Never owned an MSR of any type, but with the old wire legged Whisperlite selling for around $60 and the Internationals in the low $70's (shipping included) I'm thinking of taking the plunge just for giggles. I've got some REI dividends to spend and the Labor Day sale is upon us! What is the general opinion of these models? Thanks! Ridge
Hey Ridge, They're fairly light weight and reliable especially for someone who can fettle or perform basic maintenance. The pump design is great compared to older versions, it's quiet and simmers well. That all said, I prefer the XGK. It's a rocket and will probably wake the neighbors but that's why I like it .
I have an older one i use kero only. It's a really good stove. Maintaining it is relatively easy. Keep it clean and it will last your kids lifetime.
It all depends where and when you intend to use it. If you're a high level winter mountaineer then it'll probably serve you well and never let you down, other than that it's total overkill if you just use it in less demanding situations. A bit on the heavy side as a backpacking stove as well. Great as a water boiler but for actually cooking it has two settings, incinerate or off.
Hey, Ridge, My recommendation is that, if you want an older Whisperlite, stick with either the Coleman Fueled version, or get the International 600, which is a HUGE improvement over the V1 Whisperlite International!!! Our original WLI simply would NOT burn kerosene reliably on our 850 miles PCT adventure! The later International 600 has a much larger generator loop, and burns kerosene very nicely! The White Gas version of the WPL is a nice little stove, too. BUT, if you want the BEST MSR Whisperlite, do give strong consideration to the Whisperlite Universal, as IMHO, it's hands down the best of breed of the WPL stoves!! It happily burns kerosene, Coleman fuel, and with a quick change of parts, even cartridge fuel, and works wonderfully!!! None of the other WPL stoves can hold a candle to it, as far as I'm concerned!! Good luck on your decision, and have fun!! God Bless you and yours! Every Good Wish, Doc
After much consideration, I think I'll just go with the original white gas model. It's the least expensive, and I'm convinced that white gas is the cleanest burning and most trouble free fuel going. Truth be known, this stove will never see anything more than the occasional overnighter. It's main function will be to serve as a good example of the MSR line in my stove collection. Regards, Ridge
I personally like the MSR Firefly and I own 2 Whisperlight International 600 stoves.The Firefly has almost precision simmering compared to the Whisperlight.
Have you tried to use the stove to simmer as the manufacturer said to do it? From the current manufacturers website as of today .... http://www.cascadedesigns.com/MSR/FAQ/Stoves Can you simmer with an MSR stove? Our award-winning DragonFly™ stove has a fully adjustable flame, which makes simmering a breeze. However, with other MSR liquid fuel stoves, the most efficient way is to run the stove with extremely low pressure in the fuel bottle. A couple of pump strokes in a half-full bottle are optimal. I know it goes back as far as the DF seen in the instructions here .... https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/msr-dual-fuel-stove.30365/ LOW FLAME The MSR stove now has a needle control valve for improved flame adjustment. To obtain the lowest flame, it requires low pressure in the tank. If the stove has been pumped to high pressure for maximum performance (melting snow or boiling water), release the pressure and relight the stove with low pressure. (See shut off instructions). Remember the number of pumps required to obtain a specific pressure varies with the volume of fuel in the tank. So, I see it as a myth that the MSR stoves cannot simmer. Ken in NC
True but the firt whisperlite international had the generator too far from the burner so it would simmer for a short time then turn yellow as the genni cooled
geeves, Do you mean when burning kerosene? And I do believe some 'mistakes' by MSR should be removed from the equation. The 1st generation International is probably one of those.
From others experiance coleman fuel and kero both fail to simmer well in that stove. It was also the nemisis stove of DocMark on kero. Every company gets it wrong sometimes After all Ford made the Edssel and Chev the Corvair
The Corvair was awsome little car, Nadar was/is full of --it. I don't have enough experience with MSR stoves to have a strong opinion on the Whisperlite.
Neither of those cars were actually bad but they were not the marketing successes they were hoped to be
No experience here with Chev Corvair.... but'd suggest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader Hope no offence .. ive heard/read it was a v bad car .... maybe you got a guddun ? Consumer rights ........... Too Right .thumbs up.++ Amnesian Politikz...... Not my bag man. Cars ...= OOoooo hhhhh WOW.. Its a ....... conveyance unit.................But don't we love E£$M Unsafe at any speed c/w' O 'Level macbeth Shakespere@ 14 y.o ..... Cant remember much shakespere..... I'm still working out why porches ccan go round ccorners so fffast ?/? . Nick.
I do have experience with wikipedia -- as with most media, it sounds good unless you already know the subject matter, then you realize it is full of errors and biases.
Hi, All, Regarding a Corvair, our family had a nice one back in the 1960's, and had no problems with it whatsoever. I liked that car quite a bit, actually, and thought it was a very well designed vehicle. Regarding Mr. Nader, I have never been much of a fan of his, as he sometimes seems to be showboating, and IMHO, is a bit over the top on some of his "crusades", which means to me that he has ulterior motives. Just my 'tuppence, and worth what you paid to read them. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Off track from whisperlites but I had a Corvair as a teenager that I bought from a junkyard for $100. I liked it and thought the design was cool. I think the main reason for the poor safety ratings was the engine was in the rear and it had only sheet metal in the front to protect you from anything you ran into.
