Hello - I'm the Scoutmaster of a troop that does a lot of backpacking. Earlier this year, we standardized on Whisperlite International stoves because they seem to last forever, can be fully serviced in the field, and work under almost all conditions. Standardizing also means we can swap parts or borrow fuel bottles. Overall, it's been great. We started with several of the most recent models -- whatever you get at REI right now. These have the most recent pump, a shaker jet, and, most noticeably, have teeth on the arms that hold the pot (apparently similar to the Universal). Are those teeth the only change on this version? That is, are the current models just the 600 with fancy arms? We've since purchased a few off eBay, but I've shied away from anything lacking those teeth on the arms in the interest of consistency with our existing stock. Any thoughts are welcome!
There are other changes, like the length of the flexible hose and the size of the preheater loop. Anything with the toothed tripod will be a suitable design. Older gear will interchange but I think you will be a small amount safer with the Scouts with the newer version.
Thanks for clearing that up. I'll stick with most recent -- except for my personal one from the mid 90's :-)
The application of a small triangular file to the pot legs of the older models might make them more serviceable for your needs. Sacrilege to collectors perhaps, but they are rather common stoves, and they may be cheaper for your scouts to acquire.
Thanks. Good point. I'm not so concerned about the "teeth" per se. And you are correct: the Model 600 without teeth is cheaper and more available on eBay. So I was trying to see if there were other differences between the teeth model and Model 600. It would be great if MSR had a list of the various versions. (I realize there is much discussion on this site about this exact topic.) For example, are there three versions? V1: original with red cable. V2: Model 600 with the shaker jet and brass cable but smooth arms. V3: same as V2 but teeth on the arms? My hunch is there are LOTS of sub-variants within each of those.
Long time owner and user Whisperlite and variants . The stainless steel stamped feet / pot rack is a bit more compact when folded . Function should be the same , particularly if you are using only white gas . Part kit interchange will be exact unless you happen upon a pre shaker jet model . From a safety standpoint be sure to replace all older design pumps with new . MSR has a good exchange program for the pumps $ 20 US delivered when you do the exchange , just need to call and get a return RO number for the exchange .
I should add If the pumps you collect from purchases of used have leather pumps cups, keep the pump cups . They last far longer than plastic as new particularly in cold weather . Switch them out in the new pumps as they arrive . Just my $.02
