I`ve found OEX to be a welcome and unusual supplier. I`ve used one of their tents and own a down jacket. They seem to have hit that rare recipe of quality and affordable.
Same. I got an OEX down jacket from go outdoors. It should've been £250 RRP, Xmas 20% off and my members discount got it down to £85 😂 absolutely worth the full RRP in my eyes. But I was more than happy with the lower price
me and my friends are new to camping and OEX has been a Godsend for that balance between quality and affordability. Got my rakoon 2 for 60 quid in a sale and whilst its not perfect (could do with something a bit lighter to carry) but its got hella room for one guy and two vestibules you can cook in if you wanted should the elements demand it. Im extremely satisfied and its defo a massive upgrade to the skimpy shitty 30 quid tent I was in before
Totally agree I’ve a few OEX base and mid layer tops which are my go to for warmth and comfort up a hill and they have lasted really well ( about 3 yrs) and we’re cheap by comparison to more known brands but not a compromise in my view and after seeing this will invest in the stove as couldn’t justify the price of the jetboil 👍
Bought a Heiro just 10 days ago and have now used it on 2 trips... Just for Tea though. It is fast as you demonstrate. I found it a bit tight to release the mug from the burner when hot. So now I just don't whack it on so tight in the first place. Love that it has a Piezzo igniter. All in all... I'm impressed. Well done OEX.
Greetings from Northern California. Interesting comparison. I couldn’t find any OEX stoves at all on American Amazon, although perhaps I didn’t look hard enough. It doesn’t really matter to me because I have the holy grail of this type of stove in the MSR Windburner which has proved itself this winter with our unusual rain and wind. On one occasion I used the Windburner successfully in steady 30 mph hour wind and rain with gusts even higher. The only problem I had was lighting the bloody thing in that wind. I eventually bought a rechargeable plasma lighter which works great in wind and could come in hardy stunning any threatening thugs hanging about. I’m talking British because with all the rain around here lately sometimes it feels like I’m in the U.K.
You inspired to get back into camping again Paul! Just organising a weekend trip with my best mate. I finally persuaded him. I bought a cracking wood burning stove by Outbacker for the trip, and I’m going for a truck tarp, cook & fire station, 2 tent set up. I can’t wait. I would highly recommend the stove as it’s incredibly well built, very solid and very good value.
Fun fact about the Jetboil Cup - the lid fits perfectly on it, covering up the sharp edges and keeping your drink warm too! I've had my original Jetboil for 10 years now (it still came with a piezo lighter back then) and I only just found out about the lid last year.
Paul, you are a star! I just was wondering to replace my a little packable stove for more efficient one eg. Jetboil. But, of course, the price was the issue. And then you offer me OEX stove. Perfect timing :) Many thanks.
I use the OEX Tacana which has the extra support for a pan, very happy with it! OEX do some good stuff for those who are more concerned with value than brand name.
I have the Tacana too. And you also get the canister stand included. It's great. Plus you can see through the lid to check on things which Jetboil doesn't offer.
Comments enabled!! If I didn't have the Planet X version (not one of the faulty batch) already I'd probably go for that. It remains to be seen how it will fare over time, but certainly worth the price. Good comparison Paul.
I find this absolute madness ! I've used an aluminium kettle which cost me £5 about 10 years ago and weighs next to nothing. Up mountains , and in heavy rain and wind it always gets me boiled water using a gas canister and mini stove with no support underneath needed. If it's uneven ground I just use some stones or twigs to balance it and make it level
Yep, Trangia Triangle, third party gas burner and mini kettle. Gas burner goes in the kettle. Works a treat and you can use a small pan also. Having said that I have the OEX Tacana, mainly because I was lured by the sale price of £35. Doesn't get much use. Good review as always from Paul.👍
Had my zip for 3 years now, and pleased with it. I use it mainly in winter when mountain biking and hiking. It’s great for a hot brew and noodles when you don’t want to be hanging around and getting cold. It’s not much cop in the wind and the pot support is a bit useless as the stove is either on or off. You can simmer on it but the adjustment is very fine and the control knob is too small. But it’s well built and only good really for boiling water.
I think for my needs (mainly as a DofE supervisor and assessor for making a Cuppa in the outdoors) the new OEX Heiro seems like good value for money, I have been looking at the Alpkit 'brukit' but at £59 (currently) it seems (like most things!) to have shot up in price. This Heiro looks to be an improvement on the Tacana which some of my colleagues use, that said some use the Jetboil. If the RRP is set at £45 then this seems (for me) a logical choice. Thank you @paulmessner for the honest review. Great content as always - keep up the great work.
Timely video find! I wandered in to Go yesterday to look at JetBoil (I did get one years ago, but someone nicked it!) and spotted the OEX as a cheaper alternative. Undecided, I left the store. This morning I opened YT and this was the first 'recommended' video on the page so I clicked it... and now I'll be hading back to Go to pick one up. Thanks for the vid.
Nice to see you so chipper and chirpy Paul. A great review as always. I fancied a Jetboil but felt it was just unnecessary due to the price. Thanks to your review I might go for an OEX HEIRO. Have a great summer, keep 'em coming.
i recently switched to the jetboil mighty mo as i have my own pot system. very compact and very fast and efficient. still good in a breeze and has an inbuilt piezo ignition. that said, i would probably buy this OEX product if i wanted a new stove now given the facts in this video. again paul, another great video. thanks.
Hi Paul, thank you so much for doing this video. On the basis of it I have purchased an oex this morning. I could never justify the price of a jet boil, this is much more of a fair price and it seems it comes highly recommended. Thank you.
I bought my Jetboil Zip around three years ago. It goes everywhere with me as a rucksacked hybrid cyclist doing trails and outdoors. But had the OEX been available I'd have chosen that due to its much more affordable price tag. And I do happen to like OEX gear anyway. 😊
Love the fact you are imparcial Paul, reviews we can trust are quite rare these days. Thankfully I have 2 jetboils already so the deals been done. If I were going for a new one it seems the OEX has it sorted. Thanks Paul.
Still can't get over the roar with gas stoves. Currently rocking the trangia mini pot and lid, but replacing the base with the trangia triangle. Quiet and flexible 👍
I bought a Trangia triangle earlier this year and have used it on my 2 multiday trips this year. I used to use gas but I’ve been enjoying the quiet glow of burning ethanol for the atmosphere. My immaculate titanium pot is also getting a bit of character!
@@benvickery I used a Trangia 27 when I did LEJOG and it was amazing. In the spirit of lightening the load I've gone for this hybrid and so far so good. Never understood the rush to boil water.
I bought a Heiro last week as they were back in stock at GO. I bought it as I was going light to a festival with my CloudUp 2 (as parking wasn't alongside the camping area) rather than the Bergy Air4 and a full carload I had with me at a 4 night festival the previous weekend. I was impressed with it - all I really do at festivals is boil water for tea and it was way quicker than my old single burner stove (the one that's sold millions with different branding via a paper slip round the case). I may be camping for a night for work this coming weekend in which case will test a pre-packed hiking meal.
As someone who has approached hiking and camping on a budget I've always looked at the Jetboil with envious eyes but held off buying for other needs. The OEX looks like the thing for me and your very honest review is appreciated.
I hike nearly every weekend and go camping several times per year and bought a JetBoil last year, it's probably the most unreliable burner we own. You constantly have to reignite the flame even when there isn't a strong wind, I would say it's only good to use as a light weight burner for hiking or 1 night of wildcamping. You aren't missing out on much
@@GraemeNeilReidno problem and yeah it seems like the better option, I think the JetBoil has just been marketed very well tbh. We bought several accessories for it too which don't come cheap, the stabiliser and pot support were £30, the JetBoil frying pan (which is very small) cost us £60, the cooking pot is even more extortionate at £75! The overall cost is crazy
@@bakedbeans9546 Yeah I was looking at those costs earlier and thinking that cheaper alternatives would be on the cards. I hope OEX bring out a pot support though as there is obviously a demand for something like that but I guess we could always adapt some other brand to fit.
OEX and Vango are my go-to brands as they represent affordable access to the outdoors. Goshawk of Australia are another company that are innovative and affordable. Well done OEX 👏
Mine arrived yesterday and I'm super impressed 👍 Amazing quality, especially given the price. Best of all it fits a Jetboil 100g gas canister inside the pot with the burner AND a jetboil orange gas cannister stabiliser. The lid then clicks tight, holding it all together!! Just used the ring from my Trangia Triangle along with a folding pot holder I have to use the burner with my frying pan. Cooked up sausage, spinach, egg and mushrooms for brekkie 😋 Cheers for the recommendation @PaulMessner 👍
Was fascinated .. so did a test. My Fire Maple X3 did 0.4L in 1 min 55….( I hope I got this right or I’ll look an idiot 🙄🙄)… The Fire Maple X3 comes with a pan stand and a gas canister stand. It was a reasonably breezy day in Worcestershire. I paid £62.95 for it. It also has a built in igniter.
I was about to post a very similar comment. I bought the Fire Maple x2 quite a few years back now. Was around £55 at the time (I know they’ve gone up a bit) Boil times are equally rapid. Very similar in design to these but more so the oex. Came with the canister support legs, the pan stand, lid, carry bag and a spork and has an igniter. And everything is self contained. It’s never let me down 👍🏼
@@johntreanor812 they’re great aren’t they. That said, I’d go for the oex if I didn’t have the Fire Maple already. It just needs the stands. I’m a sucker for a stove/cookset. Can’t have too many 😁👍🏼
Jetboil gear has always been more expensive than other brands, but there is no way it is worth twice as much as the OEX stove. But then the OEX stove beat the Jetboil by over 30 seconds. Makes me laff when that happens!! I'll be visiting Go Outdoors in the next couple of weeks to get one of these OEX stoves. Nice one Paul, thanks for that lad......
@Matt Rogers they absolutely are, I know for a fact fire maple will do them branded. Not to say that makes them bad, fire maple do some great kit. Some lovely little titanium canister top stoves too
Hi Paul, I'd like to repeat what dg4846 said as just on the look out to replace my very basic stove. Thanks for the excellent comparisons, enjoyed your last camp vid too up in the lakes. Cheers, Rich.
In teresting stove. But I really don't need yet another stove! (They are in the latest Go Outdoors promo catalogue that dropped through the post last week, at £45.)
I've had a jetboil zip for some years now, as well as a flash, sumo titanium and minimo (I am with stoves, like you are with tents paul😂) my favourite combination is the minimo burner with the the zip cup, but I do like the proper fold out handles like on the minimo and OEX stove, the fact the OEX burner head is protected from cross winds is a great design though, they make some good stuff, especially for the price, the OEX is definitely worth considering if you are new to the market👍🏻 great review as always Paul.
Forgot how much I missed your gear reviews Paul. Heiro definitely looks the biz, I originally looked at the Tacana but it was never available in my local store so bought an Alpkit Brukit, I think Alpkit has the right idea with the piezo igniter and pot support thrown in, though have to admit I find the piezo unreliable. I mostly use a Jetboil Flash now after picking one up for £75! Love it, but I all too often forget to remove the plastic cup after filling the pot with water 🤦♂️😂 so maybe not so handy a feature in my case!
I've got an OEX tent, sleeping bag(s), LED headtorch, and inflatable carrymat, all of which I've used for backpacking. Never had a single complaint with any of them. I paid £120 for a MSR Windburner a couple of years ago, which has been perfectly good, but wish this stove had been around then as I would have had no hesitation choosing it above the more reknowned brands. The value for money and quality of OEX gear will surprise you.
Back in (I'm guessing) 2008ish... I tested Jetboil Flash PCS (blue) that was to be a major improvement performance-wise to the original PCS. I had also been involved/asked years earlier to professionally review the original PCS (all black) around 2002-2003. There actually were several relevant, beneficial improvements to Flash vs original PCS in that timeline. In optimal conditions (summer time, sheltered, windscreen, etc.) Flash consistently boiled 40-45 F degree water in about 1/2 the time of original PCS. There where also more accessories available like we see to today's offerings... including the hanging option. The efficiency was outstanding and predictable in optimal conditions. The issues that would be seen as cons across all honest reviewers was: A.) Igniter was terribly unreliable. B.) Wind could easily blow it out. As a matter of fact... it could be blown out as easily as 1 swift exhale at the flame even on full power. and C.) It was not all that good in the cold... however, a solution was to place the fuel canister in a little bit water contained in a small pot or pan. Jetboil did not print my review or even ask for the Flash to be returned (I still have it - it sits awaiting call for duty in a camper). My favorite was the SOL Ti (I still have and use it). The one thing Jetboil did not like to see or admit in my comprehensive reviews back then was the fact that it truly struggled in winds. They did not like to hear that you'd better be 'wind prepared' by having some workaround adaptations and/or accessory like traditional windscreens vs. marketing a stand alone PCS. In my experience... the Zip was not as good as Flash. Flash 2.0 is by most specs better than old Flash in terms of boil time and efficiency. For what I see on most of your content... a minimo man for best fit when it comes to most suitable Jetboil kit.
The OEX seems like a very nice stove for the money. Looks well made too. But definitely needs a pot support. You can never be too careful when it comes to boiling water especially out in the woods away from home. I would however choose a Jetboil Flash over both of these, (which I did). Bought it on sale new for $86 U.S. Lots of features, more capacity (1000ml) and super fast boil times. I’ve done 90 seconds for a pot three times and hardly any fuel was used.
Alpkit Brukit is one I own but to be honest all these type of stoves are just too big, bulky and heavy so I usually stick with my Soto Windmaster. Boiling time isn’t an issue as by the time I’ve lugged a big pack up a hill I’m content to put the stove on, sit back and relax.
I considered the Jetboil at the time I thought about getting a burner like that, but ended up with the MSR Reactor. That’s several years ago. I don’t regret getting the Reactor as it’s the best gas burner I’ve ever used. In windy conditions, in my opinion, there is nothing better.
I'm really surprised and impressed by that OEX stove. Think you might have found me part of my son's birthday a few months early! About time he started carrying his own stove.
Sounds like an excellent review. I have a few coolers and live my Trangia in awful weather with gas or liquid fuel. It works very well indeed. The OEX I have now just bought for fast coffee and fast hot water. I will see how I get on during the European Divide Trail I plan to do this year. £50 is exceptional if the review is fully true and I am sure it is.
I have a Zip. The biggest problem with it is the regulator. You can get scolded by turning it off. Because of the size and position of the regulator. I like the fact the OEX is a bit longer Also when I got my Zip it had a pan support supplied as standard
I have the Flash , I got it off Santa 😂 The coffee press , my Lord , what a game changer . The coffee is outstanding. Apart from budget , either is great . Pros & Cons as per usual. Great video Paul 👌👌Nice to post a comment 😂😂🇮🇪🇮🇪Atb Tony
I can't compare having never used a Jetboil. But I have a Planet X jetboil copy. Been really impressed for the money. Boils quickly - by that I mean I put the stove on, whilst it's boiling I get my cup ready and the water is ready by the time I've done that. Have got a frying pan for it that works well too. Does what I need it to at an affordable price.
Thanks Paul. Great video once again. I have owned the jet boil flash for some time and I have just seen this OEX in my local outdoors shop window, and I never heard of it. This video really helps I might buy it to see the comparison. 👍
OEX choose the perfect man to premiere their new stove. We know you have 1 or 2 of these things knocking around. Nice to see your comments are back too .
Thanks for the review Paul, just ordered the OEX from Go Outdoors as my Optimus Crux died this week...the threads for the gas cannister in the valve body failed (stripped) ...not impressed, would expect the cannister thread to be weaker. Thanks again.
Lovely review, thank you ... the OEX full kit now costs £75 members' price from GO. But that includes the pot stand (specifically for the OEX) and the cannister stand. I'm guessing that that steam hole might allow for the addition of a coffee press (I got one for my Jetboil and it's a no brainer too!). Is it possible to let us know if the Jetboil coffee press fits with the Heiro? You can buy them as optional add ons - GO have them for the Jetboils. But I have another OEX stove, a SAVO (£40 members' price) which is brilliant too. I just modded the feet to include Sugru pads to stop it from slipping about on shiny surfaces. I'm very impressed by the OEX brand. The cot bed seems really good too.
That was interesting and informative. The Jet Boil does have additional repair kits and additional add-on options, yes. Do you know if the other one has any repair kits or a good warranty for it? I've heard stories about the Jet Boil needing fine tuning from time to time. If the other one doesn't offer a repair kit or good warranty then that's a very real world consideration while in the wild... even if the pricing is good.
As always a very good review Paul. I personally don't care about this general obsession with boil water times, whatever the conditions. A minute or two here or there is inconsequential. A few things to consider. The Jetboil as always carries a premium price and somewhere around £80 - £90 average is an accurate assessment. Now add in the Jetboil pot holder...average price around £14!. If anyone has ever inspected this item then the light will have dawned you are being ripped off. On the other side of the coin OEX don't supply a gas canister holder, but charge around £6.50 for three little plastic legs essentially. Disgraceful. This should have been included in the deal by OEX. That brings me to the OEX Tacana...bigger and more expensive now as OEX pushes the Heiros, but I picked this up in a sale for £39. It came with a gas canister stand and a pot stand specifically for OEX. I really like this OEX Heiros and if I really needed this type of stove would certainly pick this over Jetboil. However, there are many, many cooking setups, through Trianga to bushbox and a host of choices in between. However, if your need is to boil water the last choice in terms of price point and performance as this comparison shows may not be Jetboil. Good job Paul. 👍
Just picked up one from Blacks with 20% discount = £40. Absolute bargain compared to a Jetboil and does an excellent job too. Bought the Oex base steady and the Jetboil pan support at the same time, paid £57.20 for the lot. 👍🏻
I still prefer my Trangia alcohol stove. When I’m out there it’s not for rushing. Time is not of the essence…😊 And I’ll add that it’s totally quiet too!😮
I love the looks of the OEX. Not sure if it is available over here in Canada yet. There is another brand that is better then both of those. It is called fire maple. It comes with the canister stand, the pot holder and its a 1 full liter pot. It cost around the same price as the OEX. Although it doesn't have the same type of handles or lid. It is more of a pot with a handle like a pot. Now I did a test when I first got it. It took 2.5 minutes to bring a full 1L of water to a boil. Now this was in prime conditions with little to no wind at all. Like many, I didn't like the price of the Jetboil. While looking around for reviews on the best Jetboil for my needs, I found the fire maple brand. It was half the price of Jetboil. Seeing I didn't think I was use it much, I opted for the fire maple. I was blown away by it. Piezoelectric start, variable regulator, pot holder, canister support and a mess bag. I use it often. It lives in my truck all the time and even use it when I am out fishing, or when I am on the road and want a coffee. All in all, good comparison and I hope the OEX takes off and is a good competitor for jetboil. Maybe then they will drop their prices.
Great video Paul, I wonder if jet boil will be more durable, I suspect the soft lid will be though much better price for OEX, given the choice I would get neither and go for MSR windburner
I think just my opinion reviewing items that so similar and a direct knock off and or patent infringement empowers these copy cat company’s to keep breaking laws and using super cheap labor to make profit. They don’t do it for us to save us money but for their benefit. I enjoy your videos and you do a good job. Again this feedback is for this video only. Thanks
Nice.. I've gone from Gaz to alcohol stove, to 10 gm coke can stove.. Now made the move to cold soak.. Wow!! Wish I had done this from the start, would have saved a fortune on wasted stove set ups... Ok I don't need a coffee hit... 😉
Took a different approach Svea123r - old skool kit has never let me down - pricey now but I got few years ago - won't boil in that time but they took them up Everest - - pretty much bomb proof brass unit , Trangia bottle with Coleman gas and sourced a stainless kettle measured to nest /fit the Svea - and Oex definitely of the 2 - it's all about the wind
I’ve looked at jet boil loads of times but I’ve settled on a fire maple x2 available in a few colours boiling 0.5L in 2.10-2.30 minutes depending on conditions
My perspective? for the price point a better quality bag and a gas cannister stand should be included, it also wouldnt be too much to expect a clear drinking cup to fit over the bottom section similar to the zip or the msr trail solo mini cook set. The included ignitor is good but to be fair the Planet X stove comes with more for less money at equal quality.
Can't comment on the OEX but I've had a Jetboil since 2010 and it's never let me down, so to me it was worth the initial outlay. As for boil times, I don't go out into the hills to stress about how long my brew will take, what's the point? Nice impartial review though.
Thanks for this thoughtful and clear review. With the Jetboil costing around twice the price of its OXE latest rival, and having no built-in ignition, its now priced itself out of the market. I wonder what the next innovation will be in these portable stoves?
Wonder if the pot support off theTonaka will fit straight on ? Find the Tonaka just that bit heavy but this seems a lot lighter..with my YHA discount could get this for under £40 quid so a no brainer for me
Looks as though the OEX might be more efficient and perform better in the wind. For me efficiency is the most important feature as I tend to do longer trips why carry two gas canisters when you can get by with two, does it simmer ok?
If I was in the market now then the OEXis a no brainer isn’t it. I am surprised the pot stand was extra for the Jetboil, I have both the Zip and the slightly bigger Flash and both came with the pot stand and gas stand.
wow great vid. 🌞👍 but the FireMaple x2 hard to beat, fits inside 250gr. can and uses very little gas (1.8w) apr.5gr. to boil 1 liter of water 😃 even jetboil sleeps 😁😁
The OEX sounds a good budget option, and hopefully may force JetBoil to finally drop it’s crazy prices a bit…
I`ve found OEX to be a welcome and unusual supplier. I`ve used one of their tents and own a down jacket. They seem to have hit that rare recipe of quality and affordable.
Absolutely - I've found exactly this to be the case in Australia where OEX is known as Campmaster!
Same. I got an OEX down jacket from go outdoors. It should've been £250 RRP, Xmas 20% off and my members discount got it down to £85 😂 absolutely worth the full RRP in my eyes. But I was more than happy with the lower price
me and my friends are new to camping and OEX has been a Godsend for that balance between quality and affordability. Got my rakoon 2 for 60 quid in a sale and whilst its not perfect (could do with something a bit lighter to carry) but its got hella room for one guy and two vestibules you can cook in if you wanted should the elements demand it. Im extremely satisfied and its defo a massive upgrade to the skimpy shitty 30 quid tent I was in before
Totally agree I’ve a few OEX base and mid layer tops which are my go to for warmth and comfort up a hill and they have lasted really well ( about 3 yrs) and we’re cheap by comparison to more known brands but not a compromise in my view and after seeing this will invest in the stove as couldn’t justify the price of the jetboil 👍
@Handy Pat just brought the oex alpine fleece(?), really impressed too. Will be tested in atlas mountains soon
Bought a Heiro just 10 days ago and have now used it on 2 trips... Just for Tea though. It is fast as you demonstrate. I found it a bit tight to release the mug from the burner when hot. So now I just don't whack it on so tight in the first place. Love that it has a Piezzo igniter. All in all... I'm impressed. Well done OEX.
Greetings from Northern California. Interesting comparison. I couldn’t find any OEX stoves at all on American Amazon, although perhaps I didn’t look hard enough. It doesn’t really matter to me because I have the holy grail of this type of stove in the MSR Windburner which has proved itself this winter with our unusual rain and wind. On one occasion I used the Windburner successfully in steady 30 mph hour wind and rain with gusts even higher. The only problem I had was lighting the bloody thing in that wind. I eventually bought a rechargeable plasma lighter which works great in wind and could come in hardy stunning any threatening thugs hanging about. I’m talking British because with all the rain around here lately sometimes it feels like I’m in the U.K.
You inspired to get back into camping again Paul! Just organising a weekend trip with my best mate. I finally persuaded him. I bought a cracking wood burning stove by Outbacker for the trip, and I’m going for a truck tarp, cook & fire station, 2 tent set up. I can’t wait. I would highly recommend the stove as it’s incredibly well built, very solid and very good value.
@@leomcdonnell8401 Have you ever heard of something called cognitive transference? That’s where your mind goes? Ok.
Fun fact about the Jetboil Cup - the lid fits perfectly on it, covering up the sharp edges and keeping your drink warm too!
I've had my original Jetboil for 10 years now (it still came with a piezo lighter back then) and I only just found out about the lid last year.
Paul, you are a star! I just was wondering to replace my a little packable stove for more efficient one eg. Jetboil. But, of course, the price was the issue. And then you offer me OEX stove. Perfect timing :) Many thanks.
I use the OEX Tacana which has the extra support for a pan, very happy with it! OEX do some good stuff for those who are more concerned with value than brand name.
I have the Tacana too. And you also get the canister stand included. It's great. Plus you can see through the lid to check on things which Jetboil doesn't offer.
Comments enabled!! If I didn't have the Planet X version (not one of the faulty batch) already I'd probably go for that. It remains to be seen how it will fare over time, but certainly worth the price. Good comparison Paul.
just bought the Planet X stove in the Easter sales, hope it won't be in the faulty batch you mention
I find this absolute madness ! I've used an aluminium kettle which cost me £5 about 10 years ago and weighs next to nothing. Up mountains , and in heavy rain and wind it always gets me boiled water using a gas canister and mini stove with no support underneath needed. If it's uneven ground I just use some stones or twigs to balance it and make it level
Absolutely. I use an old Trangia meths stove with a support made out of a bicycle mudguard stay, with an aluminium foil wind shield. Bombproof.
With you dave
I've got mini burner
Got bout 20yrs ago with a mini kettle
Fabulous bit of kit
Using aluminium is madness; causes alzheimer's.
Yep, Trangia Triangle, third party gas burner and mini kettle. Gas burner goes in the kettle. Works a treat and you can use a small pan also.
Having said that I have the OEX Tacana, mainly because I was lured by the sale price of £35. Doesn't get much use.
Good review as always from Paul.👍
Had my zip for 3 years now, and pleased with it. I use it mainly in winter when mountain biking and hiking. It’s great for a hot brew and noodles when you don’t want to be hanging around and getting cold. It’s not much cop in the wind and the pot support is a bit useless as the stove is either on or off. You can simmer on it but the adjustment is very fine and the control knob is too small. But it’s well built and only good really for boiling water.
Just bought the OEX today after watching one of videos a few years ago, my wife is blown away with it. Wish I bought it sooner.
Brilliant video Paul , the OEX knocked the socks of the jetboil there didn’t it , They seam to be coming out with bigger better things every year
I think for my needs (mainly as a DofE supervisor and assessor for making a Cuppa in the outdoors) the new OEX Heiro seems like good value for money, I have been looking at the Alpkit 'brukit' but at £59 (currently) it seems (like most things!) to have shot up in price. This Heiro looks to be an improvement on the Tacana which some of my colleagues use, that said some use the Jetboil. If the RRP is set at £45 then this seems (for me) a logical choice.
Thank you @paulmessner for the honest review. Great content as always - keep up the great work.
Timely video find! I wandered in to Go yesterday to look at JetBoil (I did get one years ago, but someone nicked it!) and spotted the OEX as a cheaper alternative. Undecided, I left the store. This morning I opened YT and this was the first 'recommended' video on the page so I clicked it... and now I'll be hading back to Go to pick one up. Thanks for the vid.
Nice to see you so chipper and chirpy Paul. A great review as always. I fancied a Jetboil but felt it was just unnecessary due to the price. Thanks to your review I might go for an OEX HEIRO. Have a great summer, keep 'em coming.
i recently switched to the jetboil mighty mo as i have my own pot system. very compact and very fast and efficient. still good in a breeze and has an inbuilt piezo ignition. that said, i would probably buy this OEX product if i wanted a new stove now given the facts in this video. again paul, another great video. thanks.
Hi Paul, thank you so much for doing this video. On the basis of it I have purchased an oex this morning. I could never justify the price of a jet boil, this is much more of a fair price and it seems it comes highly recommended. Thank you.
I bought my Jetboil Zip around three years ago. It goes everywhere with me as a rucksacked hybrid cyclist doing trails and outdoors.
But had the OEX been available I'd have chosen that due to its much more affordable price tag.
And I do happen to like OEX gear anyway. 😊
Love the fact you are imparcial Paul, reviews we can trust are quite rare these days. Thankfully I have 2 jetboils already so the deals been done. If I were going for a new one it seems the OEX has it sorted. Thanks Paul.
My son told me the RUclips people are called 'influencers' because that is what they do!
The OEX Tacana comes with an adapter to use a frying pan. Maybe it would fit onto the heiro as well
Still can't get over the roar with gas stoves. Currently rocking the trangia mini pot and lid, but replacing the base with the trangia triangle. Quiet and flexible 👍
I bought a Trangia triangle earlier this year and have used it on my 2 multiday trips this year. I used to use gas but I’ve been enjoying the quiet glow of burning ethanol for the atmosphere. My immaculate titanium pot is also getting a bit of character!
Only those type of stoves make that noise, most don't. Still much more convenient than Trangia.
@@benvickery I used a Trangia 27 when I did LEJOG and it was amazing. In the spirit of lightening the load I've gone for this hybrid and so far so good. Never understood the rush to boil water.
Glad you’re showing affordable kit
I bought a Heiro last week as they were back in stock at GO. I bought it as I was going light to a festival with my CloudUp 2 (as parking wasn't alongside the camping area) rather than the Bergy Air4 and a full carload I had with me at a 4 night festival the previous weekend.
I was impressed with it - all I really do at festivals is boil water for tea and it was way quicker than my old single burner stove (the one that's sold millions with different branding via a paper slip round the case).
I may be camping for a night for work this coming weekend in which case will test a pre-packed hiking meal.
As someone who has approached hiking and camping on a budget I've always looked at the Jetboil with envious eyes but held off buying for other needs. The OEX looks like the thing for me and your very honest review is appreciated.
I hike nearly every weekend and go camping several times per year and bought a JetBoil last year, it's probably the most unreliable burner we own. You constantly have to reignite the flame even when there isn't a strong wind, I would say it's only good to use as a light weight burner for hiking or 1 night of wildcamping. You aren't missing out on much
@@bakedbeans9546 Thanks, funnily Paul did mention that the wind protection did look better on the OEX as well compared to the JetBoil.
@@GraemeNeilReidno problem and yeah it seems like the better option, I think the JetBoil has just been marketed very well tbh. We bought several accessories for it too which don't come cheap, the stabiliser and pot support were £30, the JetBoil frying pan (which is very small) cost us £60, the cooking pot is even more extortionate at £75! The overall cost is crazy
@@bakedbeans9546 Yeah I was looking at those costs earlier and thinking that cheaper alternatives would be on the cards. I hope OEX bring out a pot support though as there is obviously a demand for something like that but I guess we could always adapt some other brand to fit.
OEX and Vango are my go-to brands as they represent affordable access to the outdoors.
Goshawk of Australia are another company that are innovative and affordable.
Well done OEX 👏
Mine arrived yesterday and I'm super impressed 👍 Amazing quality, especially given the price.
Best of all it fits a Jetboil 100g gas canister inside the pot with the burner AND a jetboil orange gas cannister stabiliser. The lid then clicks tight, holding it all together!!
Just used the ring from my Trangia Triangle along with a folding pot holder I have to use the burner with my frying pan. Cooked up sausage, spinach, egg and mushrooms for brekkie 😋
Cheers for the recommendation @PaulMessner 👍
More than happy with my jetboil minimo. I know you did a separate video. Minimo more than capable to heat up 2x wayfarer pouches and it has an igniter
My JetBoil that I bought a few years ago came with the pot support included and it really nests nicely on top of the fuel canister.
That would be the Jetboil flash, although the pot support also fits in the Zip but bought separately
Was fascinated .. so did a test. My Fire Maple X3 did 0.4L in 1 min 55….( I hope I got this right or I’ll look an idiot 🙄🙄)… The Fire Maple X3 comes with a pan stand and a gas canister stand. It was a reasonably breezy day in Worcestershire. I paid £62.95 for it. It also has a built in igniter.
I was about to post a very similar comment. I bought the Fire Maple x2 quite a few years back now. Was around £55 at the time (I know they’ve gone up a bit)
Boil times are equally rapid.
Very similar in design to these but more so the oex.
Came with the canister support legs, the pan stand, lid, carry bag and a spork and has an igniter. And everything is self contained.
It’s never let me down 👍🏼
@@GaryB_OutandAbout .. good shout Gary… good comment mate. 👌👌👍👍
@@johntreanor812 they’re great aren’t they. That said, I’d go for the oex if I didn’t have the Fire Maple already. It just needs the stands.
I’m a sucker for a stove/cookset. Can’t have too many 😁👍🏼
Jetboil gear has always been more expensive than other brands, but there is no way it is worth twice as much as the OEX stove. But then the OEX stove beat the Jetboil by over 30 seconds. Makes me laff when that happens!! I'll be visiting Go Outdoors in the next couple of weeks to get one of these OEX stoves. Nice one Paul, thanks for that lad......
Definitely shows that the Alpkit Brukit is better than both. It's around £50 and comes with a pot stand and a pan adaptor.
It's 60
@@ProcyonAlpha not when I bought it maybe 3 weeks ago. Definitely an all round better device.
Interesting you should say that Matt, as the current OEX unit is a rebadged fire maple exactly the same as the alpkit and robens stoves.
@@richardmarples5130 pretty sure that they are all made by the same factory in China... Still very pleased with my Brukit! Does the job nicely.
@Matt Rogers they absolutely are, I know for a fact fire maple will do them branded. Not to say that makes them bad, fire maple do some great kit. Some lovely little titanium canister top stoves too
Hi Paul, I'd like to repeat what dg4846 said as just on the look out to replace my very basic stove. Thanks for the excellent comparisons, enjoyed your last camp vid too up in the lakes. Cheers, Rich.
In teresting stove. But I really don't need yet another stove!
(They are in the latest Go Outdoors promo catalogue that dropped through the post last week, at £45.)
I've no doubt the OEX HEIRO will prove popular. As is the Jetboil. However; NOTHING can ever tempt me away from my Soto WindMaster.
Well done OEX.
I've had a jetboil zip for some years now, as well as a flash, sumo titanium and minimo (I am with stoves, like you are with tents paul😂) my favourite combination is the minimo burner with the the zip cup, but I do like the proper fold out handles like on the minimo and OEX stove, the fact the OEX burner head is protected from cross winds is a great design though, they make some good stuff, especially for the price, the OEX is definitely worth considering if you are new to the market👍🏻 great review as always Paul.
Forgot how much I missed your gear reviews Paul. Heiro definitely looks the biz, I originally looked at the Tacana but it was never available in my local store so bought an Alpkit Brukit, I think Alpkit has the right idea with the piezo igniter and pot support thrown in, though have to admit I find the piezo unreliable. I mostly use a Jetboil Flash now after picking one up for £75! Love it, but I all too often forget to remove the plastic cup after filling the pot with water 🤦♂️😂 so maybe not so handy a feature in my case!
Glad to see the comments back on👍🏻⛺️
I’ve got a Jetboil Flash but the oex looks a good addition especially as I’ve already got the canister support and pan support. Nice vid Paul😊
I've got an OEX tent, sleeping bag(s), LED headtorch, and inflatable carrymat, all of which I've used for backpacking. Never had a single complaint with any of them. I paid £120 for a MSR Windburner a couple of years ago, which has been perfectly good, but wish this stove had been around then as I would have had no hesitation choosing it above the more reknowned brands. The value for money and quality of OEX gear will surprise you.
Back in (I'm guessing) 2008ish... I tested Jetboil Flash PCS (blue) that was to be a major improvement performance-wise to the original PCS. I had also been involved/asked years earlier to professionally review the original PCS (all black) around 2002-2003. There actually were several relevant, beneficial improvements to Flash vs original PCS in that timeline. In optimal conditions (summer time, sheltered, windscreen, etc.) Flash consistently boiled 40-45 F degree water in about 1/2 the time of original PCS. There where also more accessories available like we see to today's offerings... including the hanging option. The efficiency was outstanding and predictable in optimal conditions. The issues that would be seen as cons across all honest reviewers was: A.) Igniter was terribly unreliable. B.) Wind could easily blow it out. As a matter of fact... it could be blown out as easily as 1 swift exhale at the flame even on full power. and C.) It was not all that good in the cold... however, a solution was to place the fuel canister in a little bit water contained in a small pot or pan. Jetboil did not print my review or even ask for the Flash to be returned (I still have it - it sits awaiting call for duty in a camper). My favorite was the SOL Ti (I still have and use it). The one thing Jetboil did not like to see or admit in my comprehensive reviews back then was the fact that it truly struggled in winds. They did not like to hear that you'd better be 'wind prepared' by having some workaround adaptations and/or accessory like traditional windscreens vs. marketing a stand alone PCS. In my experience... the Zip was not as good as Flash. Flash 2.0 is by most specs better than old Flash in terms of boil time and efficiency. For what I see on most of your content... a minimo man for best fit when it comes to most suitable Jetboil kit.
The OEX seems like a very nice stove for the money. Looks well made too. But definitely needs a pot support. You can never be too careful when it comes to boiling water especially out in the woods away from home. I would however choose a Jetboil Flash over both of these, (which I did). Bought it on sale new for $86 U.S. Lots of features, more capacity (1000ml) and super fast boil times. I’ve done 90 seconds for a pot three times and hardly any fuel was used.
Just purchased an OEX for bikepacking... many thanks 👍
Great to see the Comments are back........great review Paul!
Alpkit Brukit is one I own but to be honest all these type of stoves are just too big, bulky and heavy so I usually stick with my Soto Windmaster.
Boiling time isn’t an issue as by the time I’ve lugged a big pack up a hill I’m content to put the stove on, sit back and relax.
I considered the Jetboil at the time I thought about getting a burner like that, but ended up with the MSR Reactor. That’s several years ago. I don’t regret getting the Reactor as it’s the best gas burner I’ve ever used. In windy conditions, in my opinion, there is nothing better.
For the cost, that reactor should be good 😅
Seeing as I have just bought one (ex display) for under £30, I'm glad to see how highly you rate it. Thanks...Good video.
Good review dude. Nice to see you left the comments open aswell, always good advice from other campers in here :)
I'm really surprised and impressed by that OEX stove. Think you might have found me part of my son's birthday a few months early! About time he started carrying his own stove.
Sounds like an excellent review. I have a few coolers and live my Trangia in awful weather with gas or liquid fuel. It works very well indeed. The OEX I have now just bought for fast coffee and fast hot water. I will see how I get on during the European Divide Trail I plan to do this year. £50 is exceptional if the review is fully true and I am sure it is.
I have a Zip. The biggest problem with it is the regulator. You can get scolded by turning it off. Because of the size and position of the regulator.
I like the fact the OEX is a bit longer
Also when I got my Zip it had a pan support supplied as standard
I have the Flash , I got it off Santa 😂 The coffee press , my Lord , what a game changer . The coffee is outstanding. Apart from budget , either is great . Pros & Cons as per usual. Great video Paul 👌👌Nice to post a comment 😂😂🇮🇪🇮🇪Atb Tony
I think you’re correct with the more shielded flame on the OEX version it looks great and the price is spot on
I think the alpkit Brukit is terrific value, Included is a Canister stand and an attachment for a pan
I can't compare having never used a Jetboil. But I have a Planet X jetboil copy. Been really impressed for the money. Boils quickly - by that I mean I put the stove on, whilst it's boiling I get my cup ready and the water is ready by the time I've done that. Have got a frying pan for it that works well too. Does what I need it to at an affordable price.
The piezo igniter has popped out on mine. Still works but you have to be careful not to lose it. But for 20 odd quid I won't complain too much.
Thanks Paul. Great video once again. I have owned the jet boil flash for some time and I have just seen this OEX in my local outdoors shop window, and I never heard of it. This video really helps I might buy it to see the comparison. 👍
OEX choose the perfect man to premiere their new stove. We know you have 1 or 2 of these things knocking around. Nice to see your comments are back too .
Thanks for the review Paul, just ordered the OEX from Go Outdoors as my Optimus Crux died this week...the threads for the gas cannister in the valve body failed (stripped) ...not impressed, would expect the cannister thread to be weaker. Thanks again.
Thanks for video, bought the OEX for £38.40 delivered
Loving the videos! That OEX stove is a belter!
Thanks for the stove tips. I know I'm going for the OEX now 👍
Thanks for your honest and helpful opinion.
Lovely review, thank you ... the OEX full kit now costs £75 members' price from GO. But that includes the pot stand (specifically for the OEX) and the cannister stand.
I'm guessing that that steam hole might allow for the addition of a coffee press (I got one for my Jetboil and it's a no brainer too!).
Is it possible to let us know if the Jetboil coffee press fits with the Heiro? You can buy them as optional add ons - GO have them for the Jetboils.
But I have another OEX stove, a SAVO (£40 members' price) which is brilliant too. I just modded the feet to include Sugru pads to stop it from slipping about on shiny surfaces.
I'm very impressed by the OEX brand. The cot bed seems really good too.
That was interesting and informative. The Jet Boil does have additional repair kits and additional add-on options, yes. Do you know if the other one has any repair kits or a good warranty for it? I've heard stories about the Jet Boil needing fine tuning from time to time. If the other one doesn't offer a repair kit or good warranty then that's a very real world consideration while in the wild... even if the pricing is good.
Go outdoors and Blacks should have a year guarantee on their products
Thanks for an honest review Paul. I do like the look of the OEX stove. 😊
Was looking for cheap but decent camping stove. The Heiro will do me. Like you say, it’s a no brainer for the price. Cheers mate. 👍🏻
That's a total no brainer, if I ever go away from the separate pot and burner set up, that's definitely on the list
As always a very good review Paul.
I personally don't care about this general obsession with boil water times, whatever the conditions. A minute or two here or there is inconsequential.
A few things to consider. The Jetboil as always carries a premium price and somewhere around £80 - £90 average is an accurate assessment. Now add in the Jetboil pot holder...average price around £14!. If anyone has ever inspected this item then the light will have dawned you are being ripped off.
On the other side of the coin OEX don't supply a gas canister holder, but charge around £6.50 for three little plastic legs essentially. Disgraceful. This should have been included in the deal by OEX.
That brings me to the OEX Tacana...bigger and more expensive now as OEX pushes the Heiros, but I picked this up in a sale for £39. It came with a gas canister stand and a pot stand specifically for OEX.
I really like this OEX Heiros and if I really needed this type of stove would certainly pick this over Jetboil. However, there are many, many cooking setups, through Trianga to bushbox and a host of choices in between. However, if your need is to boil water the last choice in terms of price point and performance as this comparison shows may not be Jetboil.
Good job Paul. 👍
It reminds me of the Fire Maple Stove.. very similar. Good report.
Fantastic....always great to see a new stove cheers Paul 😃😃😃👍
Just picked up one from Blacks with 20% discount = £40. Absolute bargain compared to a Jetboil and does an excellent job too. Bought the Oex base steady and the Jetboil pan support at the same time, paid £57.20 for the lot. 👍🏻
I still prefer my Trangia alcohol stove. When I’m out there it’s not for rushing. Time is not of the essence…😊 And I’ll add that it’s totally quiet too!😮
I love the looks of the OEX. Not sure if it is available over here in Canada yet. There is another brand that is better then both of those. It is called fire maple. It comes with the canister stand, the pot holder and its a 1 full liter pot. It cost around the same price as the OEX. Although it doesn't have the same type of handles or lid. It is more of a pot with a handle like a pot. Now I did a test when I first got it. It took 2.5 minutes to bring a full 1L of water to a boil. Now this was in prime conditions with little to no wind at all. Like many, I didn't like the price of the Jetboil. While looking around for reviews on the best Jetboil for my needs, I found the fire maple brand. It was half the price of Jetboil. Seeing I didn't think I was use it much, I opted for the fire maple. I was blown away by it. Piezoelectric start, variable regulator, pot holder, canister support and a mess bag. I use it often. It lives in my truck all the time and even use it when I am out fishing, or when I am on the road and want a coffee. All in all, good comparison and I hope the OEX takes off and is a good competitor for jetboil. Maybe then they will drop their prices.
Now that's a surprising outcome! Great review as always.
Great video Paul 👍👍👍
Great video Paul, I wonder if jet boil will be more durable, I suspect the soft lid will be though much better price for OEX, given the choice I would get neither and go for MSR windburner
Great review and honest appraisal. Thank you, Paul.
I think just my opinion reviewing items that so similar and a direct knock off and or patent infringement empowers these copy cat company’s to keep breaking laws and using super cheap labor to make profit. They don’t do it for us to save us money but for their benefit. I enjoy your videos and you do a good job. Again this feedback is for this video only. Thanks
Nice.. I've gone from Gaz to alcohol stove, to 10 gm coke can stove.. Now made the move to cold soak.. Wow!! Wish I had done this from the start, would have saved a fortune on wasted stove set ups... Ok I don't need a coffee hit... 😉
Took a different approach Svea123r - old skool kit has never let me down - pricey now but I got few years ago - won't boil in that time but they took them up Everest - - pretty much bomb proof brass unit , Trangia bottle with Coleman gas and sourced a stainless kettle measured to nest /fit the Svea -
and Oex definitely of the 2 - it's all about the wind
The svea 123 is a work of art compared to these jet boil thingies. A great stove and such fun to use.
👍
I just tried this with my original trangia burner & a heat exchanger kettle, 400ml took 2:15mins.
I’ve looked at jet boil loads of times but I’ve settled on a fire maple x2 available in a few colours boiling 0.5L in 2.10-2.30 minutes depending on conditions
Just bought the Planet X version of this, cost £23 on offer at the moment. It looks good for the money!
Informative video. Nice to have comments enabled once more.
Great piece of kit in my kitchen. Go outdoors collapsible cup fits on bottom. Lid not very secure when hot pouring
You are the camping man Paul. 😊
My perspective? for the price point a better quality bag and a gas cannister stand should be included, it also wouldnt be too much to expect a clear drinking cup to fit over the bottom section similar to the zip or the msr trail solo mini cook set. The included ignitor is good but to be fair the Planet X stove comes with more for less money at equal quality.
Thanks for comparing these for us Paul. Really surprising. Hat off to OEX for accomplishing a shorter boil time at half the price!
Bought one , very impressed !
Can't comment on the OEX but I've had a Jetboil since 2010 and it's never let me down, so to me it was worth the initial outlay. As for boil times, I don't go out into the hills to stress about how long my brew will take, what's the point? Nice impartial review though.
Thanks for this thoughtful and clear review. With the Jetboil costing around twice the price of its OXE latest rival, and having no built-in ignition, its now priced itself out of the market. I wonder what the next innovation will be in these portable stoves?
Well its easy to make them cheaper when they're made in China with child labor LOL
Wonder if the pot support off theTonaka will fit straight on ? Find the Tonaka just that bit heavy but this seems a lot lighter..with my YHA discount could get this for under £40 quid so a no brainer for me
Looks as though the OEX might be more efficient and perform better in the wind. For me efficiency is the most important feature as I tend to do longer trips why carry two gas canisters when you can get by with two, does it simmer ok?
That OEX looks great, excellent comparison video, thanks 👍🏻
Great review. I’m in the market for a replacement for my newish Jetboil flash which I’ve fallen out of love with.
If I was in the market now then the OEXis a no brainer isn’t it.
I am surprised the pot stand was extra for the Jetboil, I have both the Zip and the slightly bigger Flash and both came with the pot stand and gas stand.
Im happy with the fire maple x2 they all seem pretty much alike
wow great vid. 🌞👍 but the FireMaple x2 hard to beat, fits inside 250gr. can and uses very little gas (1.8w) apr.5gr. to boil 1 liter of water 😃 even jetboil sleeps 😁😁
Just purchased the Heiro on this videos recommendation.
Your video made me purchase the OEX 👍👍👍