Jetboil Design Flaw?

[Where's Bruce?]

I keep experiencing the same problem with ignition failures on my Jetboils...and no, bending the sucker doesn't fix it. Is it just me and my bad luck or have you experienced this? Four units and four failures leads me to conclude JB may have a design flaw. Am I alone?

 

[Hootsma]

Are you using jetboil fuel or another brand? I experienced ignition issues with MSR fuel. Once I went back to jetboil fuel, the issues went away.

 

[PMcGee]

I've used mine the last 2 years with no problems.

 

[5MilesBack]

My Jetboil Sol hasn't started on it's own since the day I bought it. I have to manually light it every time using Jetboil fuel.

 

[weaver]

Mine works sporadically at best.....just use a lighter.

 

[bjaegers]

Mine used to light with the igniter but now use a Bic.

It did something real interesting the other week. It started engulfing it's self in a fire ball, I picked it up and tried to turn down the fuel. This wasn't going so well and I though this would suck being solo if this happened to burst in my face so I chucked it. The flame went out and I have used it since. This type of fuel is affected by the cold and altitude so I don't think it was burning supper well. I have been told White Gas is supposed to work better in altitude and cold.

 

[Shrek]

I don't have the jet boil but a primus and after sleeping with my fuel to keep it warm I think I'm going to buy an omnifuel and keep the canister fuel stove for warmer weather. The cold hunk of metal in my sleeping bag sucks.

 

[Xtorminator]

Mine has worked like a champ for the last two years.

 

[Vance in AK]

Mine will never fail. I went with the Zip which has no igniter. I knew I would never trust an igniter enough to leave a lighting source at home so I just saved $10. & a tenth of an ounce & went without. I keep my flint & steel in the cup on the bottom alongside the French press.....

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

bjaegers- Sounds like you have a dirty orriface. OK i had to laugh a second there. Dissasemble and soak in alcohol. Awesome little devices but I stopped using mine awhile ago for similar reasons.

 

[wapitibob]

Mine hasn't taken more than 2 clicks ever.
Take it back to rei.....

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I use JB fuel and altitude is not the issue, happens at sea level too.

 

[ckleeves]

My Jetboil Sol hasn't started on it's own since the day I bought it. I have to manually light it every time using Jetboil fuel.

Mine has never worked either. One of the many reasons I'm not terribly impressed with JB.

 

[Shrek]

My Primus ETA's ignition has alway worked. Cold fuel has taken a couple of clicks is all. I keep hearing design and quality control problems about JB's. Ignitions not working and heat rings melting off if you try to melt snow. Seems to me MSR and PrimusKe better quality stoves. Glade I didn't buy a Jetboil.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I've used my Jetboil Sol ti for two years without issue. I've used it in the summer and in winter and it seems to work great always.