The parent company of VC is Hearth and Home technology and they also own Quadrafire stoves. Beware as dealers still have inventory and may not advise of the discontinuance.
VC dauntless Flexburn discontinued Feb. 2025
- Thread starter PJMmaddy
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There were so many problems with this stove that I would presume any new model would be completely redesigned.
Just checked the website and a new model called the Dauntless-C is now available...
C stands for Cat. It could be that they just stopped selling it as a 2n1 stove and only sell it with the catalyst now. Most of the issues reported here were with its tempermental behavior running as a non-cat.
It's a great little stove when running with the Cat. I have had zero issues with this stove since installing the cat. Sure it takes a little effort to learn about wood type and quality, moisture content and burning temps, but what stove doesn't!
As a former completely disatisfied Dauntless owner whom experienced, chimney build up, uncontrollably burns, cracked glass, chipped enamel, jammed/bent damper rod, odd back puffing from the top loader I'm not surprised this company is discontinuing the dauntless. VC should refund all customers that purchased this boat anchor model. Yes, I had the cat installed as well. Also, I would not be surprised if a class action suit is pursued.
I needed a good laugh.. thanks man.. this is it..this is what I needed
Good afternoon,
Sounds like a skill issue.......
I've been super happy with mine. It is particular on running but its not "hard" or "impossible" and demands dry firewood. I don't have a CAT in it either. You do have to close the bypass. It WILL run away if left in bypass. Skilzz....
I spoke with the local dealer and they indicated it was pulled possibly due to a dispute over its certification with another manufacturer. This stands to reason as it is re-certified as CAT only stove with VERY conservative ratings. Truth is its probably much closer to reality as many (all??) stove's performance ratings seem optimistic. Reading the manual it sounds like the same old stove, just with a different certification. The manual still even mentions the CAT is not "required". As long as I can get parts someday, I'm a happy camper
![[Hearth.com] VC dauntless Flexburn discontinued Feb. 2025](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/342/342793-0c0f6a998d088b5992453b18e6b17589.jpg?hash=2mI1zO46PQ "[Hearth.com] VC dauntless Flexburn discontinued Feb. 2025")
![[Hearth.com] VC dauntless Flexburn discontinued Feb. 2025](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/342/342794-e8ee32ab9340781ef569f66f6cbb0be0.jpg?hash=f6O9StOyX4 "[Hearth.com] VC dauntless Flexburn discontinued Feb. 2025")
Sounds like a skill issue.......
I've been super happy with mine. It is particular on running but its not "hard" or "impossible" and demands dry firewood. I don't have a CAT in it either. You do have to close the bypass. It WILL run away if left in bypass. Skilzz....
I spoke with the local dealer and they indicated it was pulled possibly due to a dispute over its certification with another manufacturer. This stands to reason as it is re-certified as CAT only stove with VERY conservative ratings. Truth is its probably much closer to reality as many (all??) stove's performance ratings seem optimistic. Reading the manual it sounds like the same old stove, just with a different certification. The manual still even mentions the CAT is not "required". As long as I can get parts someday, I'm a happy camper
I can't think of a skill level that would prevent a cracked glass or bent damper rod preventing damper operation, these stoves are junk!
VC doesn't make the glass, but sometimes overtightening the clamps can crack it. So can a hit with a poker. The bent damper rod can be a defect, though I think they are stainless now? It's very uncommon. Overfiring however can cause havoc with internal components in the flue path.
Definitely skill level
Hope you got rid of yours.. don't you think it's time for you to move on.
After using dauntless for almost 2 years, I offer the following:
Pros: long even burning w(o catalytic.
Asthetically pleasing
Easy ash removal
Cons: stove will puff on reloads if coals. are not burned long enough Stove could have better air. supply
Pros: long even burning w(o catalytic.
Asthetically pleasing
Easy ash removal
Cons: stove will puff on reloads if coals. are not burned long enough Stove could have better air. supply
Mine puffs once in awhile, but only because I was too impatient to wait for the coal bed to build up.
I am burning considerably less wood with the combustor installed with longer consistent heat output.
And it's hugely less stressful with the CAT installed.
Also my local VC dealer told me that they had to discontinue the marketing of the Flexburn because of emissions standards. Now the Dauntless comes standard with the CAT.
