I went out for a hike this past Saturday. I stopped to make a cup of tea (of course). In the process of making the tea, I also made these two videos on the DragonTamer silent cap which constitute something of an evaluation. This is the first time I've posted anything to YouTube. Feedback appreciated. HJ ]DragonTamer 1[/url] DragonTamer 2
Thanks, Rick. Gary had asked if I might do a little evaluation so that people could hear an independent voice speak as to the quality of his products. I, like everyone else I've ever heard speak on the subject, think they're top quality. I so like having the DT cap for when I'm out with friends so that we can still talk. HJ
Hey Jim, nice video on the dragon tamer. Now I want one of those too hope Gary is hearing me and put me on queue...I dont mind waiting Great video buddy Ron
lol. Gary mentioned his XGK EX special. I want one of those now too. I'm holding off for now and hoping that my Midi-Dawg won't melt the pot supports. HJ
All of the tests were conducted using Coleman fuel. In the interests of time (and of keeping peace with my wife), I didn't run any kero tests. I imagine the results would be similar. Perhaps I'll try a kero test next, although since Coleman Fuel sell for $8.88 USD (about £5.89 GBP) for one US gallon (approx 3.8L) which is about $2.34 USD (about £1.55 GBP) per liter, I normally don't burn kero which is more expensive here in Los Angeles and doesn't burn as cleanly. HJ
thanks - i use kero every day - seems to last longer than Coleman fuel (a gallon of each costs about the same 'round these parts)
What? That kero is more expensive or doesn't burn as cleanly? If one uses kero for priming, which is what MSR's directions tell you to do, I can't see how anyone could not say that Coleman fuel doesn't burn more cleanly. Regarding the relative expense, expensive kero is just a fact of life in Los Angeles. What do urbanites in Southern California use kero for? Apparently not much, because it's actually a bit hard to find. Walmart carries 1qt bottles, but 1 quart at a time is an expensive way to go. Home Depot carries Klean Heat in season at $11.71 per gallon (the price per container is $10.98, but the container is only 120 fl oz, making it $11.71 per gallon). By contrast Coleman fuel is $8.88, $2.83 cheaper per gallon. In rural areas, you can by a 5 gallon drum for $38.00 ($7.60 per gallon) which is a great price, but if I drive to a rural area, it'll cost me far more than I save when one considers the cost of the automotive gasoline I have to have in order to get there. Besides that I have no place to store a 5 gallon drum. HJ
I was just joking about how it doesn't burn as cleanly. There are a lot of kero burners/stovies that would argue it is a better fuel. I love both but that might be the fumes. Priming with it is not nice. But a safer fuel. Jeff
Love'd the videos! Only one problem.... they are going to make waiting until the end of September to order one for my Dragonfly even harder. How much quieter do you find your dragonfly? If it was a 10 from factory it would be a _ now?
I have never understood why some stove manufacturers recommend priming with paraffin. Quite frankly it is bloody stupid advice - who the hell wants sooty stoves and a calender rather than a stop watch to wait for priming? Meths, Meths and more meths! I prime all my paraffin and petrol stoves with meths - no mess and the stove roars or silently hisses into a nice blue heat - everytime! Cheers, Rob ps With regard to Gary's silent dampers - I use the Mini, midi and Omnidawg and all give truly excellent results.
Now when you boys say 'priming', are you talking about the preheat cycle, leaking a bit of fuel into the cup and letting it burn and heat up so the fuel will vaporize? If this is the case, why would anyone carry a secondary fuel for this? Thanks,
I used to use just the fuel from the tank to prime, paraffin on a wick or white gas in the cup but I found the Bernie Dawg caps(123r & 8r) took a long time to heat up and the burn was not as efficient. That together with the lampblack which forms on the kettle/pot and all over the cases made me try priming with meths. It takes so little meths and works so cleanly and well I now carry a small (2 1/2" tall) squirty bottle from the Body Shop which is good for 3 times a day for a week. For the paraffin 111B I use a small shampoo bottle (3"tall). Now I'm certified meths-priming convert.
On kerosene- K1 clear in Colorado Springs (last purchase) was 2.99 per GALLON. I still have about 8 or so gallons left, and when I start needing heat for the winter again, I'll go get 30 more gallons.
Hey, HJ, Your first video cut off, it seems, before it was finished. And, vid #2 won't load for me. Hummmm.... I wonder what gives? The new confuser works well with YouTube for other things.... Any ideas? Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
