Jetboil Ti Sol

[Ent]

Hi

Had a chance on the weekend to use the Jetboil Ti. It does simmer extremely well and needs to if you are going to reheat a thick soup like pumpkin soup. With care it worked a treat with no burning on the bottom. News not so good on the baked bean front. Despite real care I managed to burn a small section the size of the flame. Did not affect the quality of the meal and was scrapped off with a spoon with a bit of effort. Mega quick for boiling water and efficient on gas. The handle is confirmed as a joke. This weekend taking it with a Snowpeak pot lid to use as a frypan and a scorch-buster. Not sure how it will work.

So far it is a nice simple system but still prefer my Primus Gravity for serious cooking.

Cheers

[Ent]

Another weekend to use the Jetboil. Weather was rather adverse for elaborate cooking this weekend but it was a good chance to try the poach egg trick. This worked a treat with the good simmer control allowing a rolling boil. In fact the narrow but deep pot worked to an advantage. I did not get a chance to try out the titanium Snowpeak lid with the scorch buster so that will need to wait for another outing.

Cheers

[ninjapuppet]

I just got back from the snows yesterday and can confirm that the jetboil sol Ti will perform poorly at -5C. No scientifica data on hand, but I know it did take a very long time for the water to boil (over 8 minutes to boil 700ml) compared to the usual 3-4 minutes at room temperature. This was using a brand new jetboil cannister

Another thing, i picked up the pot without removing it from its burner & canister, thinking it was locked in but that locking mechanism failed me. Spilt boiling water onto my hands. So you just got to be careful to remove the pot from the burner after the water is boiled.

despite its setbacks, i'm very happy with it as you also have the adapter to use ordinary pots with it, unlike the MSR reactor.

[Nuts]

Melting fins, crappy handles and inadequate locking system. Dodgy pot cover, poor cold weather performance, weight and price..
But these are great?

Like gloves for feet I'm convinced marketers rely on the deep pockets of middle age blokes and those reading too much lol

[Ent]

Hi

The question is “are the design issues lack of commonsense on the designer or user's behalf”? Cold weather performance will always be the Achilles heel of a gas stove without a pre-heater and the reason why petrol stoves have a loyal following as they work anywhere a human does. Still in the hands of the inexperience, they can be fire-starters.

I believe that many school groups limit their students to Trangia simply because there is a limit to the damage that the students can do to the equipment. Though, many fall foul of the “silent” flame when refilling.

For me the charm of the ETA and Jetboil is the fast cup of coffee. I have had wait ten minutes or more while a Kovea sit on top has struggled to bring a cup of water to the boil in minus four while a Jetboil Helios has worked a treat at minus five or lower. My favourite is still the Primus Gravity and I respect the Kovea Moonwalker.

Time will tell if the Jetboil is worth the price. But then again, it on special from the USA is no dearer than a sit-on-top stove with a titanium mug brought locally.

Cheers

[Nuts]

I need to replace a windpro stove, the moonwalker seems similar but more tech so I don't expect a great deal putting two cannisters a day through them (and that is coming from a 'distributor'..)? Did try a reactor but it didn't last. However they word it, user error should be assumed perhaps? Afterall they (MSR) (or Jetboil) have only discussed these weaknesses After taking their customers $'s.

[Ent]

While drifting further off topic into stoves general, longevity with continuous heavy use is probably a point that most people do not consider until the use-by date is up. The Moonwalker appears to be very solid and the Gravity despite its press steel construction appears to be able to last the distance. At least with the Gravity you can disassemble it to clean blocked jets, etc. I am dubious on the longevity of my Jetboils, both the Helios and Ti, without proper care of a studious owner. In careful hands I can see no real issue but they are not exactly bomb proof.

There is a fine line between leading edge and bleeding edge. The Ti is sailing along this line.

Cheers

[photohiker]

Heh. If you think stoves are bad, you should check what the rabble think of cameras over at dpreview. I don't think there is a single camera over there that hasn't copped it for some 'major flaw' or another (or many flaws). These days, they criticise companies for being slow to market new tech, but when they do get it out there, they are then walloped for expecting the public to 'beta test' 'unproven' technology.

In short, they can't win. They cannot get a perfect product to market, and they definitely cannot get a perfect product to market quickly. Even if the product is not too bad, the next level of criticism locks in: 'It's too expensive' etc. ad infinitum.

IMHO, we've never had it so good in terms of tech. Most of it has flaws of one sort or another, but they're not nearly as bad as some make out.

Jetboil Sol is a good example. We've had the 'melting fins' claim, the 'unable to melt snow without self destructing' claim, the 'unable to simmer' claim, the 'too heavy over X days' claim, the 'cosy is weak' claim, the 'inadequate locking of pot to burner' claim, the 'doesn't work as well under X degrees' claim, the 'too expensive' claim, the 'Alu is better conductor' claim, the 'I don't like the colour' claim, etc. etc.

But when you go and buy one and use it with intelligence in a normal, sane, outdoor environment like it was clearly designed for, none of those 'faults' make any difference. It works, and it works well. The challenge for us all, being bombarded by all this information is to sort the wheat from the chaff for any product.

So Nuts, you've got lots of stoves haven't you? Why on earth are you looking at a new one? They're all loaded with faults these days, didn't ya know?

(Just Joking)

[Ent]

Um? Photohiker I tend to disagree with your assumption that products will always get knocked for not been perfect simply on the grounds that they are not. Ignoring cameras (which I agree with careful selection are fantastic and just getting better) and concentrating on the Jetboil Ti Sol.

It is worthwhile stating that the handle is a joke. I grab mine by the side as does appear many people. The heat protective cover has been made too light to have a handle attached to it while on the older model it was ok. I am sure that Jetboil will correct this, but as raised by another poster, only after I have paid my money over Yet to get a "we sold you a dud and here is another one free" from any manufacturer on any item without first pushing the issue with them. As an ex Bluebird and Camira owner it does get tiring when Nissan and GM much later publicly state that they mucked up big time on quality of these models but trust "us" we have now fixed that issue for the new "....". Yeap, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

As for cold weather performance, well it is a sit on top stove so you can not invert the canister so it is obvious that it is not going to rival its bigger brother the Helios in extreme cold performance. As far as I am concerned if it can boil water in a reasonable time at minus five then I will be happy as that is the coldest that I expect for a non planned cold trip. For a trip into snow I would take another one of my rather large collection of stoves. If insanity took over and I decided on a solo attempt on Everest then my Optimus Nova+ would be dusted off.

The locking mechanism is tricky and more a user education issue than a design fault. I am lucky that a user familiar with the older model gave me a few tips that had I read the manual I might not of needed.

The fins burning off is an issue as you can turn an expensive piece of kit into junk. But then so you can by burning non stick surfaces by extreme heat or warping cooking gear for the same reason. Point worthwhile mentioning simply because many people would assume that titanium is pretty much heat immune due to its extensive use in jet engines. Once mentioned easy enough to avoid.

Longevity is an issue. Many people have stoves that they have used for twenty to thirty years so any new stove needs to consider that this is what some sections of the market is expecting. Jetboil being the new kids on the block have lighten up their stoves so I am not expecting a thirty year service career.

I like that this site has people challenging and defending products providing such debates do not drop into personal attacks. For me the Jetboil Ti Sol is a worthwhile piece of kit if treated with care.

As for price. Providing that you get the quality that you pay for I have no issue. My only issue for price is when we get ripped-off by greedy distributors as these means that we are paying more than the intended quality level so form a false impression on the longevity that a product should have.

Cheers

[photohiker]

That's fine Ent. I refer you to my comment at the end of my post

But when you go and buy one and use it with intelligence in a normal, sane, outdoor environment like it was clearly designed for, none of those 'faults' make any difference.

For instance the flimsy pot cosy. Before I even lifted it empty by the handles it was pretty clear that the handles were a bit of a joke. They might as well have painted them on. However, the cosy is fine for grasping and lifting the pot, it does the job, supplies some insulation and it's light. I'm fine with it and don't want nor expect a replacement.

I don't mind people criticising product as long as its clear the impact of the fault is, but it does get out of hand and I shudder to think what a noob does when they try and make a decision on some of this stuff.

The SolTi is an attempt to make the lightest Jetboil there is. It may or may not be the best stove out there but is sure as heck is the lightest Jetboil that ever was. It works, it's quick, its economical and it's light. I rate that as a success. If they make a lighter one that works I might buy that if the few minor faults on this one ever gang up on it and manage to kill it dead.

[Nuts]

So Nuts, you've got lots of stoves haven't you? Why on earth are you looking at a new one? They're all loaded with faults these days, didn't ya know?

(Just Joking)

ha.. cause even the most faultLess ive found break'd They last a year, sometimes two. They break down in the valve or in the line somewhere, perhaps i'll send the pile back someday. I know people more than happy with the Reactor/ Jetboil system as well but these stoves are marketed to the masses. There is little to compete with the Jetboil so I don't think 'being rushed' to release it is an excuse.

[icemancometh]

I just got back from the snows yesterday and can confirm that the jetboil sol Ti will perform poorly at -5C. No scientifica data on hand, but I know it did take a very long time for the water to boil (over 8 minutes to boil 700ml) compared to the usual 3-4 minutes at room temperature. This was using a brand new jetboil cannister

Another thing, i picked up the pot without removing it from its burner & canister, thinking it was locked in but that locking mechanism failed me. Spilt boiling water onto my hands. So you just got to be careful to remove the pot from the burner after the water is boiled.

despite its setbacks, i'm very happy with it as you also have the adapter to use ordinary pots with it, unlike the MSR reactor.

You can always just get a Reactor pot, which I'm tempted by.

When you're somewhere cold I'd rather be in my warm sleeping bag than still be melting snow. The colder and higher you go, the more important rest is and it's hard enough to sleep already as is.

There's a reason I sold my Jetboil for a Reactor.

[Ent]

Hi Photohiker

With items I apply logic if something is sold as a handle then it should work as a handle. Having the luxury of looking at I could figure it out that it is clearly not a handle in the practical sense of the word. What to you call a person that picks up your recently boiled Ti Sol by the "handle" and winds up with bad burns. Noob or newbie? I wonder why Jetboil simply did not make the cosy thicker for the same weight and remove the handle. It would have taken no more than a few seconds thought. Honestly I will be fascinate what the new model brings when an update is made.

Cheers

[photohiker]

What to you call a person that picks up your recently boiled Ti Sol by the "handle" and winds up with bad burns. Noob or newbie?

A thief. It's my stove, and it aint called a Sol for nuffin.

Cheers

[hikin_jim]

That seems odd to me that Ti would burn. I would think Al would melt and Ti would be OK. Interesting.

A word to the wise I suppose. Keep water in the pot.

HJ

[photohiker]

That seems odd to me that Ti would burn. I would think Al would melt and Ti would be OK. Interesting.

A word to the wise I suppose. Keep water in the pot.

HJ

Indeed.

I read somewhere that the heat exchanger is aluminium on both. That might explain it.

Aha. Ent, there's the new model upgrade: Ti Heat exchanger.

[Ent]

Strange but possible that some marketing person decided to call it one thing and make it out of another Maybe it should be called the "Almost Ti Sol" My understanding that "burning" is "accelerated oxidation" and metals are subjected to it if the heat is high enough and being thin helps. Steel will burn nicely but not nearly as easily that aluminum will, just ask the British Navy. Still at the temperatures involved I am surprised titanium will "burn" but it is very thin on the fins.

Anyway, another outing for it. The challenge this time was to use a Snowpeak TI pot lid as a frypan. Now to stop this ending in a disaster straight out I used a Scorch Buster to spread the heat. Even on low from the Ti burner generated a sizable hot-spot on the Scorch Buster. So on went the "frypan" and butter and muffin. Result? Well it sort of worked. Even at very low heat it started to burn in a circle matching the flame. Care and patience got me there but not ideal so thinking along other lines now.

The problem with the Jetboil and a few stoves is they are flame "throwers" not flame "spreaders" Sure, chuck water in to boil and they work ok but try to be creative and get ready for cremating rather than cooking.

I do appreciate the speed and efficiency of boiling water so worthwhile as a pot but the challenge is to get it to work as a cooker. Back to the dreaded, "they do not make bushwalking frypans properly" debate. And no Photohiker two minute noodles and Backcountry is not food, it is as best fuel.

I am looking at weight and space saving so not prepared to bite the bullet and chuck in a decent frypan. Though might scruff a "one egg" one just to see if it is possible. Me thinks that a potential solution is to dump my Sea to Summit plastic plate and go for a Trangia frypan to use as a plate and frypan. Trouble is I do like the thumb holding feature of the Sea to Summit plate.

Oh, the joys of attempting lighter weight cooking gear. So much easier to use the Gravity and GSI frypan

Cheers

[etrangere]

For those that have a Jetboil Ti a quick tip:

Jetboil + extra cannister fit perfectly in a XXS StS Ultra-sil stuff sack

[ninjapuppet]

Another tip is that the sea to summit collapsible cup "may" be used to replace the lid.

May - because it fits perfectly on my jetboil sol ti without falling off, but abit too loose on my mates sol.

[ninjapuppet]

Like many people here, I chose to buy sol Ti Jetboil mainly due to its smaller size and weight compared to the MSR reactor's 1.7L.
When looking at cold weather performance however, the reactor system tramples all over jetboil when the temps really dip.

Just got a message from MSR that from January next year, the game changes with the release of a 1 Litre Reactor system.
Jetboil is going to have a serious run for its money.

If this new system can offer the same performance of the current reactor, it's a no brainer that its going to be a winner.
MSR are also releasing a new 4oz cannister and a coffee press in january. clear case of copying jetboil methinks.

[Tony]

Like many people here, I chose to buy sol Ti Jetboil mainly due to its smaller size and weight compared to the MSR reactor's 1.7L.
When looking at cold weather performance however, the reactor system tramples all over jetboil when the temps really dip.

Just got a message from MSR that from January next year, the game changes with the release of a 1 Litre Reactor system.
Jetboil is going to have a serious run for its money.

If this new system can offer the same performance of the current reactor, it's a no brainer that its going to be a winner.
MSR are also releasing a new 4oz cannister and a coffee press in january. clear case of copying jetboil methinks.

Thanks for the update ninjapuppet,

I have a Sol Al, I have used it once in the field and it worked quite well, I am in the process of converting it into a remote canister setup but it is not as easy as the PCS system to convert, I will post some pics when I work it out.

Tony

[ninjapuppet]

think ive mentioned this also, but when using an upright cannister like the sol Ti or reactor, i pour water into my snow peak titanium bowl and place the operating cannister in that to prevent it from freezing. seems to work well so far.

bowl.jpg (16.54 KiB) Viewed 6196 times

Obviously an inverted system would be better, but this can do the job when you need to prevent an upright cannister from freezing up

[Kinsayder]

As a part of that near perpetual task of updating kit I've been considering the Ti Sol but, after reading this thread, I think I might be better served by coping the extra grams and going with the MSR Reactor.

[Ent]

As a part of that near perpetual task of updating kit I've been considering the Ti Sol but, after reading this thread, I think I might be better served by coping the extra grams and going with the MSR Reactor.

The Ti is great for what it is intended for, boiling water quickly and efficiently. Sure with care and mucking around you can get it to do other things but then better to use a stove better suited to those roles. I use the Primus Gravity for elaborate cooking and the Jetboil for the fast and light trips.

Cheers

[ninjapuppet]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1354379544.070550.jpg (49.88 KiB) Viewed 5994 times

This was sent into jetboil 2 weeks ago by bloke named David Lama. Jetboil just informed him today that they weren't going to fix it or replace it.

You lost my vote from today jetboil, and I hope you loose another 100x customers too.
Product failure is a situation which no manufacturer can avoid, but rectifying the situation is that what counts.

[photohiker]

Agree they should replace it, but interested to hear how it managed to get like that.

[Rob A]

Why?
You never know what these guys are doing with their gear.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_em ... J-NAfrlI0#!
www.spiritburner.com/fusion/showtopic.p ... rch%2F1%2F
Used or abused?
You want cutting edge minimum weight stuff with plastic all over it you probably have to look after it a bit.

[photohiker]

Why?

Because it's good for business

For every Sol that melts, there are thousands that don't. Even if all the ones that melt have been abused, the negative campaign generated by a failed and un-replaced product will impact future sales. ninjapuppet's response is a classic example.

Jetboil would be better replacing the unit out of good faith and publishing a hall of fame for failed jetboils with a fair report explaining the failure. That would be an education channel for sensible owners.

We've already seen a few failed Sol's in this thread, and so far I don't think any that failed have failed while being used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, but I could be wrong about that. I do have one, and it has seen a bit of use and so far no failure...

[Rob A]

Why?
Some people are fickle as the wind and are going to buy the latest and greatest, just because its there, or, one number they select for assessment justifies all.
Because its the internet it is all too easy for people substitute unchallenged, words like product failure when it suits them, even if it is user abuse or incompetence.
Theres a saying about brains and statues.

[ninjapuppet]

Why?

Jetboil would be better replacing the unit out of good faith and publishing a hall of fame for failed jetboils with a fair report explaining the failure. That would be an education channel for sensible owners.

Spot on.

Every gear manufacturer would be doing themselves a good deed by supplying a replacement or at least fixing a piece of gear damaged. Even if the gear user was an abuser and has to pay for it, that would be a better solution than nothing.
Here, jetboil did not offer any alternative but to buy another, at full RRP.