What are the differences between the Optimus 8R and the 111? To the untrained eye, they look a lot alike. These features stand out: size (111 being larger), pump on the tank, and the 111 appears to have a different burner. Anything else I've missed? I'm thinking about buying both. Not new to backpacking/camping stoves, but only recently got interested in picking up a few classic models that I might want just for their uniqueness and not necessarily for field use.
Hi Brerarnold, and welcome to the Forum ! The 8R is meant for backpacking, uses coleman gas or in emergencies, unleaded gas. It is pressurized by warming the tank while the priming fuel is burning. The 111 ( 5 variations ) can, depending on the model, burn coleman, kerosene, alcohol and supposedly diesel. The pump is nessesary to help vaporise kero and diesel. The latest version is called a 'Nova + ', and is a true multi-fuel stove, although brutally ugly in my opinion You can find all versions on ebay, but I wouldn't bother getting a 'C' model, unless you are just collecting , as the 'C' has had burner cracking problems. The 111 versions are: Plain 111. Kero only, Roarer burner. Somewhat rare in the US, common in Europe but the exchange rate and shipping is $$$. Great stove. The 111B, coleman fuel only, roarer burner. Most common in US. Great stove. The 111C, multi fuel, silent burner, burner tends to crack. Mine works great. The 111T, multi fuel silent burner. IMHO the best of the bunch, truly a work of art ! The Nova +, which is just a 111 with a nova Burner, multi fuel roarer burner, works great, nasty paint job... You won't go wrong getting a 8R and a 111B to start your collection Have fun and visit often !!!!! PS. When you do get either stove, here's a great tutorial by one of the 'master fettlers', Ian Marston, from the UK... http://
Bajabum pretty much has it. The 8R is white gas only and of a size more suited to backpacking. Any of the 111 series can be used for backpacking but are quite heavy and bulky compared to current conventional designs. (What you get for that extra weight and bulk are almost bulletproof reliability. If you were considering an 8R for practical use I would recommend the 123R slightly over it as it has slightly more fuel capacity and a higher maximum output. Also you can still find them new!!! (Not that there's anything wrong with a used one) As far as collecting classic stoves... They are all must haves. Once you have one of each you can make your own decisions about which to bring. I think you would want to pick up a nova too.
Thanks, guys, that is very helpful. At present I own a Svea 123R (my 2nd, got the first one in 1972 and wore it out), a Whisperlite (also worn out -- the legs will bend after enough use and getting them level again is tough), a Simmerlite (damn fine stove, despite the rap MSR gets -- or maybe I got the ony good one ha ha), a Coleman Peak 1 from the mid 80s -- it is in storage and I don't recall the model number, and a Pepsi can alcohol burner. Used the Svea on a hike today. Buying a Snow Peak GigaPower to see if I like a lightweight cartridge burner. But those older stoves have an appeal. The information you gave me will be helpful as I look around.
I only own a plain Jane 111, but I would like to say this about it. It's brothers and sisters have been repeatedly spotted in Antarctica, very probably Zimbabwe, certainly all points in between. It's my 1st choice for a kero pressure stove for sheer usability.
this is a good question... the ref gallery would answer your question, but as this simpleton learned: look underneath the burner... four tubes? it's kero... two? it's destined for naptha only other experts may want to chime in, as i'm no expert btw, the 111 kero burner is an *excellent* stove for the car boot or base camp - not so good for hiking and my poor old back (have a 111 and 111t - both great stoves) hth, willie on the Gulf of Mexico
Wow! I think this was my first post! Several 8Rs and a couple of 111s later, I'm amazed to see this thread pop back up. Man, I've learned a lot in the last 4 years, thanks to this great bunch of guys. As for Johnlock's question, let me add this: ditto what Linux_author said, and then there are the 111Ts which can run on kero or Coleman fuel, depending on the jet. You don't mention which 111 you have, so I thought I'd throw that in.
My understanding with my "T", is it will run on white gas or kero with the same jet. Performance may be better with a smaller jet for gas. I'd have to examine the jet in my Primus 111B or swap it out to check. Tough job colleting all these ole stoves. My avatar is my pimped "T", it is in the reference gallery for all the pics. Duane
You only have to change the jet for alcohol, plus add the restrictor. I think the Apex of 111 developement is the T model.
