Got a little package in the mail today -- the new MicroRocket stove from MSR!

I'm writing a review for Seattle Backpackers Magazine. I've got a ways to go yet on the review, but I thought I'd least let people have a preliminary look at the stove. Look for the full review in about a month's time.



The New MSR MicroRocket -- First Look

Enjoy!

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

looks nice.
RE sacrifice - looks like nothing was realy lost - just better thought out engineering

Mike

Mike,

My impressions exactly. Smaller, lighter, more robust. It's like they went through it and really examined everything that might be a lack and improved it as well as making the stove seriously more compact as well as lighter.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

HJ, remember all of the standard criticism that Roger Caffin has had about the regular Pocket Rocket. I mean, MSR surely wouldn't market a new stove that didn't please Roger.

I wonder what this is going to do for the market price of the regular Pocket Rocket.

--B.G.--

Bob,

Refresh my memory. I seem to recall that Roger didn't like the "hot spotting" that a PR's flame frequently makes. What else?

Doesn't seem like the burner head is significantly different, although I have not fired it up yet; perhaps there's something that I can't see from the outside.

I imagine the regular PR will become more of an econo stove. The MicroRocket will be retailing for more than the current price of the PR. The MicroRocket's MSRP is $59.95 based on the information that I have.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

"What else?"

Roger thought that the three support arms were too flimsy and would bend too easily.

I just found that interesting since mine don't have any such problem. Maybe I am smart enough not to try to balance a gallon of water on the thing. In fact, I think I keep it down to about one quart or less, simply because the burner doesn't have the heat capacity to handle a gallon very easily.

I own one that I've had for maybe 12? years, and then another one that is one year old. That's about two more than I need, since I also have a Monatauk Gnat. Geez, and then there is the Grasshopper stove and the Hank Roberts Mini, and...

OMG. I've become a stovie!

--B.G.--

I think Roger's biggest concern was the design of the burner which pumped out a pretty high level of CO.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/stoves_tents_carbon_monoxide_pt_3.html#Pr

Ah. Thanks, Mike. Unfortunately, I don't have the means to test for CO.

Bob, the pot supports are definitely much improved.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

Where is the weight?

Hi, John,

Sorry, I needed to get some sleep last night, so I didn't want to get out the scale. It's 0800 PST right now. Check back in half an hour.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

And this new stove is an improvement over the SnowPeak GigaPower... how?

James:

Don't know if it is or it isn't -- yet. Stay tuned.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

I am guessing MSR through in the piezo so they can compete in the marketplace with stoves that have a built-in piezo. The one advantage of the pizo over a lighter is so peoples fingers wouldn't be right next to the newly igniting fuel. Obviously its not that hard to light a stove with a lighter and not burn your fingers.

Respectfully, Jim, your listed weights don't add up correctly.

COMPLETE:
PR Total 111 g = 3.91 oz

MR Total 109 g = 3.84 oz = an increase of 2 g = 0.07 oz.

Add in lighter: MR total = 122 g = 4.30 oz, an increase of 10%



STOVES ONLY:
PR = 86 g = 3.03 oz
MR = 73 g = 2.57 oz
A decrease of 13 g (the weight of the igniter) or 15%

Add in the lighter and the weights are identical; no change.




I share your awe at the increased case weight. On the surface, it makes no sense. As you say, many folks leave the case at home.

Case weight increased 44%



However, I like the separate Piezo igniter; the darn things seem to have a high failure rate over time. Now I can leave it at home. I always carry a BIB and matches anyway.

So on the surface, there appears to be little or no weight savings for the added cost. Testing will reveal if there is any practical improvement (i.e. the stronger pot supports). 'Twill be interesting to see the effect of the smaller wind deflector and any change in the CO emmissions.

I look forward to reading your complete review.

Edited by wandering_bob on 12/29/2011 11:22:21 MST.

I want to get one when I can find it on sale at REI. Per the MSR reps we met in Oregon at Diamond Lake Labor Day weekend, supposed to be half an oz. lighter, more efficient. Man, the small MSR canister lasts eight days now, boiling 1.5 cups water in the PM. No mention was made of the case being heavier. I have had no issues with my 7-8 year old PR, built fine for my needs.
Duane

Bob Bankhead wrote: > Respectfully, Jim, your listed weights don't add up correctly.

If you believe everything that the MSR reps claim... would you be interested in buying a bridge?

--B.G.--

Oh, wait. Duh. I see what I did. The addition is correct, but I put the MicroRocket total in the PocketRocket column and vice versa. Corrected.

The previous comment about ounces not necessarily adding up still stands.

HJ
Adventures in Stoving

Edited by hikin_jim on 12/29/2011 13:18:41 MST.

If you believe everything that the MSR reps claim... would you be interested in buying a bridge?

Bob, when I get one, I'll have to find out how much more efficient they are if any. Like everyone one else, I'll have to take their word for now. Just like any other manufacturers speil.
Duane