So I just ordered a Steez SV103H for the following reasons:

1. All around ratio
2. JDM also includes this ratio (US model is also in 8.1)
3. Lighter than 8.1
4. Many reviews that said the 6 is smoother with a more connected feel than the 8.

Did I do alright? I used Cabela's bucks with free shipping and a Visa gift card to even the balance.

Any reason for the 8 or was the 6 a good choice? I may pair it with a Dobyns Champion 702C.

Looking to use for lighter worms, small jigs, jerks, small cranks, small spinnerbaits, and senkos.

Did I make the right choice? Thanks for any/all suggestions.

All  I can say is that reel is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy out of my range.

(not to disappoint you or anything i just cant afford that)

I can exchange if I needed to (at this point) so input on ratio is super helpful and thank you!

Yeah, good choice.

I think its a good choice.   I've been keeping my eye out for a used 103 for a while now.   They are great reels. 

Yes overall since most of the techniques being used would be the ratio I'd use it for.  However the only thing, my preference for plastics is using a 7 ratio.  Just means you need to buy another setup next year.  Haha

Any time you buy a Steez, you definitely did alright. 

First thing is a 702 is gonna be too light. Look at a 703. It fishes like a medium. The ratio is totally up to you but the 6:x:x is usually seen as a good all around speed. Nobody can tell you what YOU are going to prefer. The 6 is lighter than the 8 because the 8 has a brass main gear and the 6 is duralumin. The spool is made of G1 duralumin and is super controlled due to a longer inductor than a lot of other sv spools. Overall a nice reel but not exactly like the Steez offerings in the past or the newest one. At full retail I personally don't think it's worth it but I never pay retail so for me it was worth my price. 

When I had $400 in Cabela's gift cards and free shipping, I figured it was worth it. 

Is there much a difference between the two main gears and why brass on the 8?  Wouldn't you want the brass on the 6 since many baits used would offer resistance.  Thanks!

 

And by the way, couldn't I just buy any TD-Z, Steez, etc. spool to pop in the reel and the performance is determined by each spool used>  Therefore, if I got a Steez spool (of the past), essentially its the same reel and I still have the SV option.

I have the 8.1. It's smooth, tight and connected. As RP stated, the inductor on this spool is slightly larger. I use an Rcs 1012 SV spool in mine. Really opened it up. I also have the 7.1 Steez SV TW with duraluminum gears. Hard to explain the difference in feel. I like brass better. Both feel great. 

5 hours ago, Big-Bass said:

When I had $400 in Cabela's gift cards and free shipping, I figured it was worth it. 

Is there much a difference between the two main gears and why brass on the 8?  Wouldn't you want the brass on the 6 since many baits used would offer resistance.  Thanks!

 

And by the way, couldn't I just buy any TD-Z, Steez, etc. spool to pop in the reel and the performance is determined by each spool used>  Therefore, if I got a Steez spool (of the past), essentially its the same reel and I still have the SV option.

My guess is the 8:1 is brass because they figure a lot of people will use for frogs in heavy cover or things like that. Brass is going to be more durable. Spool performance is gonna mainly be determined by the spring/inductor combination but also the mag brake assembly that's screwed down to the non handle sideplate. Yes, all those spools will fit and there are some great options out there that drop in. I meant the overall build quality and tolerances when I said it's not like older Steez offerings. The reel is nice but it doesn't have the feel of the old ones, or the new ones. I enjoy mine very much but it seems slightly cheaped out on in a way. That's why I said I'd never buy it at the $400 retail. For that money I'm getting the Steez tw sv from Japan. 

They shipped the wrong reel and when I got it, I called and the rest of them have sold out!  So, I have my refund but no Steez SV103H...