In trying to cut down my pack weight for longer backwoods trips, I ran across this cartridge stove at what looked to be a pretty good deal (even though you'd think titanium was another word for platinum). When compared to other micro-stoves, the burn time was a full 50% longer at full blast - which was hotter than the others - at 1.4 hours on an 8 oz. isopro can (2.8 hours at low burn). That's great economically, but not the best part: the flame is a torch, spreads well and is extremely adjustable - the best of all worlds. The control knob folds out and locks low so you won't burn your fingers, and has a fair-sized rosewood tip which looks really classy and is great ergonomically.

This little sucker weighs 3.8 oz. with the piezo lighter, which works beautifully. It's stable with four serrated burner arms; the new style has three folding arms which helps in compactness, but I need all the stability I can get, and instead of fitting into a package about the size of a cigarette pack this works out to be a pack and a half. I pack the stove case, a small gas cartridge, folding cup, lexan spoon and backup lighter into a 1.5 L stainless steel, copper-clad pot with fry-pan lid and the whole deal weighs about 2 lbs. Ready to go!

Some stores will recycle the canisters, which has always been a sticking point for me. On regular weekend hikes I'll still pack my Svea 123 or Trangia burner, but for longer, lighter trips my new Ti-pal will accompany me.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Optimus Svea 123 Climber (best white gas stove in the world)

Trangia alcohol burner (completely quiet and dependable)

MSR Whisperlite (evil)

This product does all the product description at rei-outlet.com said it'd do. It's light (the case it comes in seems to weigh as much as the stove itself). It burns hot and clean. The smaller Primus cartridge provides a surprisingly stable base, even with a full pot on. Unlike other reviewers I have not had any problem with the piezo lighter except that it didn't fit perfectly in its slot straight from the factory, requiring a minute of work with a file to make it fit. It's a minor inconvenience at best, and didn't spoil my impression of the product at all.

Similar Products Used:

None

The first time I lit up this stove was in my study. It was beautiful--an instant, clean flame thanks to the cartridge system and piezo lighter. Couldn't do that with the MSR Whisperlite! (Messy white gas). The piezo lighter has given me a little trouble since. I sometimes find it easier to use a match or lighter. Otherwise, this stove performed extremely well on the trail. I got three days worth of cooking breakfasts and dinners out of it--and one of those meals included a 45 minute stuffed pepper steam! Very light and reliable. If you are an ultra-light packer who will pay any price, this is your stove. Otherwise, don't waste your money unless you can get it on sale like I did. You can get a stove with just a little more weight that will do the job just about as well for much less.

Similar Products Used:

MSR Whisperlite Internationale

I was a little surprised to find the perfect 5 ratings that other reviewers have given this stove. I've had two previous cartridge stoves, both GAZ, as well as two whisperlites. The primus titanium is my favorite, but it's not perfect.

My biggest complaint is that the piezo-electric lighter doesn't work as well the piezo on the gaz stoves I've previously owned. It takes several pushes before it lights. Sometimes it's easier just to use a match or a lighter. In windy conditions the built in windscreen isn't adequate. You'll have to find someway to protect the stove from strong breezes. And like all cartridge stoves, it's performance in cold weather is far from perfect. The new MSR isobutance cartridges seem to work significantly better than primus butane in near freezing conditions.

Otherwise the stove is great; light, compact, reliable and hot. It's much, much less fussy than using a white gas stove like the MSR whisperlight, and it simmers fine. The titanium pot supports aren't as slippery as the chrome supports on my old gax stoves. For 2-4 day hikes in spring, summer and fall, this stove is just about ideal.

Similar Products Used:

Gaz bluet (fixed cartridge)
Gaz turbo 270
Whisperlite Shakejet
Whisperlite International

Love this stove. It is every bit as convenient as my Gaz Bluet that I used for years, but much much lighter. The piezo ignition is awesome! I usually use an esbit so I don't have to carry fuel containers, but when I do use a stove this is the one. Boils water quickly and is the only stove I've seen with the built in windscreen-nifty feature!

Similar Products Used:

Gaz Bluet
Esbit

This stove rocks! We use it as an ultralight setup for winter and spring ski mountaineering in Idaho's high country. It boils water at altitude fast. The piezo igniter works. Watch out where you grab onto the stove. It gets hot, and there is not much to it! Mix and match cannister sizes, and you won't run out of fuel for the big snow melt or dinner for three. The nylon tripod is the answer for stability. Use a Shake 'n warm under the cannister for really cold temps. We have built a hanging set up for use in the small Bibler style tents. You can get the stove way cheaper through some of the catalogues like Sierra Trading Post etc.

Customer Service

Haven't neede it.

Similar Products Used:

Lots of experience with MSR, Peak 1 and the old Gaz style stove.

Great stove; boils water as fast or faster than my MSR Int. 600, is light and easy to set up and use and has a great built in windsreen. Would I pay $199 for it though? No way! I got mine at a damaged goods sale for $14 so I bought it for a gimmick.

Customer Service

When I bought the stove it had threads striped that hold the fuel cannister on. I sent it to Primus and they fixed it for free.

Similar Products Used:

MSR Internationalé 600 MSR XGK Expedition