Optimus No. 8R Hunter

Review Date
January 9, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: mark1971 ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Got this stove as a gift while I was a young teen. This stove is indestructible and wonderful. My only regret is that it is not really suitable for taking on a plane, using (and smelling) like petrol even when empty. Pump is mandatory unless you plan to have a LONG appetiser.

Customer Service:
Not required.

Similar Products Used:
Campingaz 270, MSR Superfly

Review Date
November 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Dolamyte(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Given

Summary:
I'm 19 and for a living i am a packer and while on a pack job its not to uncommon for a customer to not want something and give it to us or throw it away. The other day i was working and the customer was bringing down some old items that he no longer wanted. Most of them were pictures and stereo equipment but then he brought this down and asked if i would like it and i jumped all over it. He didnt tell me anything about it and this thing is old. From what i can deduce and from some research it seams to be an early 60's model. It has more rust than anything esle so i have decided to sand and repaint it with satin black bbq paint but leave the brightwork alone. He did say that he hadnt used it in more than 20 years and i brought it home and the next day light it up with the same fuel that has been in it all these years. It wasnt a problem it came to life without a hitch. Man these things are cool and from what I've read they last forever. This wont be something that just sits in a cupboard or atic, i plan on useing it extensively, as i spend a lot of time in Colorado and Montana at more then 4,000m Hunting and Camping most of the year. I cant wait to really put it to the test. I have no reason to think that i would perform less then amazing.

Customer Service:
NONE. No kit no manual no calling them. I am going to try and get a manual for it but this thing is so simple i dont really need one. I would like to get a pump for it so if anyone knows where i can get one please let me know it would be much appreciated.

Review Date
November 11, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Luke(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $0.00 at found

Summary:
Found my 8R several years ago in an old cupboard whilst doing a vacation job at my local university. I was told to take it otherwise it would be trash. It did look a bit worse for wear and went unused for about a year but dug it out when my MSR died. Fired it up in my shed - worked straight away. I cleaned it up and replaced a graphite packing ring. Have since used on many climbing trips in Scotland, Spain, France and New Zealand. Keep meaning to get a modern lightweight stove but am too attached to this slightly heavy but reliable friend.

Customer Service:
"Base Camp" - LITTLEHAMPTON, E SUSSEX UK

Review Date
November 1, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: cooler(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $16.00 at Ebay

Summary:
I got mine used. It looked quite old. I had to sand it and repaint it with heat-resistant paint, so I did not have to lose my appetite looking at it, while trying to cook.

Unlike Svea 123 type, 8R requires a pump. Without a pump, you tend to watch the dandelion grow near your camp site, while you are trying to boil water. Don't leave home without a pump, if you are going to use 8R for your camping. Otherwise, it is a very reliable one to use, once you get the knack of priming the burner.

With a pump, priming becomes so easy. You pump 3-4 times, open up the valve, let it trickle and fill the cup half way, shut it off, ignite, wait a while, then fully open. Roar! That simple. Without a pump, you may need to try priming 2-3 times, if the weather is cold or windy. Not a good thing, if you want something hot soon.

8R's fuel tank is rather small, and with a pump, expect it to last only 40 minutes at full throttle. 8R is definitely for single individual camping, and it serves that purpose very well.

Customer Service:
Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:
Svea 123

Review Date
October 27, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: hammsdrifter(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
If you are a stove nut this is a cool one to add to your collection. It is small,compact and is built to last. Unfortunatly its boil times are a joke, any slight breeze affects the flame, and without the pump or some other priming tool getting fuel in the priming cup with gloves on in very cold weather is impossible. I have had mine for 15 yrs and like it because it is reliable and different, but with the quicker, lighter stoves out there, there is no reason to have this as your primary backpacking stove. It makes a great back-up.