MSR Reactor Stove

[sheepdog]

Has anyone used a msr reactor stove for an extended period of time? I know they are fairly new and had some problems in the begining.

[Thrasher]

I'm wondering if anyone has used this as well? I'm thinking about getting one to use for my wife and I. It may be a little bulky and heavy for one person, but for two it looks pretty good. I like how a full size canister fits inside of it. An employee at REI fired up the stove for me. I liked the fact that it didn't have an igniter button, one less thing that could break. The main drawback on it is the price and you have to use the pot that comes with it. Anyone use one yet?

[saimyoji]

Had a quick look at the reactor...doesn't seem much different from the JetBoil.

[saimyoji]

There are a bunch of reviews on this here:

http://www.rei.com/product/736977?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

[Bigby 2007]

The reactor and the jetboil are totally different animals.
(outfitter employee here, prepare to be geeked out upon)

The jetboil burns unregulated straight from the pressure of an isobutane canister, while the reactor is regulated and has an evaporator coil to superheat the fuel from the canister and create its own pressure. This means the reactor is MUCH more consistent with fuel consumption than the somewhat finicky unregulated canister stoves. It also means it will perform in high altitudes and low temperatures.

That said, I don't really like the design. It's top heavy and unstable. Check out the Primus etapower ef
http://www.rei.com/product/752818

You get a bigger pot, more stable platform, more fuel efficiency, and a similar regulated design for less money. Great, great stove.

[saimyoji]

Thanks. Always good to hear from those who are around the different gear all day.