The polaris is also a little more compact which can make or break what I take with me. but for winter camping here in the rockies, liquid fuel is the way to go and I love my dragonfly for that or is your using a bigger pot because you're feeding a troop, those legs for a fabulous job of support.
These are both good stoves, and I've used both of them for decades. One thing worth mentioning is that IMHO, the pump mechanism of the Optimus is much better designed and better built than the MSR. The Primus pump is similar to the Optimus and is even better. Great video!
@@michaelsrowland The Primus pumps for liquid fuel are all the same, I believe, but I have the Omnilite, which is the titanium version of the Omni fuel. Hope that helps.
I carry two MSR pumps for the weight of the Optimus I also only after many years use of Optimus, MSR dragonfly and XGK and xgk ex and whisperlite choose the whisperlite international I have two, new and old sold the others.
My biggest complaint with msr is they make their pumps out of plastic and I had an extremely bad experience with my new whisperlite. Universal being brand new was defective and leaked fuel terribly . when I sent in my stove with the pump they said it would take 4 to 6 weeks and you could hardly get anyone on the phone .when I emailed them I got a email stating they were updating their message system and I could be a couple weeks or more before they might could reply back. After that I called them.back finally got hold of someone and told them.they could keep my stove. And don't want them to send anything back. I mentioned that they should make their pumps out of metal instead of plastic like the Optimus stoves . The rep said that would resolve alot of issues they have with pumps but it will never happen. I vowed never to buy any of their liquid fuel stoves again. And have bought quiet a few of the Optimus stoves. I have the Polaris , Vega , crux and crux lite and will be placing a order for a svea and new nova. I love my Polaris it's my favorite stove. I wish there was a video on how to do a complete maintenance on it like with one of their parts kits. Also it's alittle hard to find their kits.
Great comparison! I have to say that I find the Polaris doesn't work quite as well on LPG as White Gas, especially on very low settings, I also find it more difficult to light when using LPG than White Gas but that said its an excellent stove that works well in any conditions.
@@ludovic7344 I have used meths as a primer which works weel for LPG but have to say my stove is more difficult to light with LPG, once running its ok but I would expect gas to be much easier to light as it is with other stoves!
Excellent info as always thank-you I will probably go with the mar dragonfly since my fuel source will be liquid. I just hope they upgrade the legs on it.
have you come to any understanding of WHY some of these stoves perform better than others, especially concerning the "simmer" setting? I have a Primus Himalaya using the 0.35 jet (standard for "white gas/Coleman fuel") and it really doesn't do well at all in simmer mode, or attempted simmer mode, even if the pump/bottle pressure is way reduced (most people suggest dropping the bottle pressure to assist in simmer operation). Also, with bottle pressure in mind, when you did these tests, how full were the bottles (i.e. 1/2 full, etc.) and how many pumps (or maybe more generally lots vs few) before you started the test? Just curious as to whether there's a design consideration (which I'm sure there is) that allows some of these stoves to do better in simmer mode vs others (like my stove) that doesn't.
I’m starting to think that the dragonfly is better because although it won’t run canister gas, something like a soto windmaster as a get home stove and then taken on the road or used along side the dragonfly during essential service interruptions gives you 2 stoves at once and once canisters aren’t available and you can only get petrol and diesel the dragonfly is more reliable than the Optimus polaris because you can clean the fuel line easily and will also be more fuel efficient So I think pairing the little wind resistant Soto (which nests in the large titanium mugs) with the dragonfly for home use during service interruptions, car camping and emergency relocation point gives much more reliability and versatility?
I agree 👍, to cover all bases, camping out of sea kayaks in pairs, I prefer the MSR DRAGONFLY for the heavy duty main meal cooking, used with a gas canister stove (Primus ETAEXPRESS 1lt heat exchanger pot) for a quick brew during the day. This means no time lost priming, two fuel sources, reliability if I have an issue, or canister gas isn't available, or runs out. Automotive unleaded petrol, is also dense energy for the volume and weight, and very obtainable compared to canisters. If I carry both, it's better to have the zimmer ability of the MSR DRAGONFLY.
The polaris has the better pump (basically all metal) and the magnet cleaning needle is a better system than the msr shaker jet needle. Not sure what you mean with fuel line cleaning? The polaris has a optinoal filter in the fuel line, which you can remove pr easily replace with a cigarette filter if clogged. But I found the filter worth using when I was in countries with questionable fuel quality. The polaris really burns anything. Saw a guy burning chainsaw oil with it. And yes that suprising worked. Even outside of gas useage the polaris is better.
Hi I’ve just received a brand new Polaris and I cannot get it to start using an iso canister. Gas is flowing but it won’t ignite. I’m using the Coleman performance canister which we have available to us in the uk. I’ve tried lighting from the side and the top using a yellow flame lighter, jet lighter and an Optimus sparky.
Imagine if MSR used the fuel line connections of the Universal on the Dragonfly! Full multi fuel. I've done a comparison between the Optimus Nova, very similar to the Polaris, and a Dragonfly. Same results with adjustments, the Dragonfly does boil the same amount of water quicker.
@@jiujitsu2000 MSR shaker jet cleaning is simpler. I use only Crown or Coleman fuel from gallon cans. No auto or kero/diesel. So little trouble with cleaning fuel systems also prime mostly with alcohol. I tend to remove shakers and such jet cleaning parts. This does marginally improve performance. Didn't you put up a hack/mod to run canister with a Dragonfly?? IT works well and I've done such myself.
Hi would like to know to replace the wick on dragon fly Mine as disintegrated and there is no mention any we are on RUclips or internet how to do this any suggestion
Thanks for the video--I'm totally new to stoves and haven't seen the liquid gas ones. Do you think these are a better option than the butane only type ones?
Polaris wins. The magnet cleaner needle is superior to the shaker jet since you can clean while the stive is running. Great especially when fuel is not great quality. The polaris will burn basically anything. Even chainsaw oil...lots of sooth but it works. And the polaris has the waaaay better pump. MSR uses a cheap plastic pump which is known to be the most problematic part. Power output on both is very high. More than what needed. Time comparisons are always flawed by different tank pressures.
The ONLY thing this review is missing is the boiling water time!! I'm using MSR DF for 15 years! And before that, the Whisperlite International. MSR are very reliable, if you maintain, when using reg gas, diesel, vs white gas. But I'm going to switch to Optimus, and the reason is, pay attention how high the arm support is on DF and and how low it's in the Optimus, so when you put the pan in the top, (I believe the Optimus will cook faster) and save fuel. Tks for the review.
Could you please tell me which of the two is the most Heavy Duty HD?? I would think msr but not sure thanks for such awesome reviews btw brotha stay strong&healthy safe&happy!!(=✌💚
@@lumenbase Dragonfly much preferred. The flame is more stable and less likely to go out at the lower settings. Also performance with unleaded gasoline is much better with the Dragonfly. Actually unleaded is all I use. Big disadvantage of the Dragonfly is the plastic fuel pump. I've gone through 4 already so make sure and pack a spare pump.
The polaris is also a little more compact which can make or break what I take with me. but for winter camping here in the rockies, liquid fuel is the way to go and I love my dragonfly for that or is your using a bigger pot because you're feeding a troop, those legs for a fabulous job of support.
These are both good stoves, and I've used both of them for decades. One thing worth mentioning is that IMHO, the pump mechanism of the Optimus is much better designed and better built than the MSR. The Primus pump is similar to the Optimus and is even better. Great video!
Which primus stove are you referring to?
@@michaelsrowland The Primus pumps for liquid fuel are all the same, I believe, but I have the Omnilite, which is the titanium version of the Omni fuel. Hope that helps.
I carry two MSR pumps for the weight of the Optimus I also only after many years use of Optimus, MSR dragonfly and XGK and xgk ex and whisperlite choose the whisperlite international I have two, new and old sold the others.
Good honest comparison.
My biggest complaint with msr is they make their pumps out of plastic and I had an extremely bad experience with my new whisperlite. Universal being brand new was defective and leaked fuel terribly . when I sent in my stove with the pump they said it would take 4 to 6 weeks and you could hardly get anyone on the phone .when I emailed them I got a email stating they were updating their message system and I could be a couple weeks or more before they might could reply back. After that I called them.back finally got hold of someone and told them.they could keep my stove. And don't want them to send anything back. I mentioned that they should make their pumps out of metal instead of plastic like the Optimus stoves . The rep said that would resolve alot of issues they have with pumps but it will never happen. I vowed never to buy any of their liquid fuel stoves again. And have bought quiet a few of the Optimus stoves. I have the Polaris , Vega , crux and crux lite and will be placing a order for a svea and new nova. I love my Polaris it's my favorite stove. I wish there was a video on how to do a complete maintenance on it like with one of their parts kits. Also it's alittle hard to find their kits.
Great comparison! I have to say that I find the Polaris doesn't work quite as well on LPG as White Gas, especially on very low settings, I also find it more difficult to light when using LPG than White Gas but that said its an excellent stove that works well in any conditions.
first，use lpg the low settings flame will jump，you can upturn the lpg. you can use alcohol preheating ，its easy to light when use lpg
@@ludovic7344 I have used meths as a primer which works weel for LPG but have to say my stove is more difficult to light with LPG, once running its ok but I would expect gas to be much easier to light as it is with other stoves!
Excellent info as always thank-you I will probably go with the mar dragonfly since my fuel source will be liquid. I just hope they upgrade the legs on it.
Any chance of a 3 way discussion. Polaris vs dragonfly vs omni in terms of diesel use?
have you come to any understanding of WHY some of these stoves perform better than others, especially concerning the "simmer" setting? I have a Primus Himalaya using the 0.35 jet (standard for "white gas/Coleman fuel") and it really doesn't do well at all in simmer mode, or attempted simmer mode, even if the pump/bottle pressure is way reduced (most people suggest dropping the bottle pressure to assist in simmer operation).
Also, with bottle pressure in mind, when you did these tests, how full were the bottles (i.e. 1/2 full, etc.) and how many pumps (or maybe more generally lots vs few) before you started the test? Just curious as to whether there's a design consideration (which I'm sure there is) that allows some of these stoves to do better in simmer mode vs others (like my stove) that doesn't.
I’m starting to think that the dragonfly is better because although it won’t run canister gas, something like a soto windmaster as a get home stove and then taken on the road or used along side the dragonfly during essential service interruptions gives you 2 stoves at once and once canisters aren’t available and you can only get petrol and diesel the dragonfly is more reliable than the Optimus polaris because you can clean the fuel line easily and will also be more fuel efficient
So I think pairing the little wind resistant Soto (which nests in the large titanium mugs) with the dragonfly for home use during service interruptions, car camping and emergency relocation point gives much more reliability and versatility?
I agree 👍, to cover all bases, camping out of sea kayaks in pairs, I prefer the MSR DRAGONFLY for the heavy duty main meal cooking, used with a gas canister stove (Primus ETAEXPRESS 1lt heat exchanger pot) for a quick brew during the day. This means no time lost priming, two fuel sources, reliability if I have an issue, or canister gas isn't available, or runs out. Automotive unleaded petrol, is also dense energy for the volume and weight, and very obtainable compared to canisters. If I carry both, it's better to have the zimmer ability of the MSR DRAGONFLY.
The polaris has the better pump (basically all metal) and the magnet cleaning needle is a better system than the msr shaker jet needle.
Not sure what you mean with fuel line cleaning?
The polaris has a optinoal filter in the fuel line, which you can remove pr easily replace with a cigarette filter if clogged. But I found the filter worth using when I was in countries with questionable fuel quality.
The polaris really burns anything. Saw a guy burning chainsaw oil with it. And yes that suprising worked.
Even outside of gas useage the polaris is better.
@JIUJITSU2000, Which one is better overall, MSR Dragonfly or Primus Omnifuel? Please do a comparison video. Thanks!
Hi I’ve just received a brand new Polaris and I cannot get it to start using an iso canister. Gas is flowing but it won’t ignite. I’m using the Coleman performance canister which we have available to us in the uk. I’ve tried lighting from the side and the top using a yellow flame lighter, jet lighter and an Optimus sparky.
Love my dragonfly
Imagine if MSR used the fuel line connections of the Universal on the Dragonfly! Full multi fuel.
I've done a comparison between the Optimus Nova, very similar to the Polaris, and a Dragonfly. Same results with adjustments, the Dragonfly does boil the same amount of water quicker.
That would be solid! Use the Optimus pump too!
@@jiujitsu2000
MSR shaker jet cleaning is simpler. I use only Crown or Coleman fuel from gallon cans. No auto or kero/diesel. So little trouble with cleaning fuel systems also prime mostly with alcohol. I tend to remove shakers and such jet cleaning parts. This does marginally improve performance.
Didn't you put up a hack/mod to run canister with a Dragonfly?? IT works well and I've done such myself.
Is there a difference in parts availability? I am frustrated by being unable to buy individual repair parts from MSR; stuck with repair kits.
@@fratermus5502 Try needlesports.com an English sport store. I have used this source for parts from pot suppot repacements to o-rings and much more.
I like both. I'd probably do the dragonfly even though it is only for liquid fuels.
I ran it for 10 years, best overall stove msr makes, in my opinion.
Excellent very informative and fun to watch ! thanks a bunch!
This is a great review I like that Polaris what is the price point I may purchase one thanks.👍👍👍
Great video!
Thanks!
Hi would like to know to replace the wick on dragon fly Mine as disintegrated and there is no mention any we are on RUclips or internet how to do this any suggestion
Very simple, replace it with carbon felt from the hardware store. Cut out to fit!
Thanks for the video--I'm totally new to stoves and haven't seen the liquid gas ones. Do you think these are a better option than the butane only type ones?
I think a stove that does both liquid and canister is the best
Thx for the review! to pack it better for bike trip looks like the Dragonfly is a winner bc you can fold up all parts. Can you do that with Optimus?
The optimus pot supports fold in
Which one is better overall, MSR Dragonfly or Primus Omnifuel? Please do a comparison video. Thanks!
Can you compare the optimus polaris optifuel vs primus omnifuel?
Polaris wins.
The magnet cleaner needle is superior to the shaker jet since you can clean while the stive is running. Great especially when fuel is not great quality.
The polaris will burn basically anything. Even chainsaw oil...lots of sooth but it works.
And the polaris has the waaaay better pump. MSR uses a cheap plastic pump which is known to be the most problematic part.
Power output on both is very high. More than what needed. Time comparisons are always flawed by different tank pressures.
Thanks for the review!
Did Coleman make a remote burner liquid fuel stove? I have seen some isobutane ones but not white gas remote burner ones
I think at least one of the X1/powermax/xtreme/whatever series ran on liquid fuel of some sort.
Denali... Fyrestorm something... All gas ones and all discontinued.
The ONLY thing this review is missing is the boiling water time!! I'm using MSR DF for 15 years! And before that, the Whisperlite International.
MSR are very reliable, if you maintain, when using reg gas, diesel, vs white gas. But I'm going to switch to Optimus, and the reason is, pay attention how high the arm support is on DF and and how low it's in the Optimus, so when you put the pan in the top, (I believe the Optimus will cook faster) and save fuel. Tks for the review.
Do you have a video on the bsr multi-fuel
ruclips.net/video/lMKPrqA3CEo/видео.html
This is a 3 part series on the APG
Can you simmer on the Optimus with iso?
Say for example - cooking a good steak or
Eggs n bacon or something like that?
Yes!
@@jiujitsu2000 last question man, I just bought it! There is cotton at the bottom of the stove, is that packaging or is that needed?
The plate on my optimus polaris gets glowing red hot. Is that normal ?
Could you please tell me which of the two is the most Heavy Duty HD?? I would think msr but not sure thanks for such awesome reviews btw brotha stay strong&healthy safe&happy!!(=✌💚
I have both!
which one is better?
Me too…
@@lumenbase Dragonfly much preferred. The flame is more stable and less likely to go out at the lower settings. Also performance with unleaded gasoline is much better with the Dragonfly. Actually unleaded is all I use. Big disadvantage of the Dragonfly is the plastic fuel pump. I've gone through 4 already so make sure and pack a spare pump.
Battle of the century! 😂
Sweetheart
I own three Dragonflys. I paid $10, $35, and $40 for them used locally.
do you satisfied with those? Or do you want to move on to Optimus Polaris?
I say MSR is the Bernie Sanders in this competition. It’s made in America which is a huge plus for me personally. Great video though.
상향식 저소음 연소캡 잇써요
Optimus однозначно лучше!
Не стоит покупать горелки с пластиковым насосом
King Kong vs king Kong
dragon fly defeat by polares
Dragonfly is a much better performer all the way take it back 🐷🤨😆