Jetboil Flash: Your experience...

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

Does anyone here have any experience with the Jetboil Flash? I saw one used once while I was freezing and eating cold MRE's in MWTC Bridgeport, so I ordered one last night.

Has anyone had problems with the ignitors?

Can it be lit with a match/lighter/firesteel?

How many boils can you get out of 1 small canister?

What temperature does output begin to suffer at?

Can you cook anything other than water/soup based meals?

How long has yours lasted without problems?

Thanks M4C.

[CLHC]

I don't have the "JetBoil Flash" but do have their PCS Classic and bought the other accessories which in a way makes it a "Flash" sort of.


Does anyone here have any experience with the Jetboil Flash? I saw one used once while I was freezing and eating cold MRE's in MWTC Bridgeport, so I ordered one last night.

Has anyone had problems with the ignitors?
When I first bought my JetBoil the push-button igniter did not work. Good thing I bought a couple of spares and then contacted JetBoil about the NIB product not working. They did send me a replacement.


Can it be lit with a match/lighter/firesteel?
Don't know. . .

How many boils can you get out of 1 small canister?
That's one that I have not payed attention to. The JetBoil site said that 100gram canister boils up to 12 liters of water. It depends on one's usage(?)

What temperature does output begin to suffer at?
Have not used mine in an extremely frigid environment with howling winds, but mine was able to function fine down to 21F, though not as cold as some places.

Can you cook anything other than water/soup based meals?
I've only used mine for "water/soup" based meals and coffee since I also bought the Java Coffee Press Kit. But here's the< recipe (http://www.jetboil.com/category/2/19) >posted on JetBoil's site. Maybe not specifically stated for the Flash.


How long has yours lasted without problems?
Though I'm not a "hard core" outdoor adventurer, and the longest I've used mine on a daily basis was ten (10) months. I only use it occasionally nowadays. It's been three (3) years. Again, the only problem/replacement was the push-button igniter when I first bought it.


Thanks M4C.

Hope that helps some. Enjoy!

[Gecko_764]

I haven't had mine long enough to go through the first gas canister, but it seems to work pretty well. We use ours on family tent camping trips. Like CLHC, I pretty much use it for water based (Mountain House) meals or coffee - It cam with the coffee press, but I also bought some instant.

That being said, I didn't have any problems with it, mine has always ignited on the first go.

We recently bought a camping stove. Now the JB will probably be relegated to mostly coffee or other hot beverage duty.

[Nathan_Bell]

No problem with the ignition.

Never tried alternate lighting.

Never kept track of actual ## of containers it would eat up.


I tried it out lastnight. It is still putting out a good amount of heat, but had to have the knob cranked up higher than usual.

I have cooked stew and other thicker foods it will do it, but you have to be careful and stir continuously or it will burn to the bottom. Does MUCH better with light soups or drinks.

[Travis B]

Does anyone here have any experience with the Jetboil Flash? I saw one used once while I was freezing and eating cold MRE's in MWTC Bridgeport, so I ordered one last night.

Has anyone had problems with the ignitors?

Can it be lit with a match/lighter/firesteel?

How many boils can you get out of 1 small canister?

What temperature does output begin to suffer at?

Can you cook anything other than water/soup based meals?

How long has yours lasted without problems?

Thanks M4C.

While I don't have experience with the Flash, I use my Helios a lot (the big bro) and I love it. Freezing cold on the AT in December and it fires right up. Out of curiousity I have ignited it with a match and a flint before.

I use the large canisters. I picked up the Helios kit used and the can filled almost empty but I used it anyways. Well I used it probably 20 or more times before it finally gave out. I tried the Coleman mixed fuel cans but the stove didn't really like it. Stick with Jetboil replacements.

I've cooked in the teens and never noticed an output change.

My personal favorite is apple cobbler. Just clean out the pot really well afterwards and it'll be fine. You can even fry bacon in it.

Mine was used for 2 or 3 years when I got it and I've been using it for 2 or 3 with no issues at all (other than using Coleman mixed fuel).

If the Flash is half as good as the Helios then you will only be pleased with your purchase. Jetboil makes some amazing products.

[CLHC]

Here's what it looks like after three (3) years.

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/JetBoilPCS.jpg

Rolling and boiling after 3:22:89 using one (1) cup of 36F water from refrigerator.

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/JetBoilPCS_Boiling.jpg

Overall, still very satisfied with JetBoil!

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

Wow, looks like we have quite a bit more outdoorsman here than I though haha. Thanks for the reviews guys. Im still worried about the gas gelling in colder temps as I camp in the rockies in Nov to Feb, but I think if I keep the canisters close to me they should stay relatively warm.

[Travis B]

Wow, looks like we have quite a bit more outdoorsman here than I though haha. Thanks for the reviews guys. Im still worried about the gas gelling in colder temps as I camp in the rockies in Nov to Feb, but I think if I keep the canisters close to me they should stay relatively warm.

I've looked all over the 'net for the gelling temp of the Jetboil fuel but I can't find it. You may want to call Jetboil at (888) 611-9905 and see if they have any figures. I stay east of the Mississippi and don't have to worry about all that cold weather stuff :lol:

[CLHC]

Here's from their FAQ site:


Why is Jetpower better than some other fuels?
Jetpower fuel contains a blend of propane and iso-butane. Propane provides higher vapor pressure to the fuel which means better performance in cold weather. Iso-butane provides more constant pressure as the fuel level gets low. The Jetpower fuel canister is also designed to stow conveniently within the cooking cup.

Does Jetboil work in cold weather?
All canister stoves suffer a performance drop in cold weather. The colder the fuel, the lower the vapor pressure, and the lower the burner output. The result can be noticeably longer boil times and difficulty lighting the burner with the built-in piezoelectric ignitor. Jetpower’s lower firing rate reduces canister cooling and increases performance. Jetpower fuel, with propane, helps mitigate cold weather problems. We suggest that you keep the canister in a warm pocket between uses and remove it immediately prior to heating your food. Carry an extra canister and keep it warm to swap out with a cold one when necessary, and always carry matches or a lighter as backup.

[Armati]

The guys I know love them. I use an MSR multi-fuel.

They seem to work as advertised, every time.

My only caveat is to check for fuel availability in your area you will be operating in. Check Walmart to see if they carry it. Place like Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, and REI are common enough but they are still specialty stores.

[Travis B]

The guys I know love them. I use an MSR multi-fuel.

They seem to work as advertised, every time.

My only caveat is to check for fuel availability in your area you will be operating in. Check Walmart to see if they carry it. Place like Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, and REI are common enough but they are still specialty stores.

Or if you're a prepper you can buy the 24-pack from Jetboil

[Iraq Ninja]

Mine has worked great for a few years now. For military applications, it is just about as good as it gets. Very popular with the Brit marines and paras.

Only problem is when it runs out of fuel. For camping and bushcraft activities, I prefer the lightweight wood burning stoves and use twigs, leaves, etc. A great choice for long term situations.

http://www.vargooutdoors.com/images/hex%20medium.jpg

The titanium four dog stoves are popular too. A bit bulky but lightweight.

http://www.fourdog.com/index_files/bushcooker.htm

http://www.fourdog.com/index_files/image40981.jpg

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

Thanks for the reviews guys! I got it today and boiled a cup of tea for myself in a minute or two. I can see how at 11000 feet and 15* the performance would certainly suffer, but I ll be at Joshua Tree this weekend so I wont be experiencing either of those things.

[Travis B]

Thanks for the reviews guys! I got it today and boiled a cup of tea for myself in a minute or two. I can see how at 11000 feet and 15* the performance would certainly suffer, but I ll be at Joshua Tree this weekend so I wont be experiencing either of those things.

Told ya you would be pleased. What's the pack size of the Flash?

[buzby]

I too first saw one in Bridgeport. And after watching a guy eat hot ramen while I was eating a cold mre, decided I needed one. Just got it and haven't taken it to the field yet. Supposedly it will fit in a nalgene pouch

[BradCMSP]

Has anyone had problems with the ignitors?

Sometimes mine won't light from the push-button ignition. Not sure if it's just a slowly failing ignitor or what, but it doesn't happen often enough for me to worry about it.



Can it be lit with a match/lighter/firesteel?

Yes, which is why I've never really worried about my barely intermittent ignition.



How many boils can you get out of 1 small canister?

Never counted, but I have gotten a few weekends worth of 4-5 cups of coffee/day between my girlfriend and I when car camping. I took a full canister on a weekend trip on the Black Forest Trail and didn't run out. I made four cups of coffee, two breakfasts, two dinners.



What temperature does output begin to suffer at?

Never had an issue. Takes a bit longer to boil when cold, but I never had mine not work.



Can you cook anything other than water/soup based meals?

Cooked mac & cheese with chicken, make ziploc bag omelets, that's about all the non-soup things I've done, and they still are water based (boiled the bagged omelets).

The limiting factor here is the only cooking surface you have is the diameter of the bottom of the cup. Grab a pan for it too, and your abilities jump dramatically.



How long has yours lasted without problems?


Mine, with the above mentioned experiences is going on its 3rd year.

[Outlander Systems]

Has anyone had problems with the ignitors?

I'd buy a spare, mostly because they're cheap. The ignitor has a "sweet spot", in regards to distance, to get the right amount of spark for consistent ignition. If ignition becomes inconsistent, shoot for around .25" of distance to the contact surface. Usually this will fix it.


Can it be lit with a match/lighter/firesteel?

Yes.


How many boils can you get out of 1 small canister?

I would say, for my uses, I've never had one shit the bed on me, but I usually don't go out for more than 2-3 days. I'm conservative with the burning, and do a "tactical reload" for my next outing. I always ditch the ones I use, and start out fresh on subsequent trips. I make tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. in addition to Mtn. House chow, boiling drinking water, and making "camp meals".


What temperature does output begin to suffer at?

I'm in the South, so this hasn't been an issue for me.


Can you cook anything other than water/soup based meals?

You can cook a skillet over it, but it's somewhat of a bitch. I've used it to make spaghetti on a great many number of occasions. Add water, add pasta, bring to boil, strain pasta with JetBoil lid, and add one of these:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KgalykfKA6Q/SMAiVPukuZI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/AtpPmRCJ8uc/s320/premiumsauce.jpg

Chili Mac: Small can of chili, and one of these:
http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/easymac.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2040/chilimac.jpg

I've made Thai Curry with it a lot. Canned/bagged chicken, Uncle Bens instant rice bags, Ziploc bag full of peppers, onions, veggies, and one of the REI mini-Nalgene bottles of coconut milk:

Go here for recipes:
http://www.jetboil.com/recipes

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5540/thaicurryf.jpg


How long has yours lasted without problems?

I've had mine for two years, and probably have used it 100+ times. Both for camping/hiking, and at work.


Update I: Cookin'

Crosslink to OT: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=27493

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5113/jetboilkit.jpg

I opted to go with the Jetboil PCS, for my stove. Right off the bat, I appreciate the fact that the entire system is self-contained, and can be packed inside the cooking pot. After reading countless reviews, and manufacturer "shootouts", the Jetboil won for fuel efficiency. The fact that the built-in igniter was present, meant that I could extend the fire starting materials I've got in my ruck for a longer period of time. As well, if the piezo fails, there are cheap upgrade kits available that are small enough to pack in with the stove (think carrying a spare bolt/firing pin for your blaster).

As well, I scored a SeaToSummit set of utensils. Of most importance to the Jetboil is the long spoon, since it allows to reach the depths of the pot, where a standard spoon would let you down.

Upon removing the lid, you can see the heating element/stove portion packed-in:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8237/jetboilkit2.jpg

After removing the heating element, underneath is the small fuel canister:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2943/jetboilkit3.jpg

Completely Unpacked Kit:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4737/jetboilkit4.jpg

Packed-Up, Ready for Storage:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7465/jetboilkit5.jpg

Inserted into Side Pouch of Ruck:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3803/jetboilkit6.jpg

Snug as a Stove in a Ruck:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4635/jetboilkit7.jpg

I'm pretty satisfied with my choice. The lightweight nature of the system allows for offsets for heavier items. The stove clocks in at less than 1lb.

One caveat: The "B" type control valve models have been recalled, due to a possibility of leaking. Jetboil will repair or replace any units that have this valve. The manufactured dates were in 2008. Fortunately, I have an A-type unit, so I'm unaffected by the recall, but it's a good heads-up, and something to look for, if you decide to go the JB route. Verify, before purchase, that the stove you're getting has either the "A" or "C" valve.

http://www.jetboil.com/sites/all/themes/whitejazz/images/recall_images.jpg

Some reviews of the Jetboil:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/mfr_reviews/Jetboil

The best comparison I've found online between the systems I've been eyeballing:
http://www.trailspace.com/news/2007/01/17/integrated-canister-stove-showdown.html

Video Review of the Jetboil PCS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92sh9PPbdE

Last, but certainly not least, JETBOIL RECIPES:
http://www.jetboil.com/recipes

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

Took the Jetboil out to the mountains this weekend. Took a few pics to show it off. The elevation was between 1500 and 2000 feet, temp was 55* and it was slightly windy. Still, it boiled 2 cups of water (which is perfect for Mtn House meals) very quickly.

Fits perfectly in my side pocket on my Camelback day pack.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01248.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01284.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01285.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01286.jpg

Turns orange to let you know youve reached a boil:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01288.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01290.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01291.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01295.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01296.jpg


Some more pics from the day:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01294.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01267.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/glockfire/DSC01301.jpg

[CLHC]

Nice outdoor shots there LS_HD!