Cascade Designs Delays its MSR Reactor Stove System Release

Stringent Testing Protocol Results in Minor Design Adjustment

SEATTLE, Washington – MSR (Mountain Safety Research), the Seattle-based manufacturer of proven backcountry gear for demanding users, today announced that the MSR Reactor Stove System, previously scheduled for release in spring of 2007 is not ready for release yet. The MSR Reactor stove – which will be the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient windproof stove system available – is able to boil one liter of water in less than three minutes. The stove has been highly anticipated due to early press coverage, awards, and enthusiastic reviews from prototype testers.

The MSR Reactor Stove System design features radical, patent-pending technology including a convective and radiant heat burner, and an internal pressure regulator. As Seattle-based production increased and stoves were put through MSR’s stringent testing protocols, the majority of units met demanding test standards; however, a minority fell short of a particular worst-case combustion condition test, and produced higher than desired levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of all fuel-burning stoves, and although the elevated levels produced by the Reactor would have posed little appreciable CO risk to those using the stove as directed, MSR nevertheless elected to further hone the Reactor stove design so that it consistently meets the testing standard.

“We’re all very disappointed that we’ve been unable to meet our previous ship date commitment, and are sorry for letting so many down,” said Ken Meidell, Outdoor Group Vice-President of Cascade Designs, parent company of the MSR brand. “But we have always worked by high technical standards and will not compromise on the quality and consistency of our products.”

Production of the Reactor Stove System has resumed, and the validation testing will be repeated. The company is declining to communicate a firm shipping date, and recommends checking the website at www.msrgear.com for updates.

About MSR (Mountain Safety Research):
MSR, one of Cascade Designs’ flagship brands, has been engineering the most reliable, high-performance outdoor gear on the market for over 35 years. Our commitment to quality manufacturing and innovation ensures our customers are outfitted with the finest gear available for outdoor and military use. MSR product lines include stoves and fuel, cookware, water filters and purifiers, hydration bags, tents, snowshoes, and camp towels.

For more information on MSR, call 1-800-531-9531 or visit www.msrgear.com.

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