Jetboil Says Goodbye to the Sols & Hello to the MiniMo [Archive]

Chair-man

12-01-2014, 18:01

:eek: That's right folks, the Jetboil Sol aluminum (10.5oz) & ti (8.5oz) stove systems are being discontinued :confused:.

Up to now I have been using a homemade alcohol stove and I've been looking hard at the Jetboil Sols and when I went to the Jetboil web site I didn't see the Sols listed as a "cooking system". I thought this can't be so I called Jetboil (contact us: (888) 611-9905) and spoke with a rep named Shown. She told me that yes indeed the Sols were being discontinued and that they now had the MiniMo. I said I like the regulator the MiniMo has but the system weighs over 15oz. I did ask what the MiniMo cup was made out of and she said aluminum.

Maybe Jetboil was still having problems with the aluminum heat exchanger coming off the ti cup.

Now there doesn't seem to be a cooking system out there under now 15oz. The MSR Windboiler is over 15oz too.:mad:

Just seems like Jetboil is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to weight.

I'm sure a lot of outfitters still have the Sols in stock so if you want one better get one soon.

rocketsocks

12-01-2014, 18:15

Explosion welding is expensive, and tack welding dissimilars such as titanium and aluminum is all but futile.

Just Bill

12-01-2014, 18:20

rocketsocks

12-01-2014, 18:21

I'm liking the look and squatiness of the mimo, what I don't like is the price!

colorado_rob

12-01-2014, 18:22

Yikes, thanks for the heads up... I just ordered a Sol aluminum one on Amazon for $113 as a backup for my favorite all-time stove, my Sol Ti.

Connie

12-01-2014, 18:35

I am happy with my Sol Ti. I also purchased the one on special price: Zip.

I think the backpacking community was over-critical.

Did JetBoil have a lot of returns?

Is this thread real?

Sol Advanced. Sol Ti. In the "Jetboil Family of Systems".

ref: http://www.jetboil.com

colorado_rob

12-01-2014, 18:41

I am happy with my Sol Ti. I also purchased the one on special price.

I think the backpacking community was over-critical.

Did JetBoil have a lot of returns?I think what has happened, just a guess: With these stoves you CANNOT light it without water in it, even for an instant, if bone dry and you light the stove the fins will probably pop off the pot very quickly. I've seen this and the "perpetrator" blames the stove, which is somewhat justified actually because it does seem a bit over sensitive. But if you simply never-ever-ever do this (light the stove dry or let it boil away and run dry), you should have zero problem.

Connie

12-01-2014, 18:53

If true, Jetboil is over-sensative to "customers".

I think no cookware company has an obligation to the end-user that puts heat to their cookware with nothing in the pan.

I think they could print on the package: use only as directed.

The instructions on the package are sufficient.

I say, JetBoil, why let others push you out of the marketplace you created.

My materials science degree program, plus years in the technology field tell me "just because" you can't do a good job with the materials involved doesn't mean they cannot either.

HooKooDooKu

12-01-2014, 18:56

Over all, I think the MiniMo system is heading in the right direction.

The Jetboil Sol seems to have been designed strictly as a light-weight water boiling:
Practically not temperature control
Small cup size (0.8L)
Cup shape optimized to save weight.

This is a design where you only boil water and then add the water to another container (such as freezer bag cooking and freeze dried meals).

But the Jetboil MiniMo seems to be designed for cooking:
Temperature control that allows simmering.
Cup sized to hold your water and food (it is 1L, where as I find my 0.83L MSR Titan Kettle to be a touch on the small size).
Cup shape designed for use... cooking and eating.

So I can understand the weight gain that the MiniMo has over the Sol (given the change in cup size/shape).
The price isn't ridiculous when you consider that the Flash is $99 and weights more than the MiniMo.

So if you compare it to the Flash, it's a pretty good design change... especially since the JetBoil has never really been designed for gram weenies.

colorado_rob

12-01-2014, 19:05

If true, Jetboil is over-sensative to "customers".

I think no cookware company has an obligation to the end-user that puts heat to their cookware with nothing in the pan.

I think they could print on the package: use only as directed.

The instructions on the package are sufficient.

I say, JetBoil, why let others push you out of the marketplace you created.
...
No argument from me, however I say two things: In a business, the customer, however dumb, is always right. And: Who cares if they cancel the Jetboil Sol series? Just buy a backup and you should be good for a very, very long time.

Connie

12-01-2014, 19:05

"...the JetBoil has never really been designed for gram weenies."

Exactly.

As a long-time customer, I would rather have titanium, or, hard-anodized aluminum. My preference, however, is titanium cookware.

For home use, I choose layered stainless steel with a more heat conductive core. Either that, or hard-anodized aluminum or iron cookware.

Chair-man

12-01-2014, 19:05

http://www.amazon.com/Olicamp-Ion-Micro-Stove-FMS-300T/dp/B00BISD16I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417471965&sr=8-3&keywords=olicamp+stove
http://www.amazon.com/Olicamp-Hard-Anodized-XTS-1-Litre/dp/B007OJKI2U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1417471965&sr=8-5&keywords=olicamp+stove

1.5+6.7 is still available.

Thanks JB. The nice thing about the Sol is that it had its own insulator on the cup and everything was attached together (canister, burner & cup) one reason I wanted to switch to the Sol from the alcie was for the convenience factor.

I am happy with my Sol Ti. I also purchased the one on special price: Zip.

I think the backpacking community was over-critical.

Did JetBoil have a lot of returns?

No idea how many returns. The problem goes way back (http://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com/2012/02/titanium-jetboil-caution.html) then Jetboil redesigned the Sol Ti and then told everyone they could only boil water and not cook in it.

Connie

12-01-2014, 19:12

The problem goes way back to Abela, a SUL backpacker.

I saw all the comments in forums and blogs: no stews, no heavy cream soups, no boil-overs.

Connie

12-01-2014, 19:16

JetBoil = boil water.

JetBoil created that marketplace.

Before that it was a submersible, for tea.

Starchild

12-02-2014, 09:37

If true, Jetboil is over-sensative to "customers".
They may have lost their way bowing to consumers. I've heard but not confirmed, that they only made a Ti model because people kept asking for it, but they resisted because it was not ideal for their system (Al distributes heat much better), weight savings was really negligible and most of the difference in weight between the Sol and Sol Ti was a lighter, thinner cozy. In other words they got caught up with the ultralight crowd (and for 2 people, the orginal13-16 oz Sol Ti system including fuel and canister does fit into ultralight weight category).

I think no cookware company has an obligation to the end-user that puts heat to their cookware with nothing in the pan.
I believe that product should be able to withstand a occasional minor and normal user error to some degree.

I think they could print on the package: use only as directed.

The instructions on the package are sufficient.

At first the Sol Ti said you could simmer and melt snow in it, it was even printed on the cozy. Just use a low flame. I had one of them and used it as directed, I made Chili from a can and then the fins popped off and burnt/melted - following the instructions (low flame, etc.) I returned it for a exchange at REI and got the new one that said heating and boiling water only (instructions and on the cozy), I checked their web site and it was there also now, sort of patched in - for heating and boiling water only for the Ti models. This also seemed to be the time when Jetboil stopped replacing the broken Ti pots under warrantee.

I was disappointed about the change and that I could not expect to cook in it, but was able to make it work in boil water mode.

I say, JetBoil, why let others push you out of the marketplace you created.My materials science degree program, plus years in the technology field tell me "just because" you can't do a good job with the materials involved doesn't mean they cannot either.

I do believe the fins could have been redesigned for the Ti model to help prevent this. My take is that they just didn't want to go thru the redesign, and were not willing to continue with titanium.

But it is yet to see if they are actually being pushed out. Jetboil seems to be on the move with the new line and discontinuing a problemed line. They also have quite a bit of 'room' weight wise to play with as the Windboiler is heavy compared with the JB. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

RED-DOG

12-02-2014, 10:10

I am glad i got my Sol-TI couple of months ago when the getting was good, that's probably why it was on sale, the Sol-TI is a great stove I don't have any complaints, it's sad that it's being discontinued.

I always got my trusty MSR Pocket Rocket as a backup.

Odd Man Out

12-02-2014, 11:32

I'm a fan of the Olicamp pot posted by JB. I can appreciate the speed and all-in-one convenience of the Jet Boil, but I like the versatility of the Olicamp. I use it with an alcohol stove (boils 2 cups in 3 to 4 min with 13 mL fuel) or switch to canister stove if needed (I have not done that yet but I have that option). It's not just a water boiler. I cook in the pot. It's wide enough to eat out of and clean with no hassles, but not so wide to loose heat fast or spill easily. If you want to cut an oz or two you can DIY lighter handles and lid.

Coffee

12-02-2014, 13:18

I have the Sol Aluminum. Great stove. My advice is to buy one if you can find one.

NY HIKER 50

12-02-2014, 17:26

Connie

12-02-2014, 17:32

I think all canisters are universal, now.

Is is possible there is a different canister thread I read about, not in North America however. I think so.

Mags

12-02-2014, 17:49

I think all canisters are universal, now.

Correct. The Lindal-valve style canisters are used by any recent vintage canister stove. The only exception at this point are the 16.4 oz green propane tanks used for portable grills, one burner stoves and other car camping/picnic type gear.

I'd be very surprised if either of those standards are replaced at any point for a long time.

takethisbread

12-02-2014, 17:58

:eek: That's right folks, the Jetboil Sol aluminum (10.5oz) & ti (8.5oz) stove systems are being discontinued :confused:.

Just seems like Jetboil is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to weight.

I think the market for ounce pinchers is pretty small. IMO The jetboil has more room to grow it's brand with car campers and hunters and light backpackers. Perhaps they are moving in the right direction.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Coffee

12-02-2014, 18:06

The chances of the canisters for my Jetboil being unavailable due to obsolescence anytime in the near future is basically zero.

Starchild

12-02-2014, 18:25

If you want your stove, you can keep your stove. However I fond out a long time ago that once the fuel canister becomes unavailable you have to say goodbye. I got burned by two brands in the past. That's why I'm sticking with my alky stove. I will never go near another canister stove again.

I would guess Camping Gaz was one of these. I still have the stove and lantern and 2 canisters. What are the 2 you have?

Also as stated they are now standardized which would make it difficulty to make a non-standard stove viable.

NY HIKER 50

12-02-2014, 18:44

One was the Gerry mini stove and the other was the Bluet (camping gaz?)

NY HIKER 50

12-02-2014, 18:44

I also had a Svea 123

CalebJ

12-02-2014, 19:24

As above, any real concerns with changing valve designs went away fifteen or so years ago as the manufacturers settled on the Lindel valve. No longer an issue. Coleman tried their own version for a while and failed pretty miserably but that's the only departure I can think of in a while.

Connie

12-03-2014, 15:06

I got my JetBoil Zip, without the igniter.

I like having the igniter, but it is no big deal.

I really like the 1.5 capacity.

It has better inside measurement markings than the first JetBoil, as well.

I can find a place in my backpack for the JetBoil Zip.

hikin_jim

12-05-2014, 02:14

They may have lost their way bowing to consumers. I don't believe the Sol line is being discontinued due to customer complaints. If that were true, then they'd only discontinue the Ti version but keep the aluminum version.

What killed the Sol was the Zip. The Ti Sol is about 10 oz. (Yes, I know Jetboil's site lists a lower weight, but that's a "spin doctored" weight where they left some components out). The aluminum Sol is about 11 oz. The Zip is about 12 oz.

The average consumer just isn't willing to pay the extra $40 to $70 just to save an ounce or two.

HJ

Nonfiction

12-05-2014, 06:43

I have a mini mo & love it! The burner does a killer job when it comes to simmer control. The current set up that the Wife & I use is the mini-mo burner & the jetboil 1.5 liter pot. Allows me to cook up a pretty big meal for the both of us.

colorado_rob

12-05-2014, 09:19

I don't believe the Sol line is being discontinued due to customer complaints. If that were true, then they'd only discontinue the Ti version but keep the aluminum version.

What killed the Sol was the Zip. The Ti Sol is about 10 oz. (Yes, I know Jetboil's site lists a lower weight, but that's a "spin doctored" weight where they left some components out). The aluminum Sol is about 11 oz. The Zip is about 12 oz.

The average consumer just isn't willing to pay the extra $40 to $70 just to save an ounce or two.

HJVery well said, hit the nail on the head IMHO, except it's 3 ounces saved. Myself and my circle of backpacking/climbing friends all unanimously love the Sol Ti because this extra 3 oz (vs. the zip) is well worth it, but we're definitely a niche market. My Sol Ti weighs in at 8.9 oz, and yes, without that little useless cup and unnecessary stabilizing stand.

My second Sol Ti arrived yesterday, $113, no tax, free shipping. Amazing product, but unfortunately for our little niche, R.I.P. ! But with my second backup stove now, I should be good for a very long time.

hikin_jim

12-05-2014, 14:00

If it's a Sol that you're wanting, then yeah you'd best be about the business of buying it now. Jetboil has removed the Sol pages from their site which essentially makes it official.

HJ

hikin_jim

12-05-2014, 14:16

The Lindal-valve style canisters are used by any recent vintage canister stove. Most modern canister gas backpacking stoves available in the US use a Lindal valve style canister with a 7/16 UNEF threaded connector. However, some Camping Gaz stoves are still available. They use a Lindal valve but the connector is smooth. There's another exception which is the CV 360 canister which has a Lindal valve but has another smooth connector. The CV 360's are so rare though that it's not worth worrying about.

In any event threaded canisters with a Lindal valve are hear to stay. The older formats that were for specific stoves are long gone. The puncture type canisters are still available in some locations, but they're getting increasingly hard to find, and no modern stoves use them. Stores carry the old puncture type canisters simply because there are so many old stoves out there that people want to continue to use and buy gas for.

HJ

Mags

12-05-2014, 14:33

M. However, some Camping Gaz stoves are still available.

True..but the Camping Gaz, while still made, is an old design.

They still make dot matrix printers for sale...I would not call them a recent vintage printer, though. :)

So I still stick by my statement about recent vintage canister stoves. ;)

hikin_jim

12-06-2014, 00:35

True..but the Camping Gaz, while still made, is an old design. Hmm. Well of course what we now consider to be the "standard threaded canister format" was developed by Epigas in Great Britain before Camping Gaz came out with their format. Camping Gaz developed their non-threaded Lindal valve canisters because of the shortcomings of the threaded canisters. Camping Gaz continues to come out with new stoves, but they're generally only available in Europe.

What you've really got is two modern standards. In the US, Japan, the UK, and Australia: threaded Lindal canisters. In France and many other places in continental Europe: smooth Lindal valve canisters. Primus and MSR make stoves that can use either format.

Outside the developed world, the old puncture canisters may be all that are available. Supposedly this is particularly true in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

HJ

mikec

12-06-2014, 09:47

I bought my original Jet Boil in the mid 90's for $50-60. I hope it lasts a long time.

centerfieldr162

12-06-2014, 11:16

Connie

12-06-2014, 11:41

The Ti Sol has the regulator stove that maintains a constant flame, to 20 F, and, to the bottom of the canister, if it is anything like my regulator SOTO OD-1R regulator stove that came up with the design.

The other thing about titanium, I have yet to scratch the surface. Aluminum will get scratches on the surface, I feel harbors germs. I can't help it, scratched cookware is unacceptable to me.

I have had ti, only not the Ti Sol that "looks good" to me now.

I have the Zip, which after my original JetBoil seems so lightweight, plus I prefer the 1.5 liter size.

I needed a tall spoon for the original JetBoil.

RED-DOG

12-06-2014, 16:10

If you want your stove, you can keep your stove. However I fond out a long time ago that once the fuel canister becomes unavailable you have to say goodbye. I got burned by two brands in the past. That's why I'm sticking with my alky stove. I will never go near another canister stove again.

Most canisters are universal, I have never had issues with finding canisters for either one of my stoves.

colorado_rob

12-07-2014, 10:34

What are the differences between the sol and the zip?

Basically, what I'm asking is what is the zip lacking that the sol has that makes people unhappy about the sol being discontinued?
Really, the Zip is a totally adequate alternative to the Sol, but it is 3 ounces heavier and does not have the piezo-electric igniter. A lot of people have had bad luck with the igniter on various stoves, I must be really lucky, because mine have nearly always worked fine. ("nearly" meaning occasionally not working, but eventually working again; since I always carry emergency matches for fire starting, this has never been any problem).

3 ounces doesn't seem like much to some, but I treat 3 ounces with a lot of respect over the long haul. I also like the durability of the titanium construction of the Sol Ti; my 2-3 year old Sol Ti look practically new. So, even though the zip is a fine little stove, I went ahead and bought a second Sol Ti on amazon for $113, just about $30 more than a new Zip, and even though my old Sol Ti works just fine, this "insurance" well worth it to me to have a great stove for a long, long time.

Starchild

12-07-2014, 16:00

The Sol is also smaller, more suitable for 1 person and also perfectly 'just' enough for 2.

colorado_rob

12-07-2014, 16:04

The Sol is also smaller, more suitable for 1 person and also perfectly 'just' enough for 2.Agreed, just enough. Makes about 3 1/4 cups if filled to the brim, perfect for two decent sized cups of coffee or two medium sized freeze dried meals (or one large, one small). My wife and I use our Sol Ti on all our BP trips and never needed more hot water at one time than this little marvel could deliver.

hikin_jim

12-07-2014, 21:15

I have the Zip, which after my original JetBoil seems so lightweight, plus I prefer the 1.5 liter size. Connie, the Jetboil Zip (http://www.jetboil.com/Products/Zip-Cooking-System-Carbon/) is 0.8L. Do you mean the Jetboil Sumo? The Sumo is 1.8 L. There is also a GCS Pot that is 1.5 L, maybe that's what you have?

The Ti Sol has the regulator stove that maintains a constant flame, to 20 F, and, to the bottom of the canister, if it is anything like my regulator SOTO OD-1R regulator stove that came up with the design. Hmm. Well, color me sceptical on that one. In the testing that I've done, the regulator hasn't made a bit of difference. That's not to say that the Soto is a bad stove (or the Sol for that matter), but I think the claims of cold weather performance are grossly exaggerated.

Aluminum will get scratches on the surface, I feel harbors germs. I can't help it, scratched cookware is unacceptable to me. I believe you'd be OK there. The aluminum gets at least as hot as the contents of the pot (212 Fahrenheit, the temperature of boiling water). The Centers for Disease Control says that boiling is the #1 most effective means of treatment. Presumably any bacteria clinging to the inside of the pot would get nailed too. Of course it can't hurt to have titanium in that sense.

HJ

hikin_jim

12-07-2014, 21:22

My Sol Ti weighs in at 8.9 oz, and yes, without that little useless cup and unnecessary stabilizing stand.Well, yes, but you could also leave those components behind on the Zip. On my scale, the difference was about 2.2 ounces in an apples-to-apples comparison. But whatever. The marketplace appears to have spoken and the Sol is, alas, dead. :(

(and I completely agree that the "cup" is useless and that a canister stand is unnecessary on a 0.8 L pot)

HJ

Connie

12-07-2014, 22:27

I made a side-by-side comparison of the SOTO OD-1R and my MSR Pocket Rocket.

I burned both down, until out of fuel. The SOTO OD-1R had the steady flame.

Next, 20 F. I "retired" the Pocket Rocket.

Thank you, for the information about the JetBoil Zip. I like it.

I think I will try to get a JetBoil Sol Ti before they are all sold. I like the regulator stove feature.

I do like the ignitor.

BradMT

12-07-2014, 23:22

Jetboil was bought by the mega Johnson Outdoors http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_Outdoors a company that is essentially without a clue when it comes to the BP community. Yes, I've dealt with these people directly. It was painful! They've decided to go after the Cabelas/Sprotsmans Warehouse crowd, and have made the BP community less of a priority. Good news is I have a Sol Ti and a Sol, as well as an extra Sol aluminum pot. I should be good to go. Also have the Olicamp, which is a terrific setup.

Connie

12-07-2014, 23:59

I think that was a bad choice.

I know backpackers that backpack the JetBoil, even the first JetBoil.

The "smallest" backpack is a Virga backpack, and, most have a big ruck or a frame pack.

These are the same backpackers that look incredulously at my smaller backpack.

Even so, there is a place for the JetBoil Zip and, preferably, the JetBoil Sol Ti in my backpack.

I like my little alcohol stoves from Zelph. They fit in a pocket.

However, JetBoil makes hot water, right now. In the mountains of "The Continental Divide" I usually want hot water right now.

colorado_rob

12-08-2014, 00:07

I think I will try to get a JetBoil Sol Ti before they are all sold. I like the regulator stove feature.

I do like the ignitor. Still on Amazon Prime, no tax, free 2-day shipping (for prime members), for $120 (I think I said $113 below, sorry):

http://www.amazon.com/Jetboil-Titanium-Cooking-System-Sand/dp/B004RA03LK

hikin_jim

12-08-2014, 16:24

$120 is a good price. Full retail is $150.

HJ

hikin_jim

12-08-2014, 16:31

I made a side-by-side comparison of the SOTO OD-1R and my MSR Pocket Rocket.

I burned both down, until out of fuel. The SOTO OD-1R had the steady flame. Yep. It will do that. The regulator valve has been called the "cruise control" of stoves. As the canister cools, it loses pressure. The regulator can open up and allow more pressure through, keeping the flame relatively constant. It's a really nice feature.

But note that I said "the regulator can open up and allow more pressure through." Of course there has to be more pressure available. A regulator can only hold back pressure; it cannot increase pressure. Canister pressure is a function of the fuel mix, the temperature, and elevation. If the temperature is cold enough, there is no additional pressure available, and the regulator valve is no better than any other stove.

And again, I'm not knocking the Soto MicroRegulator or the newer Windmaster. They are the highest quality of any canister gas stove I've seen on the US market. I just think that their cold weather performance is exaggerated.

Most important thing though is that you're happy with it, which it sounds like you are. Like I say, they are excellent stoves.

HJ