sure her and Kev don't get along too well.

              • -1

                @poldy: That's just what they wanted you to believe…

    • I prefer girls with black hair but I don't know what they're called like redheads, blondes, brunettes? blackhead already refers to something else…

  • +3

    Dick Smith used to make good matches, even though they were a blatant rip off of RedHeads.

    DICK-HEADS

  • I use a gas-less lighter, so that i don't have to deal with ……..

    https://www.catch.com.au/product/electric-lighter-flameless-…

  • Time to invest in a map torch.

  • Please Explain!

  • The only Samba product I use is the Wood Wool Firelighters. The rest of their firelighters are rubbish.

    • +1

      I agree, these are great for laying out charcoal and putting in-between.

  • The 1980s wants their box of matches back.

  • +1

    Avoid anything Samba

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