Do you prefer thia style over the 8r? It seems very similar though I can also see some clear differences that might make the 99 the superior backpacking stove. For example, fixed, non-fiddly wind screen. Light weight aluminum body that doubles as a pot. And an included windscreen. My concerns are: is the aluminum frame sturdy enough? And are the pot supports sturdy? Looks like a great stove, and seeing that the Optimus 199's cost a fortune, the 99 seems like a reasonable upgrade from the 8r
I don't have the 8R but I do have the earlier 8 version without the cleaning needle. Use case would instruct which stove to take depending on what I was planning to do. For example, couple days hiking I'd take the Optimus 99 or SVEA 123, more than a couple days something more modern! The Optimus 8 would come with me in the car.
Like any self-pressurising stove, you don't want a massive pan above it. The attachment for the pot supports is plenty solid enough for any pot you would reasonably put on it. If you feel it might be marginal, consider the late design with the 8r style tank shield. These support the legs directly off the main base. I'm not sure I consider the windshield "non-fiddly" but it does have one. And the pot is right for ramen noodles. What more could you ask? As for upgrades: the 99 is an 8r burner in aluminium casing that doubles as cookware. That is also achievable as DIY using mess tins.
