I think the Dragonfly is the worst of them all..reason being that its weak point is the simmering valve and if that clogs, then you got some time consuming cleaning to do... THen the fuel line's entry point where it connects to the bottle, it contains this white waxy substance that most likely will inhibit the flow of fuel ....it is a filter I think but it is way too restrictive...
Some manufacturers include silicone grease for use with the pump assembly and seals. Get a bit of that into the workings and you are done! I'd like the opportunity to give a Dragonfly a field test. AR
It is a valid, meaningful, and useful test by this specific user for these two specific stoves using a specific fuel and under condition he feels are appropriate. Kudos. At my age I am less adventurous than I used to be, but the idea that those who do travel and have fun (on a budget) should do so only if they can ensure access to premium grade stove fuel is sad. Using a stove is not usually a life and death situation.
"Using a stove is not usually a life and death situation." In the military, in the Arctic - it often is. And I for one would never trust anything but a kerosene-burning old (proven!) design like the Optimus 206, 221 or 207 burner in a 111, a 111T, a KAP, a 154/155, a 85 Loke - or something similar. Petrol/Gasoline is good for Otto-engines, but that's it - and there is a safety reason all serious military engines operating in Arctic conditions nowadays don't use it. They use Diesel (or Jet Fuel / Kerosene). The fire hazard of petrol/gasoline makes it unpractical (read unnecessarily Dangerous!!!) in military operations in the Arctic. So they avoid it, in stoves as well... And what's good for the military is good for me. So, kerosene (or in an emergency: diesel) it is. And! It's available everywhere! If nothing else you can usually get a litre of jet fuel at the local air strip... YMMV of course...
XGK/Unleaded Freak, I would still love to see some detailed photos, and read some reports of your adventures on Denali, and Mt. Baker. As I've mentioned to you before, we, here at CCS, love sharing in such adventures. So, how about it? Please post some photos of you enjoying these adventures. Thanks! Doc
If you don't like the filter, use a pin to pull it out, you don't need it. Optimus nova use these too, it stops pulsing
When I bought my second hand dragonfly some 4 years ago I also bought a service kit at the same time. One day I should open it to see whats inside. Ive not opened it for any other reason
Doc, I do not have detailed images of stoves on Denali...I do have pics of me hanging from a crevasse though... For Baker, I might have images of my Whisp Int since it was a less stressful trip and were not s busy ... I will find my pics and get them together into an album and post a link ...It will take some time and digging through so it will be a few days... I do not have any writeuops on my trips because pics are worth a 1000 words ...
