Actually, the Whisperlite Universal (WLU) has everything you've listed (except the titanium). It's lighter, quieter, cheaper, and it does indeed work with an Omnifuel pump. In fact, it should work with any fuel pump with a male 7/16" UNEF threaded connector (the type found on standard threaded canisters such as those from MSR, Primus, Jetboil, etc.)

I took out my Omnifuel and the WLU earlier this evening. I pulled the pump from the Omni, hooked it up to the canister attachment of the WLU, and off I went. I actually got the best simmer (using white gasoline) on this arrangement that I've seen on any Whisperlite since the shaker jet was introduced. For whatever reason, the pre-shaker jet Whisperlite was a better simmering stove, but the WLU comes darned close. Running the WLU on liquid fuel with the MSR canister adapter was really sweet. The MSR canister adapter turns very smoothly. I could pretty easily dial in that flame, within the limits of the stove. On kerosene, the stove doesn't simmer worth beans.

Definitely quieter. A lot quieter.

Photos to follow,

HJ

Thanks for the review once again. How does the Whisperlite Universal compare for noise volume if using an Omnidawg cap? Do you also know the BTU rating for both i.e. the Whisperlite Universal versus the Omnifuel + Omnidawg. I'm still trying to convince myself the extra weight penalty of the Omnifuel + Omnidawg setup is still worthwhile when used for white gas (coleman fuel) operation at very low temperatures for melting snow and ice with an Etapower pot

The Whisperlite Universal looks to be a very nice all round compromise though for performance, weight, use of various fuels etc i.e. A great all rounder. A titanium version sold on its own allowing the customer to choose the external pump/fuel bottle setup of their choice (if they decide cartridge gas doesn't cut the mustard for low temperature operation or expedition unavailability as a later date purchase), I'm sure would be a popular addition to the MSR line up.

If you've got an OmniDawg cap and a Primus Omnifuel, stick with that combination. As much as I think MSR has done a super job with the new WLU, the Omnifuel is still the better stove, and with an OmniDawg it is as quiet or quieter than a Whisperlite. There are however drawbacks to the OmniDawg, not with the product itself (hardly!), but rather with cost and availability. OmniDawg's are made by hand by one individual in his non-commercial shop when he has time, and they can cost double the price of the stove or more. People who have seen one of the "Dawg" line of caps go nuts for the amazing craftsmanship, and they really reduce the volume of sound, but that (plus limited availability) drive the price up. I have an acquaintance who is a machinist, and his jaw dropped in amazement when I showed him a DragonTamer (the DragonTamer is to the MSR DragonFly what the OmniDawg is to the Primus Omnifuel).

HJ

I don't think anyone knows either BTU rating. The Omnifuel + OmniDawg cap is a custom modification. I've talked to several people whose opinion I respect who are fellow stove collectors. The consensus is that the OmniDawg does increase the output of the Omnifuel, but by how much is anyone's guess.

Probably MSR has a BTU rating for the Whisperlite, but I'm not privy to that information.

If I had to guess, I'd guess that a WLU puts out about 11,000 BTU, and that an Omnifuel with an OmniDawg puts out about 12,000 BTU. That is just a (somewhat) educated guess.

HJ

That's sort of my take on the stove. If one is a "I just need to melt snow and boil water" hard-core mountaineer, the XGK with its battle-tested hardiness will still be a good choice, but for many the versatility, price, and features of the WLU will make the new Whisperlite a popular choice.

I ran more tests yesterday morning. I have to say that the new Whisperlite, the WLU, is the best valve-at-the-fuel-bottle simmering stove that I've seen from MSR. No, it doesn't simmer like a valve-at-the-burner-stove such as an Omnifuel or a Dragonfly, but the WLU has a pretty controllable flame for what it is and is much improved when compared to the current Whisperlite Classic and Whisperlite Internationale.

HJ

And, as promised, photos of an MSR stove (WLU) running with an Omnifuel pump.

All hooked up.


All fired up.


Just about tea time.


It's tea time, baby!


Breakfast is served!


Now, you must excuse me. I'm really quite hungry.


HJ