Anyone have one of the Savage Gear SG8 baitcasters? How do you like it?

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SAVAGE.html?from=basres

38 minutes ago, DN3 said:

Anyone have one of the Savage Gear SG8 baitcasters?

Not yet, but it's on my short list. Soon enough. Somewhere out there on their Euro site I saw a high tech video animation of its inner workings, and I liked what I saw. Plus, its all metal frame and side plate construction makes it worth taking a shot as far as I'm concerned.

The brake system looks like an updated version of Shimano's VBS. I might have to try one.

I like the line ID knob....wish all casting reels had this feature.

Banax I think.  The 100 version looks like the kistler, old bass pro bionic and zpi reels.  I had the old 300 from the last gen as a bass pro revolution.  The 300 and 400 of these might be good big bait reels.  My old one cast swimbaits pretty good.  I had to max out the centrifugal brake and also use the magnets but it had enough braking strength.  I still have it somewhere. 

 

Looks nice. A total weight of 6.3oz with aluminum frame and sideplates (plural), the main gear is likely aluminum as well. 

Looks like a doyo reel.  Has the line ID dial that lews uses.  At $200 price point I bet it’s pretty solid 

 

These have a shimano like svs.  Pretty decent reels from all accounts.  The bass pro one ran $80 and would drop to $60 sometimes.  I handed one a few times and liked it but couldn't get past the back and red.  Those awful knobs too.  This savage gear one might make for a good frog reel for my lews hank parker rod.  The silver would look good too.  Just have to wait to get it under $100.

Curious if anyone has any updates/used this reel for any amount of time? Although I’m not on the market for one I love all the chatter on here about gear. I know everyone is currently riding the JDM wave which I don’t fault anyone for, just a bit jealous on my end?. That’s why I figured a good old fashioned alternative/budget gear post could be fun.

On 5/30/2022 at 1:51 PM, Tatulatard said:

Banax I think.  The 100 version looks like the kistler, old bass pro bionic and zpi reels.  I had the old 300 from the last gen as a bass pro revolution.  The 300 and 400 of these might be good big bait reels.  My old one cast swimbaits pretty good.  I had to max out the centrifugal brake and also use the magnets but it had enough braking strength.  I still have it somewhere. 

 

Don’t forget the Favorite Soleus

13 hours ago, Blaine Donders said:

Don’t forget the Favorite Soleus

I purchased a Favorite Soleus last year during Dick’s Black Friday sale for $50.00. I also grabbed a Favorite Lit reel for $30.00 but returned that one. I’m pleasantly surprised with my Soleus and would definitely grab another if I saw that deal again. 

Just ordered the SG8 100 in 7.3:1 left hand thru TW black Friday sale.

 

Looking forward to trying this reel out. With the reel handle on the "correct" side of the reel ?. I've held the right hand version and liked it and tried dry reeling  at shop.