Optimus Crux Weekend HE stove

[bushwalker zane]

I have always loved the Trangia systems, it's what I've grown up on and will probably never fall out of love with them for that reason. However, I have recently bought an Optimus Crux stove with the Weekend HE (heat exchange) pots. I bought this kit because I just wanted something simple and light for the next few years until I go off on my big overseas adventures.

So, this little set is fantastic so far! It was $145 from Paddy Pallin (with a discount). It weighs with the pots, matches and gas canister about 300g and packs down super small. The website says it boils a litre of water in under 3 minutes, but I've timed it even faster.

So I think this is a great stove, the only thing I can flaw it on is with *&%$#! gas can burners it can be a bit unstable. You can however buy a stand that attaches to the bottom of the can for about $5.

Zane

[Dale]

A couple that I hike with have this stove and a pot that integrates so I assume it might be the same combination you have. It's performed flawlessly for them. If you think the burner is narrow you should see the MSR Pocket Rocket - I'm always afraid a stiff breeze will blow over my pot...

[bushwalker zane]

Yeah, the pocket rocket seems pretty nifty too, but I just love how small the crux gets. I haven't found it to be unstable yet, so I'm a happy camper, but thanks for the advice

[ninjapuppet]

The pocket rocket is nice and simple but I find that my pots only come in contact with the points of the 3 stands, and not sit on the actual stands itself. if only the stands can fold out just another 10 degrees.

I like how the crux can fold and store in the hollow under a canister. However the little hex nut in the centre of the stove that holds the 3 stands together often gets loose too easily and comes off sometimes. I'm not sure if its just mine or a common problem but my friends also had this problem with his crux. Does yours have this same problem?

[bushwalker zane]

Hmm... Well, I haven't had it for all that long (maybe 2 months now) but I haven't had this problem. Lock tight might be the answer?

[robbieb]

I just got this stove and pot set, does anyone find the valve a bit touchy? It isn't as solid as I would have expected it to be, and can be a little fiddly to adjust for fine control. If nobody else has experienced the same then I assume it is just mine and should maybe get it replaced.
How has yours been performing, zane?

[JohnM]

I got the pot set and stove, great setup. But I like the pots more than the stove, so I tend to use the Primus Express stove with it. Still fits nicely.

I think there's a price to pay for the foldaway style of the Crux stove, and that price is probably that it's a bit fiddly and maybe more prone to issues.

Personally, I tend to play it safe with anything that can either blow up or shoot out flames, so I'm happy to sacrifice a few grams for something I feel is a little more bombproof.

[Mark F]

I am using the Monatauk Ti Gnat which is sold under various guises including the Kathmandu stove - 48 grams and quite robust. It gets a very good rating in testing from www.backpackinglight.com including low CO emissions. Packs well and great simmer control. It also has the additional benefit that when walking in Europe the burner head is a perfect screw on replacement for the MSR Superfly head which allows use of both screw on and press fit gas canisters. I have used it for around 100 nights and have had no problems with it.

Mark

[hikin_jim]

I am using the Monatauk Ti Gnat which is sold under various guises including the Kathmandu stove - 48 grams and quite robust. It gets a very good rating in testing from http://www.backpackinglight.com including low CO emissions. Packs well and great simmer control. It also has the additional benefit that when walking in Europe the burner head is a perfect screw on replacement for the MSR Superfly head which allows use of both screw on and press fit gas canisters. I have used it for around 100 nights and have had no problems with it.

Mark

Mark,

Really?! You can unscrew the head of a Superfly and screw on the head of a Gnat? That's brilliant! And this is easy to do? Can you do it in the field without tools? Or you need to do this in the shed at home before you head out for the bush?

HJ

[Mark F]

Jim

It is just a screw off - screw on - works like a charm. No tools required once you have done it the first time and loosened the connections. It cuts the weight to 85 grams from 132 grams for the Superfly and makes it decently packable. I don't know what was going on in the head of the person (or committee) that designed the burner head for the Superfly - it is just about impossible to pack with the original pot supports.

You cannot do this with a Pocket Rocket as the burner tube is a different diameter.

[hikin_jim]

Mark,

That one tip made it worthwhile to join this entire forum (well, lots of other great things about the forum too). I wonder if any other stoves can swap heads with a Superfly like that?

I know just what you mean about the Superfly. It seems specifically designed to punch holes in the sides of one's rucksack. It's very stable with a big pot in use and is a wonderful cooking stove, but those pointy supports are just plain bad. I know guys who have filed them down. I just wrap mine in a thick towel.

HJ

[bushwalker zane]

I just got this stove and pot set, does anyone find the valve a bit touchy? It isn't as solid as I would have expected it to be, and can be a little fiddly to adjust for fine control. If nobody else has experienced the same then I assume it is just mine and should maybe get it replaced.
How has yours been performing, zane?

Mine is pretty good, although it can be a bit touchy, for when you want to get something on a low burn. I haven't found this to be a problem though, so it may just be personal preference.

Mark - That little Monatauk sounds great!

[robbieb]

Yes, can be interesting trying to adjust for simmer. When you touch the tap it moves and flares more or less without even turning it

Kathmandu selling the Ti for $59.99 at the moment. Looks alright

[corvus]

Kathmandu selling the Ti for $59.99 at the moment. Looks alright

You can get one for $48.00 US here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fire-Maple-FMS- ... 415f8d138d
with free delivery

Fire Maple make them for everyone else.
corvus