The MSR XGK-EX. This is provided as a reference. I know it is not a classic stove, but since it is mentioned in many posts, I thought I would throw it in the SRG for a place of reference since there are not very many good photos of the stove elsewhere. My first impressions of the stove is that it is a culmination and sum of prior MSR designs starting with the number 9 and on through the XGKs. It is very stout and very well built. Comparing the build to the Optimus Nova and the Primus Himalaya stoves, I believe (my opinion) that this stove is built for toughness and durability, and just a little better than the other two I mentioned. There are few moving parts and what does move is built with heavy gauge materials to withstand weight and user abuse. The pot stands are the first thing that you notice when you see the stove for the first time. The cross-wire/single wire pot stands have been replaced with heavy duty stainless pot stands that provide grip and sturdiness with just about any pot that could be used. I believe this system is sturdier than any I've ever used before. What makes this pot support even more sturdy and durable is that it is linked as a one-piece system to the feet. Each of the three corners has a pot support/foot system that just pivots to one side and hides away when folded inward toward the stove. To use, simply pivot the pot support/foot outward. There is a bit of friction in the system to keep the support/foot from flopping during use. The stove's body is made of heavy gauge but light-weight material that appears to be as tough as the feet and pot supports. It is dark in color which is a very good thing for fuels that tend to darken the metals as they are primed or shutdown as in the case when kerosene is used. Soot never looked better. The burner appears to be of the same design as prior XGKs and looks to have the identical jet system. The jet is stamped with 'G K' for gasoline and kerosene but I was able to burn gasoline, Coleman Fuel, Kerosene and Diesel. Burned all of them very efficiently. I was a bit surprised. I also burned Kleen Strip kerosene alternative. Works great! Gone is the stiff fuel feed tube of yester-year's designs. The stiff fuel feed tube was used as part of the support system of the stove. This is no longer needed with the sturdy feet providing much support. I like the flexible fuel line so that I could put the stove away into the small stuff sack and fit an 11oz fuel bottle in too. The stove fuel line has the familiar cleaning cable inserted in it for easy cleaning of the vaporizer tube, which coils over the burner. It looks like the coiled over tube is a bit taller than older designs, probably to increase exposure to the flames for better vaporization of even the most difficult fuels to burn, like diesel fuel. This stove was used much and so I had a difficult time removing the cleaning cable but after a little bit of playing around with it, I was able to remove it and make a good clean up. Much gunk came out with the cable, which is a very good thing when you have to rely on the equipment. Wouldn't want to be stuck in the snow somewhere and not have this work. The pump is a standard pump, which I have a few of but this one came used and had a leak when I first acquired it. My first test was with kerosene to avoid the gasoline ignition problems if the pump leaked. It did and I was glad there was kero in the fuel bottle. After a couple of tests, the pump stove hasn't leaked since. I'll still use prudence and service the pump as soon as the maintenance kit arrives. Doesn't hurt to have a perfectly working stove. I performed a few boil tests and found the stove to be adequate for just about any need. I was able to boil a litre of water in stainless steel kettle in 4:15 (4700 ft elevation, 66F ambient temp, 60F water, Kleen Strip kero alternative) - not great but not bad either. My Primus Himalaya is still the champ at my house with 3:50. The test I ran used Kleen Strip kero alternative so I'm not sure how powerful the fuel is but, like I said, it was quite adequate. One thing this stove does not do well at all is simmer. It's just built to do one thing - burn hot! Not bad for $50 USD... sam
Thanks Sam. That was a good price. One of the ladies who was snow camping with us at Winterfest brought along hers, I knew she had one, didn't realize she had it for for awhile now as she is still relatively new to bping and doesn't do much now as her neck is giving her issues. It sure breaks the quiet when it is going. A year ago, two people each had one in our group of 15 and it sure was nice when they finished melting snow and cooking in our kitchen area.
Love the fact that some MSR models are built like a tank to take the abuse if one is not too careful. How much does the stove (alone) weight Sam? Ron
Thanks guys for all the comments... Ron, to answer your question, I put up a topic and weighed a few stoves for comparison: Stove Weights hope that helps, sam
if idahostoveguy did lager, it would probably be the best lager in the world. yet another fine topic here. this is very good work, well done. can you do one about the primus omnifuel now please kez
