I think the reactor would've been better if the pan size was reduced to 1 liter and also reduce the diameter of the stove. Im not sure what msr was aiming for with this design because most backpackers I know cry over anything above 1oz stove. That thing is expensive with limited usage(boiling only) but seems well built. The jetboil atleast gives an option of using it with other pans, plus it's no slouch when it comes to boiling either. Jetboil better deal IMO.
@dmb3428 your assessment is correct IMO also....everything you said is so true..i got the reactor brand new for $45 at the LL bean outlet in NH...they took 50% off clearance because they considered it hunting equipment lol...man it is the bomb of a stove for group cooking...even two...and is built like a tank...i love the new sol....for one...
im planning a 40day hike whats your opinion on stoves i know you have alot of them i have denature stove and i have esbit how are these good for multi day could i use a canister for 2 weeks?
@LegendSexy ...agreed..they need to make a mini reactor.....nice to know they both work fine with frozen canisters.the sol is a huge improvement from the early jetboils.
I think the only reason the reactor boils quicker its because the eye in bigger dia. and water is wider spread than the Sol. But I have to say The reactor is also a sweet set up. If there was 2 people I could see using a reactor cause the other person could carry the cannister. But for one person, using less gas and less weight It'd be the Sol. Enjoying the comparisons though. I do agree with Greenvideos at the same time. Both are bad aarse!!!!!!! But you need a Iphone to be accurate. hahahaha
@RedwoodOutdoors ...true enough.....i like its efficiency for solo hikes in very cold weather in the whites....it lends itself well for that....i like it ...when you need something hot and fast and simple operation...i like it.ttys
Don't get me wrong :o) I think the jet boil is cool! But If I buy one not only will the wife ne angry but I'll have to buy a bigger stove/pot box...haha! In all honesty I don't even use the Reactor that much anymore :o) I like the Ultralite stoves. And if happens to be too cold for them I just put a Titanium pot on my Bush Buddy Ultra or on a fire :o) I do appreciate the effort that went in to all your testing Ed :o)
@Ggreenvideos ..i hear ya brother,lol...i love stoves in general too...i dont use the reactor much..except for kayak camping for more than one,lol....i like the sol for the mountains and ice climbing ...i can cook in weird ,steep spots when im tired with little effort or if i only have alittle dexterity...esp with the connecting pot feature.....lol...alcohol when i have more time and dexterity...i love them all....yeah i bought a biggerstove/pot box...peace
@sousaville Haha! We know :o) We are all stove freaks and have far too many...haha! But at least we have something for every situation eh :o) That's a bonus!
The Reactor is KING! ;o) You have to consider the Jet Boil is for one person so 2 people need 2 that means it's most likely heavier than 1 Reactor...rite buddy? When I've taken the Reactor the woman takes no pot so she saves weight :o) which means using less fuel as well :o) You also have to remember that the Reactor boils 1 liter in under 3 minutes. If the Jet boil could hold 1 liter it would be much much longer than that. That is my look at it my friend :o) This is some great tests though :o)
@Ggreenvideos ..its a definite king for group cooking..no doubt....sometimes we use one sol for two people with freezer bag cooking.....she will carry her bag and cozy....and we use about 10 grams of fuel...two boils...pots still hot between fill ups....works great for certain scenarios.takes 3.5 mins of actual cooking time....by the way love the bush buddy...i made four versions....man they are sweet...that vargo titanium is sweet also..ttys partner.......safe trails..peace
I think the reactor would've been better if the pan size was reduced to 1 liter and also reduce the diameter of the stove. Im not sure what msr was aiming for with this design because most backpackers I know cry over anything above 1oz stove. That thing is expensive with limited usage(boiling only) but seems well built. The jetboil atleast gives an option of using it with other pans, plus it's no slouch when it comes to boiling either. Jetboil better deal IMO.
dmb3428 1 month ago
@dmb3428 your assessment is correct IMO also....everything you said is so true..i got the reactor brand new for $45 at the LL bean outlet in NH...they took 50% off clearance because they considered it hunting equipment lol...man it is the bomb of a stove for group cooking...even two...and is built like a tank...i love the new sol....for one...
sousaville 1 month ago
your a legend mate !!!! thanks for a great vid , regards mic from aus
mictheaussie1 1 month ago
@mictheaussie1 thanx mic..much appreciated..Ed
sousaville 1 month ago
how are these boiling so quick??
im planning a 40day hike whats your opinion on stoves i know you have alot of them i have denature stove and i have esbit how are these good for multi day could i use a canister for 2 weeks?
DrGreenfun 2 months ago
From your tests, I think if I decided to go with a gas stove, Id pick the SOL on longer trips and the Reactor on day hikes.
LegendSexy 2 months ago
@LegendSexy ...agreed..they need to make a mini reactor.....nice to know they both work fine with frozen canisters.the sol is a huge improvement from the early jetboils.
sousaville 2 months ago
I think the only reason the reactor boils quicker its because the eye in bigger dia. and water is wider spread than the Sol. But I have to say The reactor is also a sweet set up. If there was 2 people I could see using a reactor cause the other person could carry the cannister. But for one person, using less gas and less weight It'd be the Sol. Enjoying the comparisons though. I do agree with Greenvideos at the same time. Both are bad aarse!!!!!!! But you need a Iphone to be accurate. hahahaha
ReeperzOutdoors 2 months ago
@ReeperzOutdoors lmao.....i am ready for an upgrade on the cell phone contract
sousaville 2 months ago
@sousaville I just need to make a trip up north, i'm board and its way to hot here......lmao
ReeperzOutdoors 2 months ago
@ReeperzOutdoors YOOO MAN ...YOU KNOW YOU ARE WELCOME...you and the wife can meet us up in Franconia..or here,lol
sousaville 2 months ago
@sousaville Same here brotha! Anytime! I'll even wear my GOOD TEETH.......LMAO
ReeperzOutdoors 2 months ago
16% is a significant amount of fuel different for long distance hikers.
RedwoodOutdoors 2 months ago
@RedwoodOutdoors ...true enough.....i like its efficiency for solo hikes in very cold weather in the whites....it lends itself well for that....i like it ...when you need something hot and fast and simple operation...i like it.ttys
sousaville 2 months ago
Don't get me wrong :o) I think the jet boil is cool! But If I buy one not only will the wife ne angry but I'll have to buy a bigger stove/pot box...haha! In all honesty I don't even use the Reactor that much anymore :o) I like the Ultralite stoves. And if happens to be too cold for them I just put a Titanium pot on my Bush Buddy Ultra or on a fire :o) I do appreciate the effort that went in to all your testing Ed :o)
Ggreenvideos 2 months ago
@Ggreenvideos ..i hear ya brother,lol...i love stoves in general too...i dont use the reactor much..except for kayak camping for more than one,lol....i like the sol for the mountains and ice climbing ...i can cook in weird ,steep spots when im tired with little effort or if i only have alittle dexterity...esp with the connecting pot feature.....lol...alcohol when i have more time and dexterity...i love them all....yeah i bought a biggerstove/pot box...peace
sousaville 2 months ago
@sousaville Haha! We know :o) We are all stove freaks and have far too many...haha! But at least we have something for every situation eh :o) That's a bonus!
Ggreenvideos 2 months ago
@Ggreenvideos ...you are not kidding...far too many is right...lol...love haveing options,lmao...
sousaville 2 months ago
The Reactor is KING! ;o) You have to consider the Jet Boil is for one person so 2 people need 2 that means it's most likely heavier than 1 Reactor...rite buddy? When I've taken the Reactor the woman takes no pot so she saves weight :o) which means using less fuel as well :o) You also have to remember that the Reactor boils 1 liter in under 3 minutes. If the Jet boil could hold 1 liter it would be much much longer than that. That is my look at it my friend :o) This is some great tests though :o)
Ggreenvideos 2 months ago
@Ggreenvideos ..its a definite king for group cooking..no doubt....sometimes we use one sol for two people with freezer bag cooking.....she will carry her bag and cozy....and we use about 10 grams of fuel...two boils...pots still hot between fill ups....works great for certain scenarios.takes 3.5 mins of actual cooking time....by the way love the bush buddy...i made four versions....man they are sweet...that vargo titanium is sweet also..ttys partner.......safe trails..peace
sousaville 2 months ago