Savage Gear SG8 100 Casting Reel, Initial Impressions

[ghost]

Thank you TW for Black Friday Sale! You guys got me....again!

 

Finally received the SG8 100 casting reel in left hand, 7.3:1 gear ratio. I weighed on my scale and it is 6.4oz, and actual weight is 6.3oz on the box. Good enough for me. I've had a chance previously to handle the right hand version, but can't get the feel when I reel left handed. I decided on the 7.3:1(28.7" IPT) gear ratio for an all around casting reel for use with various lures. The reel palms very nicely and the non handle side does not feel side bulky. It has 6 pin centrifugal braking, the side cover swings out but attached to the reel. Nice touch to this, now I won't be losing the side cover if I happen to need to open it up to change the braking. The reel also has a line ID system on the tension knob. It has 20lbs of drag. The knobs on the handle are wide and comfortable. I'll be adding Reel Grips in green camo to bulk up the feel and give some traction other than handling smooth knobs.

 

I like the look, olive drab flat green. It has a long 90mm(3.5") handle. Dry reeling, no line spooled; feels smooth and not much grease on the bearings. The spool spins quite Freely and takes a few seconds to slow down and stop. I've not added Quantum Hot Sauce Reel Oil yet, till this coming weekend. It has a clicking star drag and clicking spool tension knob. Not sure if you know this about the SG8 100, the spool has a drag clicker. Just like on some BFS casting reels. It's actually cool sounding and feel, looking forward when a bass pulls line from this reel. It has an aluminum body, not sure about the material for the side covers but the weight is right there with my Shimano Metanium MGL 151HGB at 6.3oz. I'll be spooling this reel with 30lb Power Pro yellow braid with mono backing.

 

I bought the Savage Gear Battletek 7'4" MH casting rod also. Local tackle store had these rods on closeout for less than half the retail price. It matches to a "T" with the SG8 100 casting reel and together looks stealthy.

 

I'll give my performance impressions after a few uses of the rod and reel. I do feel the reel will win me over and realize there are other manufacturers other than Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia and Lew's that have a quality baitcast reel.

 

Overall, I do like the looks of this reel and priced right when it's on sale, $130.00 during TW 20% Black Friday sale.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

Ghost ? 

[NorthernBasser]

Great write-up, thanks. I was actually eyeing this reel a while back as well. I'm mostly a Shimano/Daiwa guy, but I do have other brands as well. I like trying new stuff.

 

Speaking of new stuff/Savage Gear, I have the 7'1 MH Black Ops rod. Got it towards the end of the year so didn't get much time on the water with it, but I absolutely love it. It retailed at the time for $300 but I got it for $175 I believe.

 

Looking forwards to your impressions after using the reel.