Outstanding stove that is a blow torch when needed and also has the ability to simmer a delicate sauce or that fresh caught trout from a mountain lake or creek. I have used this stove from beach camping to about 12,000 feet in the Rockies. It has always performed like a gem and has NEVER failed me. It is loud though and it definitely lets the wildlife know that man has arrived, but sometimes when I am in grizzly country I kind of like that. I have also found out that this is the stove of choice for Special Forces as they also like its reliability and field maintainability. I also got the lightweight Lexan stove stand made by UCO. This stand keeps the stove and fuel bottle as one tight unit and you never get the problem of a wandering fuel bottle that you might get without the stove stand. I give this stove a slight edge over the Optimus Nova because of parts availabilty(REI stocks gobs of replacement parts and service kits) and because of the great stove stand option.

Customer Service

Excellent. The staff at MSR and REI are wonderful in dealing with any questions that you might have. I have never had an issue with this stove though.

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Optimus Nova and Optimus SVEA 123,

A great stove! Very versatile, simmers beautifully, and packs down small enough to fit inside my pot set(a simple 1.5 adn 2liter set). Also the new pump is much stronger than the old one and realy inspires confidence with its robust, softer plastic materials. The only down side is the noise. I do alot of camping with groups, and conversation around the kitchen either stops or turns into a shouting match when I fire this puppy up. On the whole, an easy stove to use & maintain. With a reasonable price tag.

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MSR packet rocket, another good stove, but a little too unstable when using the big cans Trangia, Can't beat this for reliability, but it has got to be the slowest sucker on the market.

On the upside I would have to say that the stove is very excellently designed. It simmers wonderfully and allows for fuel conservation. I feel that the complaints levelled against the wire pot platform are not all justified. Because it is wire it saves weight and is able to flex so you can wrap it around the stove for packing. Those of you who prefer a machined titanium serrated base to cook on would find that setting the stove on a level surface and being careful not to move about carelessly while cooking are equally, if not more useful methods to secure your pot. I found the boiling times to be like everyone else's experiences, and the noise doesn't bother me. In fact, if you have to wander away for a minute you can still hear if your stove is still going the way you left it. Then there's... ... the plastic pump. I don't think I'll ever understand what's up with this. I've had one fail me at the worst time on my other MSR stove, and I don't trust this one to serve me flawlessly. I have yet to get one of the re-designed ones but I understand that they too, are plastic. I read that the rationale behind this is safety in the event of a backflash, and weight. In cold conditions you will be better off if you keep the pump close to your body for a while before you need it, but above all else keep a spare on hand. While you are at it keep a repair kit with you if the weight doesn't irk you. Other downers include the possibility of the welds breaking. When you pack the stove, the welded valve stem joint is exposed and must be packed with consideration. While my stove has yet to break, its construction does not inspire confidence, and I always keep back up parts on hand. Overall, a great piece of kit though

Customer Service

MEC is great to deal with, but I have never had to deal directly with MSR

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Coleman, Trangia

Great stove. I got mine used but these things are hardy buggers. They sound like a jet during takeoff, but never fail or wear out. I love mine, and would buy the dragon fly again if I had the choice. Highly recommend.

Customer Service

n/a

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msr stoves only - dragonfly is the best one they make

I have had a Dragonfly for nearly 3 years now its been round the world with me nearly 3 times now. Fair enough it is loud and does require the odd clean and things do break or wear out, but i have never been stuck finding a local dealer be it in the north of scotland, the middle of india or back steets in Santiago. MSR stoves are true multi cultural masterpieces, buying an MSR will never disapoint.

Customer Service

Exellent customer service, replace most parts under warranty, only ever had then question a return once, (horse stood on the stove)

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NOVA Whisperlite XGK

my most treasured camping tool. this thing boils water in like 2 min. maybe a little bulky but wouldnt settle for anything less!! and i only paid $50 for it hahaha

Customer Service

unnessesary

I have had my Dragonfly for 4 years now and truly love it!! I have found it to be easy to use or repair in the field. Not only is it packable, sturdy, and adjustable... it is LIGHT too! I think my favorite part about the stove is its awesome adjustablility. I have "out adjusted" ever other stove out there! I was a little skeptical about getting a stove with a detachable fuel sorce, especially one with a plastic pump. It has mostly withstood the test of time, and what did break was quickly replaced by the wonderful people at MSR. I am sure that it will last me for many more years to come and I would probably buy another one when this one goes... The only setback is its noise...But if you can look past a jet-enguine sound for 45 min. a day, you will absolutly fall in love with this stove!

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Colemn 442, MSR Whisperlite, Peak 1 440

Bought mine back in 1998 when they first came out and am glad that I did so. Let me first explain that I do very little to no camping. What I bought the little fellow for was to prepare meals during my ice fishing trips. Bear in mind that I do not use an ice shanty, preferring to brave the elements. Oh and what elements, from blizzard like snow to gale force wind (keep in mind that on a frozen lake the winds can really pick up). There have been days that are so cold on the ice that butane and zippo lighter refuse to light. I am glad to say it has never been so bad out there that I have not been able to get my stove started and cook a hot meal. On more then one occasion it has been a life saver. In this situation I would never go with anthing but a liquid fuel stove (to cold for gas). Although I have never had a problem with the pump, I wish it was more substantial then plastic.

Purchased in '98 & have used for several extended canoe trips in N. Canada. Noise takes a little getting used to but the bears love it, as they can readily zero in on your campsite !! 'Have only ever burned white gas- no clogging problems noted. You really should oil the fuel line fitting where it inserts into the plastic pump assembly, every few days. I use mineral oil & it keeps the "O" ring well lubricated. I have only ever replaced one "O" ring (probably damaged from lack of lubrication ?) See owners' instructions. Pros- good simmer control, relatively fuel efficient (with wind screen & heat shield). For those wanting pancakes, I've had great luck using the corrugated heat deflector (from Outback Oven) to keep flame from hitting centre of fry pan ! Scones & tea biscuits baked in my Outback Oven over the Dragon Fly rival store bought bakery products ! Cons- Plastic collars holding the pump assembly together have fractured twice (original design)- Note that MSR have "beefed up" the plastic collar arrangement holding the pump together but the additional, little blue plastic tabs still look marginal (new design has yet to fail but I'm not convinced). Why MSR can't design a bullet proof locking collar to securely hold pump together is beyond me ? - weld broke on base of burner (where it attaches to the cradle wire)- not good. This could indicate another design defect, as this weld is subject to extreme thermal cycling, every time you use the stove ? Maybe there's a welding engineer out there who could pass judgement on this ? I now pack a spare pump assembly & some stainless steel hobby wire (to field repair burner cradle, should weld again fail) Considering jumping to an Optimus Nova next year- haven't heard of any pump or weld failures on this model

Customer Service

Excellent - On return of failed plastic pumps, MSR couried out new units, asap. - When weld broke, MSR gave the OK to the local Retailer (Hiker's Haven)to give me a complete new stove off the sh

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-Coleman Camper Stoves (green suitcases) -Propane/Butane Cannisterstove- not very enviromentally friendly (we're always packing out empty cannisters, from previous campers !)

Purchased this stove over 3 years ago and have used it a countless # of times. Heat output is terrific and fuel consumption is very reasonable. Some people find it too noisy but I don't find it to be a problem. However, I do have a problem with the plastic pump. During the last 3 years, I've managed to break the pump not once but *two* times ! The first time, I was pressurizing the fuel can when the plunger flew right out of the pump as the plastic lock broke off. Sent it off to MSR for a replacement and received the new pump appx. 6 weeks later. The second time, a small plastic chunk broke off as I removed the stove from the pump. This wasn't as serious as the first problem but it does pose a problem nonetheless since it held down the cylindrical piece which held the fuel nozzle in place. I've since decided to keep my Dragonfly for short camping trips and family outings while I take my new Optimus Nova (and it's aluminum pump) for mountaineering expeditions. I just can't trust the plastic pump anymore ! Argh !

Customer Service

Very quick and courteous on the phone. Replacement pump arrived 6 months later.

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Optimus Nova