MSR XGK EX - MSR XGK EX Camping Stove - The MSR XGK stove has been the world's most reliable extreme-condition stove for over 35 years. The XGK EX camping stove continues that legacy with unrivaled performance, dependability and better multi-fuel burning capabilities than any other stove on the market. The XGK stove features a flexible fuel line that allows it to pack smaller than ever, as well as stable, retractable legs and pot supports. The powerful flame that melts snow and boils water incredibly fast. Trust only what has proven time and time again, the MSR XGK Camping Stove.
Lining and Layers:
- Improved design features a larger pot support and a flexible fuel line that can be wrapped up and stored inside a pot
- Large-diameter fuel line allows poor quality fuels to burn well and requires less maintenance than smaller diameter fuel lines
Fit:
- Fits into a 1.5 liter MSR pot.
Padding:
- Fiberfax® priming pad makes priming and lighting fuels quick and easy while reducing spillage
Support and Cushioning:
- Retractable legs and pot supports for superior stability.
- Wide and sturdy pot supports handle continuous use with ease
Weather and Wind:
- Bell-shape burner cup makes the stove extremely effective in cold temperatures and at high altitudes; now with feet that lift burner off the ground
Manufactured:
- Made in USA.
Features:
- Multi-fuel stove burns white gas, low-grade kerosene, auto fuel, Stoddard solvent, aviation (AV) gas, diesel #1 and naphtha
- Comes with aluminum windscreen, heat reflector, fuel pump and customized stuff sack
- Extra stable
- Boils 1 liter of water in just 2.8 minutes, using kerosene fuel.
- Windscreen is designed to accommodate cookware up to 10 in. in diameter
- Self-cleaning shaker jet has a built-in needle that pushes out built-up soot and debris with a simple shake of the stove
- Instructions
- Small-parts kit
- Easy to field maintain; shaker jet cleans fuel jet with simple shake.
- Weight of liquid fuel stove includes only stove and fuel pump
- MSR XGK EX stove requires MSR fuel bottle, sold separately
- Wt. 13.2 oz.
- Package Includes
- Easily field maintainable with included cleaning and disassembly tools
FontanaSports.com
For over 35 years, the MSR XGK stove has been the world`s most reliable extreme-condition stove; trusted by mountaineers everywhere. The XGK EX stove continues that legacy with unrivaled performance, dependability and better multi-fuel burning capabilities than any other stove on the market. It features a flexible fuel line that allows it to pack smaller than ever, as well as stable, retractable legs and pot supports, and a powerful flame that melts snow and boils water incredibly fast. No matter where you`re headed, with an XGK EX stove along, you’ll find fuel to burn and the absolute dependability that has made it the first choice in liquid fuels stoves on expeditions for decades.
Features:
• Proven: No. 1 choice on expeditions worldwide.
• Multi-Fuel: Reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove.
• Dependable: Easy to field maintain; Shaker Jet cleans fuel jet with a simple shake.
• Compact: New flexible fuel line allows stove to fit in a 1.5-liter MSR pot.
• Superfast: Boils 1 liter of water in just 2.8 minutes (using kerosene fuel).
• Extra-Stable: New retractable legs and pot supports provide unprecedented stability.
• Minimum Weight: 13.2 oz. (374 g)
• Packaged Weight: 17.2 oz. (489 g)
• Fuel Bottle Sold Seperately
REI
The stove of choice for expeditions throughout the world, the MSR XGK EX burns any liquid fuel from white gas to kerosene to jet fuel!
Here's what Backpacker Magazine had to say about the MSR XGK EX stove in its March 2006 Gear Guide issue: "This enduring multifuel stove is back and badder than ever . . . the XGK is our choice when the mercury slips way below freezing or we head overseas where fuel choices are limited."
We cannot ship fuel-burning products to addresses in Japan or South Korea.
Made in USA.
Campsaver.com
For over 30 years, MSR's XGK has been the world's most reliable extreme-condition stove, trusted by mountaineers everywhere. The XGK EX stove builds on that legacy. Like its predecessor, the EX boasts unrivaled performance, dependably burning a greater variety of liquid fuels than any stove on the market. The preinstalled GK Jet in the stove is used for white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, and aviation gas (use white gas for optimal performance). The stove also features a new flexible fuel line that allows it to pack smaller than ever, as well as retractable legs and pot supports for superior stability no matter where your next expedition takes you.
Mountain Gear
Building on three decades of expedition use worldwide, MSR has taken the time-tested success of the XGK Stove and made it even better.
Campmor
One of the most reliable, extreme-condition stoves with unrivaled performance, dependably burning a greater variety of liquid fuels than any stove on the market. Trusted by mountaineers everywhere.
Average Price History:
| Activity: | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Auto ignition: | No |
| Average boil time: | (White gas) 3 min. 30 sec. / (kerosene) 2 min. 48 sec. |
| Boil Time: | 3.5 Minutes. |
| Burn Time: | 109 min (w/ .6 liter White Gas); 98 min (w/ .6 liter Kerosene) 170 min (w/ .6 liter Diesel Gas) |
| Burn time (max flame): | (20 oz. of fuel) (White gas) 1 hrs. 49 min. / (kerosene) 1 hrs. 38 min. |
| Compact: | New flexible fuel line allows stove to fit in a 1.5 liter MSR pot. |
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| Dependable: | Easy to field maintain; Shaker Jet cleans fuel jet with a simple shake. |
| Dimensions: | 5 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Extra-Stable: | New retractable legs and pot supports provide unprecedented stability. |
| Field Maintainable: | Yes |
| Fuel: | White gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel |
| Fuel Connector: | Brand Specific Fuel Bottle |
| Fuel Type: | Aviation Fuel, Kerosene, Unleaded Gas, White Gas |
| Material: | Steel & Aluminum |
| Minimum Weight: | 13.2 oz. (374 g) |
| Multi-Fuel: | Reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove. |
| Packaged Weight: | 17.2 oz (489 g) |
| Proven: | No. 1 choice on expeditions worldwide. |
| Size: | 3.70 in. H x 7.2 in. W |
| Stove Type: | Liquid Fuel Stoves |
| Superfast: | Boils 1 liter of water in just 2.8 minutes (using kerosene fuel). |
| Upc, Ean, Isbn: | 040818110430 |
| Weight: | 1 lb 2 oz / 489 g |
Compare specifications to related products.
Subcategories of Stoves & Fuel:
Related Categories:
- MSR Camping Stoves & Fuel Bottles
- Camping Stoves & Fuel Bottles
- Everything from MSR.
MSR XGK EX Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
Reliable, hard working stove
Me thinks there is an Optimus sales rep among us. Two identical reviews singing the Optimus praises?
Ok, on to the XGK. This stove has been an industry standard for nearly for nearly 40 years. I have used one since 1983. In fact I still use that same stove, along with several other including the latest model XGK-EX.
These are tough, reliable stoves that work for their designed purpose. They are meant to heat water and melt stove. The will work at a lower flame setting, but it takes either practice or a scorch buster between the pan and stove. No they won't "simmer" but I always find it funny when people talk about "cooking" in a true backpacking environment. Let's face it you are not cooking 1 hour meals in this setting. You are heating water for dehydrated food or melting snow for water to drink. For the few times you need to reheat already prepared food, just stir very often.
This stove burns lots of fuels (but in reality you typically don't "bring" more than one type anyway). It is loud and fast. It is easy to field maintain and spare parts are easy to come by (most likely the next person on the trail has some if you don't). MSR stands behind their products.
There is a reason people still drive Landcruisers (since 1953) in the remote parts of the world. Sure, there are "newer, better" vehicles, but none of the people with experience drive those. I'll stick with this work horse stove.
Ok, on to the XGK. This stove has been an industry standard for nearly for nearly 40 years. I have used one since 1983. In fact I still use that same stove, along with several other including the latest model XGK-EX.
These are tough, reliable stoves that work for their designed purpose. They are meant to heat water and melt stove. The will work at a lower flame setting, but it takes either practice or a scorch buster between the pan and stove. No they won't "simmer" but I always find it funny when people talk about "cooking" in a true backpacking environment. Let's face it you are not cooking 1 hour meals in this setting. You are heating water for dehydrated food or melting snow for water to drink. For the few times you need to reheat already prepared food, just stir very often.
This stove burns lots of fuels (but in reality you typically don't "bring" more than one type anyway). It is loud and fast. It is easy to field maintain and spare parts are easy to come by (most likely the next person on the trail has some if you don't). MSR stands behind their products.
There is a reason people still drive Landcruisers (since 1953) in the remote parts of the world. Sure, there are "newer, better" vehicles, but none of the people with experience drive those. I'll stick with this work horse stove.
I have had this stove for over 30 years
I bought this stove back in the late seventies. I used it for a number of years and then it got put away for a few years as I got married and started having kids. It came back out about 10 years ago and after a very inexpensive rebuild, where MSR made it essentially brand new, I have been using it ever since. Compared to the stoves available 30 years ago, this one was great (I also still have my SEVA123, and never use it). Now there are a lot of other choices. That said, it is paid for and it works. It is low to the ground, so it is stable. It is easy to light for a white gas stove (mine has a built in sparker). It is noisy though and does not simmer worth a darn. I once literally took the bottom off a pot trying to bake biscuits. It is also a bit on the heavy side. I might actually break down and buy a canister stove to try to lighten up my pack and go a little easier on my old knees. This may still be the hot ticket for high altitude, but I don't do a lot of that anymore.
Rugged and Dependable
I have been using this for about 9 years without a single failure. I have not even doing a single required yearly maintenance either (Bad I know.)
I use it in the 4,500 - 12,000 ft elevation ranges in all weather conditions year round. Even if it gets wet, it lights up without a hitch. It really puts out a lot of heat and you can control the amount you need.
Like all stoves, once you get into higher elevation, it takes more fuel and longer to boil water. Its pretty fuel efficient as well. I will always have this with me when I go into the back country. I am going to try another MSR stove this year that is getting high ratings that uses smaller fuel canisters. I want to see if I can get faster intense burns with less fuel to lighten my loads for long trips.
Some of my friends are using other MSR models similar to this with the superfuel I am using, and no issues. Its a good product.
I use it in the 4,500 - 12,000 ft elevation ranges in all weather conditions year round. Even if it gets wet, it lights up without a hitch. It really puts out a lot of heat and you can control the amount you need.
Like all stoves, once you get into higher elevation, it takes more fuel and longer to boil water. Its pretty fuel efficient as well. I will always have this with me when I go into the back country. I am going to try another MSR stove this year that is getting high ratings that uses smaller fuel canisters. I want to see if I can get faster intense burns with less fuel to lighten my loads for long trips.
Some of my friends are using other MSR models similar to this with the superfuel I am using, and no issues. Its a good product.
Great Stove for cooking in any condition
Great stove, can be a little tricky to get burning the very first time you use it. It can be a bit intimidating because it sounds like a space shuttle taking off. I recommend playing with it before hitting the field. the temp adjustment is the only fault in this stove. i noticed you have more temp control if you put less than the recommend air pressure in the gas tank (half a pump instead of a full one) the shaker cleaner works great for clearing clogs but this usually only happens when switching between fuel types.
I try to hike light and this stove packs small and is fairly light weight. allows me to carry less water and fuel on long hikes because it can boil water in minutes with little fuel.
It has been very reliable, easy to clean, and performs very well in all conditions. I recommend this stove for anyone who spends a good amount of time on the trail and doesnt need to be the next top chef.
I try to hike light and this stove packs small and is fairly light weight. allows me to carry less water and fuel on long hikes because it can boil water in minutes with little fuel.
It has been very reliable, easy to clean, and performs very well in all conditions. I recommend this stove for anyone who spends a good amount of time on the trail and doesnt need to be the next top chef.
Good for Alpine Use
The stove will be hard to light under low temperature. The gas just doesn't evaporate, and you may need a long stick match or some additional lightning tools to light the stove. After a few times try, you will eventually get it.
The stove works great if you don't do gourmet cooking (poor temperature control). Good for backpacker and mountaineering, not for comfort trips.
The stove is hard to be clogged because of its thick fuel pipe, compared to other MSR stoves.
I had tried whisperlite and dragon fly before. This one is more stable and durable than the whisperlite. It is cleaner than the whisperlite, and as clean as dragonfly. But it is definitely durable and stable than the other two: less likely to be clogged and better support to pot and pans.
If you care more for the temperature control, go for dragonfly But if you care more about price, go for whisperlite. If you care durability and compactibility, XGK is a good choice
The stove works great if you don't do gourmet cooking (poor temperature control). Good for backpacker and mountaineering, not for comfort trips.
The stove is hard to be clogged because of its thick fuel pipe, compared to other MSR stoves.
I had tried whisperlite and dragon fly before. This one is more stable and durable than the whisperlite. It is cleaner than the whisperlite, and as clean as dragonfly. But it is definitely durable and stable than the other two: less likely to be clogged and better support to pot and pans.
If you care more for the temperature control, go for dragonfly But if you care more about price, go for whisperlite. If you care durability and compactibility, XGK is a good choice
Great Stove
This is not going to be a groundbreaking review, but like others have said, once this stove is on, it goes gangbusters. You literally can't hold a conversation and cook with this stove at the same time.
I was used to using the MSR simmerlite (despite it's name, it doesn't simmer either). This stove can easily cook for a group of 3 or 4. Boils or melts snow very quickly and is very stable compared to other stoves I've used.
I wouldn't say it's particularly hard to light as mentioned in a couple other reviews. But in addition to being loud, it uses quite a bit more fuel than the simmerlite does. I guess that is the trade off for being able to burn any fuel you can get your hands on. It's a bit heavier than some of the other MSR stoves, but it is considerably more durable.
I like this stove more than any other I've used. Definitely recommended!
I was used to using the MSR simmerlite (despite it's name, it doesn't simmer either). This stove can easily cook for a group of 3 or 4. Boils or melts snow very quickly and is very stable compared to other stoves I've used.
I wouldn't say it's particularly hard to light as mentioned in a couple other reviews. But in addition to being loud, it uses quite a bit more fuel than the simmerlite does. I guess that is the trade off for being able to burn any fuel you can get your hands on. It's a bit heavier than some of the other MSR stoves, but it is considerably more durable.
I like this stove more than any other I've used. Definitely recommended!
A real allround workhorse.....
The MSR XGK is a real workhorse of a stove. Solid and dependable. I've used it short backpacking trips to the full blown winter hardcore stuff and it just performs.
I've noticed that a number of people have said it doesn't 'simmer' yet once you get to know the stove you realise that its all in the initial pumping of the fuel tank. too much and yes it goes at it like there's no tomorrow. Being more gentle and topping pumps up gets you a much better cooking experience.
My only real downside is that its a bit of a faff setting it up especially after a potentially long day. Also be aware if your on an Alpine Start from a campsite you'll wake up everyone within a half mile radius firing it up!
Photo is of a summer camp in Chamonix, Framce using XGK and Reactor. Also simmering a chicken stew. Tent in background is a North Face Ve-25.
I've noticed that a number of people have said it doesn't 'simmer' yet once you get to know the stove you realise that its all in the initial pumping of the fuel tank. too much and yes it goes at it like there's no tomorrow. Being more gentle and topping pumps up gets you a much better cooking experience.
My only real downside is that its a bit of a faff setting it up especially after a potentially long day. Also be aware if your on an Alpine Start from a campsite you'll wake up everyone within a half mile radius firing it up!
Photo is of a summer camp in Chamonix, Framce using XGK and Reactor. Also simmering a chicken stew. Tent in background is a North Face Ve-25.
Backpacker/Alpinist delight
I have had this stove for a few months now as a replacement for my Whisperlite which I used into the ground. I have read and heard complaints about temp control and have only to say yes it is like using a jet turbine engine to cook with but keep in mind its design is for high altitude and low temps which require it cook at a high temp. Hint: the stove will continue to burn for several minutes when turned off to control temp turn off for a few and then turn back on. I have used this stove at altitude in temps in the teens and have been stoked with the results. I also enjoy the fact that as a minamalist this stove cooks fast and utilizes little fuel in the process keeping the weight down. Futhermore the ability to use just a camp cup up to a MSR pan on its extremely strudy surface is a huge plus!
No white gas - this will burn it
I have just received this camp stove, so I have yet to test it in the field, but I have tried burning other fuels, other than white gas, to see how it works, and I can't express the satisfaction that this stove offers. I have used the MSR WhisperLite in the field, and love that little thing, but I needed a stove that offered a bit more flexibility, and this stove offers, and more. Like all my other experiences with MSR products, you can't go wrong with this little thing. It burns various fuels and I can't wait to get up in higher altitudes to really test this thing. I'll let you know once I field test it, but as what I have already tried with this stove, I don't see this failing me.
not for the beginner
Great stove for the right purpose. It's absolutely
bombproof for group camping and/or cold weather/altitude camping. I prefer white gas (aka naptha) due to low flash point and lack of stench.
To simmer fire up as usual, do any needed quick boiling (pretty much most of my cooking), turn off,
disconnect, let off pressure using a glove (tends to
get just a bit of vapor on your hand), pump 3-5 times
depending on temp/altitude, reconnect and relight.
Unless it is just brutally cold or you are really slow re-priming isn't needed. Results may vary by fuel type. Methinks diesel/cold combination could be a problem. LOL
You will get pretty good simmer control (I'm used to wood fire, so my idea of good simmer control may a
bit different than the average user...!).
bombproof for group camping and/or cold weather/altitude camping. I prefer white gas (aka naptha) due to low flash point and lack of stench.
To simmer fire up as usual, do any needed quick boiling (pretty much most of my cooking), turn off,
disconnect, let off pressure using a glove (tends to
get just a bit of vapor on your hand), pump 3-5 times
depending on temp/altitude, reconnect and relight.
Unless it is just brutally cold or you are really slow re-priming isn't needed. Results may vary by fuel type. Methinks diesel/cold combination could be a problem. LOL
You will get pretty good simmer control (I'm used to wood fire, so my idea of good simmer control may a
bit different than the average user...!).
Neutral Reviews:
A tired old work horse
Bottom Line: The XGK is no longer the king of the expedition stoves - technology has moved on and competing multi-fuel stoves in the same price range are simply better values. The XGK will do the job, but why put up with its many anachronisms?
The XGK is targeted at people who need true multi-fuel capability (military, global travelers, expeditions, etc.), rugged dependability, and who do not worry about any flame setting other than maximum heat output. If you do not envision the requirement [emphasis on requirement] to burn diesel, JP-8, or kerosene in your stove: the XGK is probably not your best bet. Also, to get multi-fuel capability out of the XGK, you have to change jets- this is a very simple thing to do, but it does mean that your stove reliability is totally dependent upon retaining two small, threaded brass parts (the fuel jets) – loose one in the field and there goes your multi-fuel capability.
People complain about the noise of the XGK, but honestly, any pressurized fuel stove running full out will be noisy. Plan your cooking accordingly.
The not so good points... I own an older (okay old) XGK and I am not impressed with the overall build quality of the new XGKs: many parts are simply not as well built (e.g. the plastic fuel pump, the "contraption" legs etc.). Some claim the plastic MSR fuel pump is better/safer - LOL! Most fires come from fuel spills and the XGK will definitely spill a small amount of fuel when you disconnect the pump. People who dislike the smell of kerosene or diesel take note. Also the fuel line simply presses into the valve body and is retained by a spring contraption. This flaw goes back to the original designs. If the XGK stove leaks at the pump, and catches fire (I saw this happen in the middle of Mauritania…), you have to wrestle a flaming (plastic!) valve and pressurized fuel bottle to shut off the stove! The two-speed "blow torch" fuel control is also much more likely to cause flaring on start-up due to too much fuel squirting into the stove, or if you misjudge the stove pre-heat.
For the same price, the Optimus Nova and Nova plus stoves burn all the fuels that the XGK does (using the same nozzle - you do not have to carry an extra one); puts out almost as much heat, but simmers nicely too; is built much better (machined steel and alloy parts with no annual maintenance requirement!); and costs about the same. The Optimus Nova is also much safer because it has a positive, industrial type fuel disconnect. The valve on the Optimus Nova is at the stove, not the pump (where your hands and the fuel are!). The Optimus allows you a very simple, very positive way to shut the fuel off - flip the fuel bottle, which takes the pickup out of the fuel!
My Optimus Nova went with me to Central America (24-months), Iraq (21-months), Afghanistan (12-months), and will be with me when I go back to the 'Ghan. The XGK will stay at home (again).
The XGK is targeted at people who need true multi-fuel capability (military, global travelers, expeditions, etc.), rugged dependability, and who do not worry about any flame setting other than maximum heat output. If you do not envision the requirement [emphasis on requirement] to burn diesel, JP-8, or kerosene in your stove: the XGK is probably not your best bet. Also, to get multi-fuel capability out of the XGK, you have to change jets- this is a very simple thing to do, but it does mean that your stove reliability is totally dependent upon retaining two small, threaded brass parts (the fuel jets) – loose one in the field and there goes your multi-fuel capability.
People complain about the noise of the XGK, but honestly, any pressurized fuel stove running full out will be noisy. Plan your cooking accordingly.
The not so good points... I own an older (okay old) XGK and I am not impressed with the overall build quality of the new XGKs: many parts are simply not as well built (e.g. the plastic fuel pump, the "contraption" legs etc.). Some claim the plastic MSR fuel pump is better/safer - LOL! Most fires come from fuel spills and the XGK will definitely spill a small amount of fuel when you disconnect the pump. People who dislike the smell of kerosene or diesel take note. Also the fuel line simply presses into the valve body and is retained by a spring contraption. This flaw goes back to the original designs. If the XGK stove leaks at the pump, and catches fire (I saw this happen in the middle of Mauritania…), you have to wrestle a flaming (plastic!) valve and pressurized fuel bottle to shut off the stove! The two-speed "blow torch" fuel control is also much more likely to cause flaring on start-up due to too much fuel squirting into the stove, or if you misjudge the stove pre-heat.
For the same price, the Optimus Nova and Nova plus stoves burn all the fuels that the XGK does (using the same nozzle - you do not have to carry an extra one); puts out almost as much heat, but simmers nicely too; is built much better (machined steel and alloy parts with no annual maintenance requirement!); and costs about the same. The Optimus Nova is also much safer because it has a positive, industrial type fuel disconnect. The valve on the Optimus Nova is at the stove, not the pump (where your hands and the fuel are!). The Optimus allows you a very simple, very positive way to shut the fuel off - flip the fuel bottle, which takes the pickup out of the fuel!
My Optimus Nova went with me to Central America (24-months), Iraq (21-months), Afghanistan (12-months), and will be with me when I go back to the 'Ghan. The XGK will stay at home (again).
Works, but there are better options...
I own an older XGK and when I went looking for a second stove I was not impressed with the XGK II. Apart from the cheapened construction evident; technology has moved on and the XGK II is blown away by the Optimus Nova/Nova+ in the same price range.
First, the XGK II is reliable, it throws the most heat, and it is still a work horse. Yes it is loud! This is overstated as almost every liquid fuel stove at fuel burn will be noisy. That said, time has moved on, and the XGK has not...
The Optimus burns everything the XGK does and you do not have to carry an extra nozzle; the Optimus puts out almost as much heat, but also simmers; the Optimus is built much better too (no annual maintenance!).
Some claim the plastic MSR fuel pump is better - LOL! Most fires come from fuel spills and the XGK will definitely spill fuel when you disconnect the pump. No responsible engineer would design a pressurized fuel connection like spring contraption on the one on the XGK - Optimus has a much more positive industrial type disconnect. The valve on the Optimus Nova is at the stove, not the pump (where your hands and the fuel are!). The Optimus allows you a very simple, very positive off - flip the fuel bottle which takes the pickup out of the fuel!
The two-speed "blow torch" fuel control is much more likely to cause flaring on start-up due to too much fuel squirted in.
Bottom line: the XGK is no longer the king of the expedition stoves. My Optimus Nova went with me to Central America (24-months), Iraq (21-months), Afghanistan (12-months), and will be with me when I go back to the 'Ghan. The XGK will stay at home (again).
First, the XGK II is reliable, it throws the most heat, and it is still a work horse. Yes it is loud! This is overstated as almost every liquid fuel stove at fuel burn will be noisy. That said, time has moved on, and the XGK has not...
The Optimus burns everything the XGK does and you do not have to carry an extra nozzle; the Optimus puts out almost as much heat, but also simmers; the Optimus is built much better too (no annual maintenance!).
Some claim the plastic MSR fuel pump is better - LOL! Most fires come from fuel spills and the XGK will definitely spill fuel when you disconnect the pump. No responsible engineer would design a pressurized fuel connection like spring contraption on the one on the XGK - Optimus has a much more positive industrial type disconnect. The valve on the Optimus Nova is at the stove, not the pump (where your hands and the fuel are!). The Optimus allows you a very simple, very positive off - flip the fuel bottle which takes the pickup out of the fuel!
The two-speed "blow torch" fuel control is much more likely to cause flaring on start-up due to too much fuel squirted in.
Bottom line: the XGK is no longer the king of the expedition stoves. My Optimus Nova went with me to Central America (24-months), Iraq (21-months), Afghanistan (12-months), and will be with me when I go back to the 'Ghan. The XGK will stay at home (again).
great stove for blacksmithing
I got the MSR to try it against my most excellent Brunton Optimus Nova. I was attracted by the multi-fuel capability and its claimed bullet-proof performance. What I under-estimated was how limited a range the stove would afford based upon its design to perform in alpine situations. The stove lights and vaporizes fuel quickly, allowing the user to boil water in a matter of minutes. What it lacks is any kind of effective control on the flame intensity aka fuel feed. This stove seems to be capable of only ON and OFF. The lack of sensitivity in fuel feed valve located on the pump also leads to problems with delayed reactions to any adjustments one tries to make with the fuel feed and, when the valve is full closed, always leaves an ounce or two of unused fuel in the fuel line that invariably goes to waste and creates for messy packing and storage. Would be that hard to put a secondary simmer valve like the one on the Dragonfly on the body of the XGK?
Get this stove if you want a blast furnace for boiling water/melting snow that burns anything from rocket fuel to 2% milk. Don't get it if you want a camp stove you can cook on.
Get this stove if you want a blast furnace for boiling water/melting snow that burns anything from rocket fuel to 2% milk. Don't get it if you want a camp stove you can cook on.
Good Heavyweight for the Extremes
I bought this stove specifically for that fact it is good for windy, high-altitude cooking and for its ability to burn almost anything. It definitely lives up to MSR's claim to burn anything flammable, but I have been using Kerosene (fastest boiling time) and it works ok. It is rather difficult to light, and you could never use it in or around your tent, but once it gets going it sounds like a jet engine boiling your water. Not the choice for the casual weekend camper, better for the high-altitude adventurer.
Sounds like a JET engine
Decent stove, sounds like a jet eninge while in use, if your trying to keep animal life away its a good choice. I prefer the whisperlite have used it for years and never lets me down
As expected
I wanted the ability to run diesel and use it for backpacking, otherwise I would have chosen a WhisperLite. This thing is annoyingly loud, and hard if not impossible to set at a low setting.
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