Katadyn Optimus Nova

2 Responses to “ Katadyn Optimus Nova ”

1. J. Porter
   February 8, 2010 at 8:12 pm

   Optimus Nova (not a Nova plus )
   
   I’ve used various stoves for many years.
   
   Purchased 1-3-2010. I’ve practiced using it to make sure it would work. The pump leather was a little too small. Would still pump but had flipped over backwards. I’d bought the spares kit
   
   so I replaced it. While using it here at home I
   
   scuffed the O- ring on the cable-pump connection.
   
   (this stove has it on the male cable end). There was one extra with the stove and one in the spares kit(that I purchsed separately). Now I have one left. SO THE O-RING MUST BE GREASED PLENTY EACH TIME IT’S CONNECTED. EVEN THEN YOU HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE CONNECTION (have had the same issue with MSR stoves as well). Katadyne USA has taken over customer service from A and H. I didn’t send the stove back. Emailed Katadyne to get some extra O- rings and a pump leather on 1-12-10. Today (2-2-10) I checked back again and was informed it would be
   
   another 6 weeks minimum (I had offered to pay extra for a special order even though it is in warranty.) That is the reason for the 2 stars.
   
   The stove seems to work fine. If seems to work best turning it up a half turn quickly after the burner is lit. Have used it a half dozen times in the field with no problems. I would not take this on a lengthy trip without several extra o-rings
   
   for the cable-pump connection. This stove is still probably the best of it’s breed which is why I decided to keep it. If you don’t need the extra BTU’s or the multifuel option stick with the Optimus SVEA 123R. They are pretty much trouble free and will still be my main stove.
   
   If Katadyne gets their act together with spare parts, I could recommend the stove. Otherwise
   
   it is a deal breaker as far as I’m concerned.
   
   —————————————————–
   Rating: 2 / 5
2. Brent Fremming
   February 8, 2010 at 9:22 pm

   This stove serves specific needs. If your need is to travel really light and fast, are at low altitudes, merely want to heat your food and run, or heat your water and dump it into a grub bag, this is overkill.

   There are alternate multifuel stoves both (Primus, MSR Whisperlite, and Coleman) but each has it’s own problems. There have been safety concerns with Coleman. Others swear by Svea, but I do not have experience with that one.

   The Optimus Nova used to be a Brunton product, and had a full metal plunger and housing. This is my item and I own, and I will put up an image shortly. Mine does not have the convenient hose-twist as the Optimus Nova Plus now does, but it is extremely sturdy. The previous device had a purge application (which I assume is still the case) wherein you lay the bottle on the “off” side to expend gas pressure following use and remove the hose for packing. As others have stated, there are several o-rings and parts which should be carried on the case of failure.

   My stove is sturdy and even. I cannot say this for the MSR whisperlight as it was always shaky. Additionally, a simmer adjustment on that stove was a joke. Similarly, this stove rocks over the MSR dragonfly in it’s compactibility and performance.

   Apparenly, the old pump and priming mechanisms were made better than they are now. I cannot speak to the manufacturing quality since the company was purchased by Katadyn. While I cannot speak on this company insofar as stoves, but have been pleased with their assumption responsibility over the “Pur” water filter brand.

   I demand a quality device that rarely fails, and can be repaired if it does. This device will burn almost any kind of fuel, and can be shipped to a destination prior to excursions. Compressed fuel stoves are a mistake in this regard. Stoves that handle liquid and compressed gas rarely do both well. This device is not the lightest, and is loud. However, the simmer control is excellent, and the high power is tremendous.

   An argument made against the stove regarding the lack of repair items available. True enough, you need to order these pieces before your trip via mail. One commenter lamented the lack of parts available on the AT at various stops. However, you can forgot having any parts available for any stove in 99 percent of your backcountry destinations.

   I did not give the stove 5 stars due to my inability to completely disassemble it for cleaning and repair. There may be a trick I am missing, but I can’t quite get the simmer valve stem through the notch. Part of it may unscrew and mine simply does not.

   I cook a lot, and demand a fair amount of versatility on the trail. I bring a tin pie dish for fish I catch, and pack a older Evernew pot set (REI bought this company I believe), within which I use a Bake-packer grid and prepare quick breads within glad bags. I need a good stove with sustained and controlled heat. This stove is a proven tool, but you have to know your gear (f your pump leather goes dry you need to oil it, etc.). Good luck.
   Rating: 4 / 5