I also love my new Optimus 8R Hunter.

I am a paddler/camper (Sea Kayaker & camper) and have used several stoves. The last stove I used before the Optimus 8R Hunter is the MSR DragonFly. The DragonFly like the Optimus also ran on white gas and had the ability to simmer, but the pump needed to be repaired/replaced once to often due to sand and abrasive grit.

The Optimus 8R with its brass fuel tank and self-pressurizing burner are in a blue-tin clamshell. Since there is not a pump involved, no grit or sand failures. In addition at 23oz it's not to much heavier than the 17oz the MSR DragonFly weighs, and takes up less space than the Dragonfly combined with a fuel bottle. Infact I can pack both the Optimus 8R and a fuel bottle with spare fuel in pretty much the same size footprint.

Extra fuel for long excursions is a good idea, the brass fuel tank holds about .10 liters and lasts about 50 minutes at a full roar.

Boiling time is also longer than the MSR's blowtorch, but it gets the job done and hasn't chared any of my meals with the ability to simmer.

I purchased this stove new, rather than used, so I could assure myself no fuel leaks and fireball plumes (in one used stove experience I fortunately was trying the stove at home and had a fire extinguisher handy). However, with its solid craftsmanship (and beautiful too with the brass) this stove should last a very, very long time. They have also received the "test of time" as a model that has been available from Optimus for over 30 years. My MSR Dragonfly hasn't been around that long, and I don't expect the latest plastic fuel pump to last longer than the previous pumps.

Overall, I heartily recommend the Optimus 8R for use.

Customer Service

Haven't had to yet. I also purchased the spare parts kit.

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I read the reviews and realized that I was a long-time member of a cult. The 8R rocks!

Bought my first one in '80. Found my second one last month at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet [$15].

But since I discovered this source, I'm going to try to fix the leaking needle jet [te result of an inept disassembly...]

Thanks guys & gals,

LG in SOCal

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I have an import version I bought for $15 in 1980. Parts match with the true Optimus.. The only thing I have replaced is the valve with cleaning needle. Bomb proof!... Heavy yes, but only stove I have used that always roars. Priming is a simple task... I would recomend this.. I bet the original of the Optimus line is still running and used.

Customer Service

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I suspect you might find a high correlation between Volvo owners and 8R owners. I have had 3 Volvos and am still using the 8R that I bought in 1975. I have never replaced any parts and it has never not worked. When I want to trim some weight I carry a Primus Yellowstone Light cartridge stove, but the faithful 8R still gets used on short trips and car camping. The art of lighting it can be almost Zen-like. I suspect it will still be working long after the Yellowstone Light has died.

Customer Service

Never needed it

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A very classical stove(like a Leica), mine is more than 20 years old and still working fine(I guess it can last for another 20 year?) except some rust on the metal case. It a self contained unit - everything(stove, gas tank-no pressure plumb) in a small metal box(like a hamberger carton box). The metal box is also serve as a windscreen. Simmer - reasonable but not perfect. It take some time to lit up(even when it is lit up, it took minutes to come in full force) because it need to build the pressure by heat and there is no plumbing device on the stove. The on-off control is by using a key like device which serve also as a small tool to service the jet and the gas tank. Always remember to remove it from the valve after lit up the stove or the key can be very hot to touch. There is also a self cleaning inside the jet by just turning the valve to maxmium. The stove itself is a bit heavy as compare to today's stove. However, it is quite convenient to use it as a day hiking stove(just fill up the small gas tank) and go.

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I have a Korean version of this stove. Mine is a Precise Phoenix Backpacker that I bought some 18 years ago while stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. I used this stove while stationed with the 24th Infantry Division. I used this stove for two years, spending about two weeks a month in the field. I recently dug the stove out of my storage items cleaning up some stuff for camping this summer. Although I haven't used it for 15 years, it fired up the first time I tried it. I have other stoves, including two army stoves and coleman stoves, but for some reason I keep coming back to this one. It is not complicated, and works every time. Sometimes the least complicated devices work the best. I would recommend it to anyone.

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I bought my Optimus 8R in 1974. I think I paid $32.00 for it back then, which was fairly expensive at the time. This stove has worked 1st time, everytime. I did get a mini-pump to improve cold weather performance, but all you need is a couple of pumps and you're going. Since then I've upgraded and purchased an MSR Dragonfly, but I still use the 8R for overnights and short trips. It's also a great stove to have in the car as part of an emergency winter kit. Just throw it in the glovebox!

Customer Service

I put a new jet in it ONCE. (Not bad for a stove over 25 years old!) The parts were sent quickly.

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This model shares the same type burner as the Svea 123. It's as reliable and robust as the 123, which is to say it's perfect. You lose a few BTU's on this model compared to the 123 but you gain a steadier base and a nice enclosed box. I fired this up over Christmas for a family gathering at a park shelter. Kept us in coffee and tea all day long. And it has that Swedish mystique which makes it really cool. A bit heavy for backpacking over long distances. Fires up in about 30 seconds once you learn how to do it.

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I was so impressed with the performance of my hunting mates 20+ year old 8R (green coloured one) that I bought one myself. Trouble was, I paid NZ$215 when he paid NZ$50. Thats 20 years inflation for you. Terrific stoves though. Simple, reliable and very effective. As you are basically limited to a 50 minute run time by the tank size, it's hard to get into trouble by using up too much fuel. Wouldn't have any other stove.

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I used one for 11 years... yes!!! 11 years almost every week end and every trip I did. It never ever had a problem. And is still working. Simple, easy to use, very light. I hardly recomend to try it...If you do..you'll never forgot it.

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