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Posted by Tom D on May 31, 2006 at 11:59:02 pm EDT
In reply to Advice on Stoves posted by rideforever on May 30, 2006 at 8:49:47 am EDT

I have a Nova and in my limited experience with it, I would recommend against it. It worked fine the first time I used it, but several months later, when I went to test it for another trip, it was clogged up and needed to be completely dismantled to work. The feed tube on the pump came loose after one trip as well. I still haven't figured out how to reattach it. It is overly complicated and you better have spares with you. I ran brand new fuel in it, so I know that wasn't the problem and no Bill, I didn't step on it-hehehe.

I wrote to Brunton and never heard back from them. It will simmer, but so what if it won't start at all?

On the other hand, I have an old (80's)vintage XGK. Once I figured out how to start it without causing a major flashover, it worked flawlessly. After being in storage for many years, I got it out to see if it still worked. It needed some new parts, which I got with one phone call to MSR-for FREE. Big difference in customer support.

Granted the XGK is loud and won't simmer, but I've read that it can sort of simmer by using some kind of heat shield over the burner.

I've seen the new XGK, but never used one. I assume they aren't much different, except in looks. Mine still has the old plastic pump. I burned white gas and meths (alcohol) in mine, but it will burn almost anything, including kerosene, which should be common in China. When I was in NZ in the mid-80's, kerosene Primus stoves were common in the huts. I bet you'd find them in China as well.

I'd trade features for reliability on a trip like you are planning. MSR also makes an "international" version of the Whisperlite. I'd check it out as well.

Replies

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• Re: Advice on Stoves - rideforever 06:48:43 06/01/2006
  • Re: Advice on Stoves - rideforever 06:51:52 06/01/2006
    • I think I see a stove flying - LesM (Guest) 10:15:37 06/01/2006
      • Re: I think I see a stove flying - Bill S 13:14:42 06/01/2006

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