Stove systems - Reactor

Advantages

• Wind resistent
• Folding, rigid, solid handle
• Small
• Complete system, everything stores in the pot
• 90 second boil at 4500 ft elevation

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• No included canister stand.
• Possibility of a one time thermal shutdown, net research show rare event

Notes

• 1L Reactor nests with 4 oz. canister
• 1.7L Reactor nests with 8 oz. canister
• Packed weight: 14.6 oz. (414 g)

I really liked the idea/design of an integrated stove system. I especially like the fuel efficiency and the nesting of all the components.

Since I did not like the JetBoil, the only real competitor at the time, was the MSR Reactor. My initial reaction the the Reactor was shock, mostly at the price. But I saved my pennies and eventually I was able to purchase a 1L Reactor. The 1L Reactor has a maximum fill line at 500 ml, clearly stamped into the pot. There is plenty of discussion on the net about the maximum fill line, and marketed size, so I will stay away from that discussion.

So my thoughts on the Reactor. Wow! I should have bought this first, and then I would have never wasted money on the JetBoil.

I really like the fact that the Reactor does not twist connect to the stove. When the water boils, I can lift the pot off, and turn the stove off with my other hand. The lip on the radiant burner nests with the pot to give a very good connection and I never feel like the pot is going to slip off. The fold out rigid handle is so much nicer than the JetBoil fabric handle that I feel guilty even comparing the two. Solid handle, secure pour, and no burns!

I have heard complaints that you cannot use a regular pot with the Reactor. To confirm, no you cannot use a regular pot, but why would I want to. I purchased a high efficiency water boiler to conserver fuel, and boil water in all conditions. With the heat output of the Reactor, why would I want to try and simmer a dinner on such a stove. If I am going to take something that needs to be "cooked" for a while, a high efficient water boiler is just the wrong choice. Go get something like the Optimus Vega.

I liked the Reactor so much that I took it on my last 50 mile solo trek in the High Uintas Wilderness Area of Utah. Every time I used the stove, I validated my choice. One night was even in a wind that would have put the JetBoil out. If you read my previous post you know that what I called a "breeze" kept blowing the JetBoil out. The "wind" I experienced on my solo trek was no "breeze". The only minor difficulty I had was getting the stove lit. My butane lighter did not like the "wind" any more than the JetBoil would have :)  It did not take much effort to shield the lighter long enough to light the stove. Once lit, I was able to place the stove on a solid surface and boil water. I did not have to continue to shield the stove, so I could pick the best location to place the stove, even if it was somewhat exposed. You might even say I picked an exposed location to test the stove, and you would not be far from the truth.

The Reactor is a pressure regulated stove. By knocking down the pressure delivered from the canister, the stove can maintain consistent heat output as the fuel in the canister is consumed and the internal pressure of the canister decreases. This pressure regulator also helps the stove work at high altitudes where some canister stoves will not work.

There has been some chatter about a thermal one time shutdown mechanism with the Reactor. MSR does confirm the one time and done, thermal shutdown safety mechanism exists. It is a safety device in the event that the stove malfunctions and would cause the canister to overheat and possibly explode.  I cannot confirm if the JetBoil has such a device, but there is some chatter on the net that all regulated stoves now "offer" this safety mechanism. My only complaint is the one and done. What if I am half way into a two week, no resupply trip, when the stove decides to be "done". Not a good scenario. I have never experience the shutdown, and I have only been able to confirm one incident, and as such I have no pattern as to the cause. I cannot give any advice on how to avoid it.

My boil tests show that 2 cups (~500 ml) water boil in 1 1/2 minutes and used .3 oz (by weight) of fuel.