MSR Pocket Rocket Battle - Which Model Pocket Rocket is the BEST? 

I own all three stoves. For the novice, the PRD is by far the easiest stove to use. The pressure regulator makes the flame control across all gas levels in the canister predictable. This can be important for long simmers as well as optimizing fuel efficiency. As you use your stoves more, you get use to the output sound and can make adjustments. This is important when you have a partially fill canister in cold weather, as you consume gas, the canister temperature drops (along with the internal pressure). This forces you to pay attention to the stove output and make adjustments as needed. With the PRD, you really don't have to think about it because the pressure regulator does most of the work for you. My 2 cents..

As others have said, GREAT review, but real-world conditions would be good. And that means a breeze. Also, the Deluxe, I believe, has a regulator (like the Soto Windmaster, which the Deluxe is a pretty good knockoff/alternative to)... and that means better performance when cannister pressure is less than ideal (cold, or with a near-empty tank). Also, for those thinking that having a plastic storage case is a big deal, that is DEFINITELY a personal preference. Me? No, I prefer a soft pouch, as that fits better in my nested kit (650mL Ti cup/pot with a 450mL double wall Ti cup inside, then the stove and lighter inside the cup... VERY compact set up).

I've been using the original version for nearly 20 years and it's still going strong. You can also fit a mini Bic lighter in the triangular case (or a small fire steel). Have bought lots of MSR gear over the years on the strength of the pocket rocket and all has been reliable which is important in the outback. Good company.

I personally like the first gen the most. Least parts that can break or wear over time, it's such a simple system and it just works. Also love the case is so space efficient -and again made in a way where nothing can break or wear over time. It's why they never had to rework it in nearly 20 years. To me, it's the ultimate micro stove from a time where simple truly was better. Also I'm not sure if it's standard on newer models, but my original gen1 pocket rocket came with an independent piezo igniter (also carried in the case together with the stove), so you didn't have to use a lighter for it. Used the system out in the French alps on many high alpine hikes to boil water and cook food, it's so reliable and always gets the job done. I haven't tried the gen2 out for myself, what I'm most impressed with is how much gas it saves, is if it truly is more fuel efficient to that degree. But the original has a charm that the newer ones don't quite match. Maybe I'm just old fashioned and nostalgic about it haha.

Always informative reviews Dr. Ernie. Thanks again

Nice review for someone who is on the fence about these three stoves. I bought the Soto Windmaster on your recommendation and love it. Keep up the great videos, Ernie!!

Love this video. Learned a lot. Need more like this. Come back!!!!!

Great video! I would way say real world usage might net different results. Wind is a huge problem for these stoves and if I had to guess, the PR Deluxe comes out ahead if used during breezy/windy conditions. I own all of these stoves and the Soto Windmaster is still my favorite. Thanks again for the great content!

One reviewer showed that the PRO wind screen lip allowed the stove to boil water in strong winds, while the 2 did not allow the water to boil at all.

Thank you again for another great video. You've helped me so much!

I always come back to your vids when looking for a new stove. This will be the one I will buy. as always thanks for your reviews on gear. keep-em coming. Take care and god bless..

My MSR pocket deluxe boils 1 cup of water with Optimus Terra pot in under 1 minute! It’s utterly fantastic!

I got the original in my E kit. I can"t believe it's been years since I set up my bag.

I like my Pocket Rocket Deluxe. Piezo igniter is great and soft case is packable and will not break over time. It is very well made. Would like better wind performance in these types of stoves though.

One thing to keep in mind is that the pocket rocket 2 is unregulated where the deluxe is regulated. that means it will perform better at higher altitudes and in the cold

Doc, I have used the original for several years and it's hard to beat in my opinion. Of course I'm old and I don't replace things until they're wore out. Backpacked several trails up north from flat lands to mountainous terrain and it's never been a problem to light in any weather...so far. I do strongly agree with you on hard cases...it's definitely a must.

Thanks for the video. I've watched your pocket rocket 2 review before and it convinced me that I needed one. I actually just ordered it and then saw this review, glad you were very convincing that the pocket rocket deluxe was not worth the extra money! lol, but again, great reviews!

Excellent review. Thank you.

Great comparison vid

Got the deluxe after my snow peak titanium and I like it. The simmer control is worse but boiling water is much faster and consistent. In a light breeze no windscreen it does a good job. I think the case, regulator and wide burner are subjective. The case makes it able to fit in pots and cups more easily for storage, it's actually quite a thick and durable pouch with a silicone rubber treatment in the inside or some kinda of rubberized treatment, so for me that's a plus. The wide burner offers very consistent performance in many weather conditions. The regulator is very handy in colder climates when the tank is mostly liquid with low pressure again making it consistent. We used one on a trip in the higher 20 F/ -5 C and it was great! Is that cold enough to not make regular un-regulated stoves work, not at all but again the boil was surprisingly fast and consistent. So with that extra money your getting that very lvl experience and get a super solid 3 season or 4 season stove depending on where you live. Also those very sturdy pot supports that fold out on both the PR2 and PRD are so good. The snow peak had those ones that fan out in a circle and every time you moved the pot or a pan they would close or shift making it unstable super annoying and a huge pain. The trade off again is weight but this is my winter stove and most winter stuff is a a weight penalty. My summer stove is a GSI Pinnacle. Which is Lighter and more compact also super nice build quality and a beautiful stove. I'm hoping to pick up the Pinnacle 4 season for some really really cold winter camping. Reason for not getting a a liquid Multi fuel stove is weight. I refill my butane iso canisters so don't need a huge fuel bottle with pump etc. As always great video! Can't wait for the lixada vs toaks as I also just ordered the lixada from Ali express 🤣. Happy trails everyone!!

Thanks Doc!

Two things for me. The soft case for the deluxe is a plus for me as it can pack into confined space easier, like the belt pocket on my backpack. The piezo igniter is a huge plus for me, also, but the extra weight isn't an issue. I have the original pocket rocket and your review is sending me to buy the deluxe. I only use mine when hiking fast and light (lunch, breakfast) and that is where the deluxe will shine. I won't have to dig out matches or a ferro rod to get it lit. At a campsite I use a campfire, or my Trangia 27, for cooking.

You missed the primary difference of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe in that it has a pressure regulating valve rather than a simple needle valve. To appreciate the benefit you would need to test across the life of the canister (in theory it performs more consistently as the bottle nears to empty) and across temperature ranges (in theory it performs more consistently at lower temperatures). Regarding the cases, it's interesting that you have such a strong opinion about the plastic vs soft cases, but you don't describe why. Do you actually carry the stoves in the cases? Have you had issues with stoves getting damaged in a soft case? Or is just a point of aesthetics and preference?

I really appreciate you're opinion, we agree on many things lol Looking forward to more. Thanks

Thank you for this video

Love my pocket rocket 2. Came to the same conclusions you did before purchasing. It fits perfectly inside a titan kettle with a small iso can and a bic

Thanks, I was fixing to purchase a Pocket Rocket, you definitely helped me make up my mind on which to buy.

I noticed that you didn't mention the pressure regulator on the pocket rocket deluxe, THE biggest benefit of paying more money for it especially, this feature will make the stove burn great even with an almost empty canister or in cold weather

Still using my original PR. Don’t really have a pressing reason to change, but might go for the PR2, just because 😉

Whenever one of my scouts asks for a stove recommendation the pocket rocket is my first choice. It's simple, easy and cost effective. I'm happy to see that MSR is keeping this stove alive and competitive with the upgrades.

I have all of them and I like them all they all have a purpose and a place

Honestly, after acquiring a small collection of canister stoves (including from MSR), I've decided that smaller is better. Legs that fold up and down are fine if you're using small and lightweight titanium pots/mugs with them. And completely avoid any canister stoves where part of the legs fold in on themselves. (Such as the Snow Peak LiteMax stove.) Always and always, one of the 3 or 4 legs will be far too loose when they fold in and out; and one will be unbelievably stiff to fold in or out. Heck, even Snow Peak realized this, and they've discontinued the LiteMax. (Though I will say I absolutely love my titanium Giga Power stove from Snow Peak.) Still have my original MSR Pocket Rocket. Despite the size, it's still a great stove. I like the looks of the Pocket Rocket 2. Zero desire to get the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. Honestly, compared to the 2, the Deluxe in most ways just seems inferior.

Nice review. I prefer soft cases as they weigh less which when you’re carrying it matters a lot. Guess this was MSR’s thinking.

*FUCK YEA!* This is the face off we all been waitin for!

I agree on case quality. I use the right size peanut butter jars as cases, which are almost unbreakable and offer lots of protection. They will also outlast the "forever" hinge on the Pocket Rocket 2 case.

Thanks

I bought a pocket rocket 2 and I enjoy using it.

Good Comparison 👍

I agree. 👍

Deluxe and v2 are comparable at sea level and warm temperatures but for those above the Mason-Dixon in latitude or altitude there’s simply no comparison. Regulator wins. Every. Single. Time. Especially if connected to a Windmaster 🤓

I actually recently sold my pocket rocket 2 stove. Not sure if i got a dud but i had problems with mine especially the connection point to the cannister. It sprayed fuel like crazy taking it on and off the cannisters whereas the original pocket rocket had a much better seal imo. My only other complaint wasnt with the stove but that stove kit itself. I bought the entire kit and the cook pot it came with i wasnt a fan of either. The rubber hand protection around the pot would slide down constantly and still burn your hand when handling the pot when semi hot. The pot gripper seemed cheap. The bag it came with was kinda hard to get pot in and out of. I just purchased the deluxe. Built in ignighter is a win for me and it can be used in very cold temps hence the regulator. I guess everyones experiences are different. Hoping this deluxe version works out if not i will switch from msr all together with either the Soto windmaster of the jetboil stash?... Hike on!!

You're definitely serious about your stoves!!!! Wow!😂

Where do you get your thermometer timer at

I still want the newest one for my main stove and the PR 2 for my spare

Totally agree with Ernie on this.

The Deluxe can compete with the Soto Windmaster in windy conditions, can the Pocket Rocket 1 and 2?

Also worth to mention that the deluxe is better in windy conditions

When it is cold or windy, they really differ a lot.

Nice.

What ever happened to Hiram Cook?

🙏🏼

While i think all 3 are great i believe all 3 are out of my budget. Awesome reviews tho bud

I have a random question from left field. What type of torch lighter are you using??

Pocket rocket to wins in my opinion great video mate

i just wanna know what stove you've never used but really want to! I was personally suprised by how much i love the coleman 428 :P

Burn time at what flame height? Full blast or very low simmer?

He neglected to mention that the Deluxe has a regulator for better performance in colder weather. MOST of us pack our stove in our pot, and alot of us carry around the stanley SS pot. IF you want to nest a fuel canister in your pot WITH your PR or PR2, you have to remove them from the case, NOT so with the PRD. So...for better fuel consumption, better wind protection, better cold weather and high altitude performance.The PRD is your best bet, AND you dont have to ditch a plastic case, unless you plan to repurpose it for small items storage.

I made the mistake of typing "pocket rocket" into my search engine.... make sure to add the MSR part on there. Yikes.

👍

Piezoelectric on the deluxe right?

🌲🦌🌲 thank you for posting your video today stay safe and healthy 🌲🦅

I would love for you to test different settings on ONE stove. Reason is the wide open setting is likely not the most efficient. meaning BTU output per gram of isobutane. I don't think you are adjusting the flame properly.

I have the original Pocket Rocket....but I always favored the Snow Peak GigaPower and the Optimus Crux. It's in pristine condition.

Should have included the micro rocket also!

I will rarely run a stove on high. It is so much more efficient on medium!

PR OG FTW!

What about wind resistance?

but what about the microrocket? I love that one, it my favorite one so far

There were so many copies of the original before manufacturing was standard in China At a much lower price

I have a pocket rocket and it’s different to all three of those. Think it’s an earlier rendition of the 2.

I agree 2.0

Share your Pocket Rocket or stove photos when out and about with our community: www.reddit.com/r/WildStove/

Please can you do a review on the Goshawk multifuel stove please? Kindest regards, Ant...

Have the pocket rocket 2 love mine feel No need to upgrade

Original is the sturdiest. Newer ones are flimsy.

Msr 2 is my favorite

The best MSR pocket-rocket is the SOTO Windmaster. :) (But seriously. It is.)

Hey Ernie,,,, Hear’s a legitimate Question,,, How about using Your 3D printer,, and make a plastic case for the Soto Windmaster,,,????? Or even your MSR pocket rocket deluxe. Joshua

*WHOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAA!* YOU JUS HOLD ON THERE BOI! In this vid the PR OG was faster and more economical than the PR2… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8TOE40YEWqg.html Wagwan!?

Try fire maple polaris it can compete with this. Expensive msr stoves🤭

A konyhából tartani egy bemutatót???? Menj ki a terepre az erdőbe, és szélbe próbáld ki ezeket és már ott látod mennyire a harmadik a Deluxe a nyerő, mert van rajta szélfogó. Vagy, ha mégis otthonról a kanapéról számolsz be a gázégőkről, kapcsolj egy ventillátort, jó erőset! Hajrá!

Got my girlfriend one of these she was terribly upset. She says it’s not the pocket rocket she wanted

See your pharmacist, some of the bigger pill bottles will probably fit as a lightweight plastic case, for a buck. Free if they know you.

WIND TEST I’m sticking with no1

The original and PR2 are garbage. The Snowpeak Gigapower is massively superior.

Maybe time to move on from the stoves??

Wrong the Original Pocket Rocket Stove is the absolute best and has the best Case that will last much longer than the Pocket Rocket 2 Stove without a DOUBT ! 👎👎👎