User Review: MSR DragonFly

I have owned the MSR Whisperlite International stove for 7 years without any problems at all.  I bought the Dragonfly because I wanted finer control for simmer, the Whisperlite really doesn't do that well, it's pretty much either on or off. The only exception to this is if it's a completely still without any wind, then, you maybe able to reduce the flame to slightly above a simmer without it conking out.

Here is my review of the Dragonfly, within the past week I have owned it:

The Dragonfly is larger than the Whisperlite that's for sure, getting it and the fuel pump into my 2L MSR pot kit is pretty challenging.

Noise wise it's not really that bad! The Whisperlite runs on liquid fuel too and still makes a bit of a roar when going full pelt. The Dragonfly is nothing like some have described i.e. a jet warming up or being deafening. You certainly know it's on, but I can still have a conversation with others around me. Until they make a silent liquid stove there will always be people complaining; Children in campgrounds are much worse LOL.

Good Points:

1. The Dragonfly is very good at getting hot!
2. It seems very economical on fuel (I use white gas/shellite exclusively) on par with the Whisperlite I'd say
3. Seems strong in construction
4. Simmer function is very good and easy to control — Major bonus for anything other than boiling water!
5. It is fast to get up to operating temperature i.e. quick from priming to full flame, in my experience it is quicker than the Whisperlite
6. Wind doesn't seem to bother the flame too much (compared to the Whisperlite which really doesn't like any breeze at all) it kept going strong even with breezes going through it
7. I actually like the sound of it! Scares those other pussies around me using canister stoves :P
8. The underneath side of the stove is only warm to touch after 10 mins running at full pelt! this is great if you need to put it down somewhere that doesn't like too much heat
9. It takes many fuel types. As I said earlier, I use Shellite exclusively, but to have other options is a good thing if I'm in an area that only had diesel, unleaded fuel or kerosene.

Bad Points:

1. Sure it's a little louder than the Whisperlite International but it's not that bad considering the whole package
2. I really don't like how the fuel pump for the Dragonfly can not be interchanged with the other MSR fuel pumps... If this fuel pump breaks then I can't just use the Whisperlite International pump :(.
3. There is a number of solder points on the fuel tap tube attached to the burner.  I think this could be a point for metal fatigue, particularly over time.  This wouldn't be good i.e. EXPLOSION!

Summary:

So far in my week of owning this stove I am very happy with this purchase and have even bought one for my friend for xmas :)