Optimus Climber Svea 123R Stove

Review Date
July 1, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: George(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $78.00 at Ebay

Summary:
This is a rock solid reliable classic petrol burner. 19oz of classic brass simple and reliable. A bit heavier than some of the newer Ti white gas, iso or alky stoves, but my favorite. I pack it in a 1l Al coffee perk (Open Country), add an MSR 11oz fuel bottle and I am set for a long weekend. Never has let me down.

RTFM (Read the Fabulous Manual) and the stove will serve you well. The key to this stove is to learn to prime properly. Always open the fuel tank before you start (equalize tank and outside pressure) and never fill more than 2/3rds full. Next presurize the tank by applying heat (body heat or by priming). Lastly preheat (prime) the burner with a splash of petrol. Turn the fuel valve on just before the prime burns out and you are cooking with gas.

I add an eyedropper to the stove (for priming) and a pour spout to the MSR fuel bottle (eliminate the need for a funnel) to round out the package. I don't use the Al pot(cup/handle) that came with the stove and add my own plastic bowl and cup.

Boil 1l of water twice a day; half goes into the coffee(AM)/Tea(PM) and the other half into the meal.

Customer Service:
Simple, reliable, never broke, easy to fix, parts still available, valve key is a multi wrench. Buy the field service kit (won't need it).

Similar Products Used:
Optimus 96, 8R; Coleman 400, 442, 445, 533, 550, Apollo, Fyrestorm; MSR Wisperlite, Simmerlite, Dragonfly, Reactor(iso), Rapidfire(iso); Snowpeak GS100 (iso), Bushbuddy(wood), Spenton(wood), Caldera(Alky) and various others.

Review Date
May 10, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Virgil Determan(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper

Price Paid:  $35.00 at ?

Summary:
I have used my 123 since the mid 70's and must say it has never failed to light. I have a Nova I purchased a few years ago and started to use the Nova. Low and behold one day it would not work I was lucky I had my trusty 123 in my camp box. This little unit is the very best you can buy. You can spend more money and maybe cook a little faster but if you want to be sure your meal will be hot tonight you need a 123 avilable. Buy a 123 and you will not need another stove.

Customer Service:
I have never used customer service for my 123 but I have for a brunton lantern and they were quick and knowlageable.

Similar Products Used:
nova, have not needed anything else

Review Date
October 16, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve McIntosh(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $68.00

Summary:
Absolutely dynamite piece of equipment that has NEVER EVER failed to light. I've had my stove (actually it's an earlier 123) for over 20 years and it's still going strong. I have never had to do any field maintenance and just ordered, for the first time ever, a maintenance kit just because I saw a little flameout near the valve, a simple replacement of an O ring should make it good as new. We also have MSR, Coleman (yechch) and have had a variety of cartridge stoves. This one gets my vote for best ever.

Review Date
August 23, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Eric Shipley ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $20.00 at Yard sale.

Summary:
All I can say is that this stove is incrediable has never let me down and always delivers. I collect and use many stoves for outdoor use and this is my all time favorite. If you are looking for the best look no further. My svea 123 rocks !!!!!

Review Date
June 25, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: hudjim ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Base-camp in UK

Summary:
Bought this new in April 2007. Always fun! to light. It doesn't boil as fast as a modern liquid fueled stove, but is small and easily stored inside a Vango Titanium mug, (a little bit of the stove can be seen).
It isn't the lightest, 550g fully fuelled, but in sub-zero and in warm weather, (it's never hot in the uk!!)it works really well.
I like the style of this stove - looks, sound and performance. A genuine classic.

Similar Products Used:
Primus omnifuel, optimus crux.