@PETER CRAVEN Quite a collection! I got one of their first models, when Jetboil tried to sell to the Danish Army. Have later added the Coffee Press and that “tri-Feet” converter which allows you to use regular pots and pans on it.
snwcmpr wrote, "Friends do not let friends use JetBoils." Why the big down on Jetboils? I have a couple, both bought 2h, and keep the better one in my work car in the Winter. It's a nice compact unit that does pretty much what it says on the tin. What's not to like?
I used to feel the same. The original Jetboil is a mediocre isopro burner on a high tech pot. Since then they have upgraded the burner and added a regulator.(see photos) Now the only stoves that beat them are the MSR Reactor and if there is a breeze the MSR windboiler and the MSR windburner. I do collect MSR also. I don’t have a 9A, but I have all the rest. I use a MSR reactor to make my pour over coffee everyday. When I stay in a hotel I’ll set up a jetboil genesis with a luna.
The jetboil personal cooking system was introduced 17 years ago and changed the industry. When does it qualify as classic?they are on their fourth generation. I collect camp stoves. I have a few over 100 years old and at least one introduced this year. (Windburner GCS).
This is a “classic” SVEA123. This one is about 75 years old. They are still in production to this day.
One of my friends has a JB. He can be brewing coffee before I can get my Trangia burner filled with fuel. Wind is a different story, there I get the last laugh.
Evening, All, I have one JetBoil, and it's "ok" for boiling water, and that is it! In truth, the MSR Reactor BLOWS IT OUT OF THE WATER! And, the Reactor can actually cook food, too, which the JB cannot do easily, if at all. To those who love the JB's, good for you. Personally, I have use for them, whatsoever! Sleep well, and God Bless! Doc PS - At a past CASG event, I did a comparison between the boiling times of the MSR Reactor, and the JetBoil. The Reactor won every single test, and the JB sucked hind tit, period! So, the Reactor boils MUCH faster, and actually cooks food, too. Why would anyone buy a JB, then........?? Cheaper????
I picked up a Kermit green JB Flash in a sale years ago for about half the normal price - I imagine the bright green wasn't a great seller. If I were to buy one now the Minimo is the model I'd go for as food cooking would be much easier and it has the new regulated burner.
The twisted wire chain says the stove is after 1969, when Optimus bought the Svea stove line, and with a slanted spindle, so before 1974. So, more like 45/50 years old. The older Sievert SVEA 123 would have a stamped chain and engraving on some of the parts. That said, the stove shown is the most undervalued of the line. Excellent Sievert Svea quality, with the Optimus name so not collectable. Ken
As for Jetboil. An engineer at MSR said that the sales reps, for them, have the stores/clients use the JetBoil until they run out of fuel. Then, he has them put the used/empty canister on the MSR stove and use it. The Jetboil cannot use the remaining fuel, the MSR stove can. The MSR stove has a regulator. I cannot recall exactly, but I think it was the Reactor he was speaking of. But, the WindBoiler/WindBurner was out (I think). I cannot prove this as I do not have a JetBoil. That was from the engineer that gave me a tour of the archives. Try that at home.
The newest Jetboil my buddy bought has a regulator. No clue how it compares with the MSR offerings, but trusting you folks here, I'd head that route if I was inclined to get such a thing. Academic for me, I'm not keen on butane as a camp fuel. Most of the times I really want a stove while on an away mission, it's too cold for butane to be a good choice. Zero objection to Jetboil being on the forum, though. Just wait till there are battery electric camp stoves...........
Howdy, All, I think most of the attraction to the JetBoil, for those who like them, is because they are small, and very inexpensive. And, there is most certainly a niche for those points, for sure. I know the Reactor is much more expensive, but in truth, it offers so much more than the JB, that "for me", it's the "got to" choice for such stoves. Between the Reactor, and the Windburner, my bases are covered, when it comes to cartridge stoves. BUT, for those who want to best of the best in this type of stove, give the Reactor, or Windburner a try, and you will see why the JB simply doesn't compare. Please do understand, though, my comments are illustrative of my experiences, and my cooking needs and style. Others may have a different mileage and opinion, and that is what makes a horse race, Folks! The main thing, is to have fun on this crazy adventure we all share together! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
