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Last Updated on 6 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 7.5
Cast & Retrieve - 7.0
Drag / Clutch - 7.0
Value For Money - 9.0
The Sonik Vader range of Carp fishing gear has a great reputation of being excellent value for money whilst doing exactly the job its made for.
The 8000 RS Spod Reel does exactly that. Its a tailor made reel that does exactly what is says on the tin i.e. fires out spods and retrieves them efficiently without any fuss.
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio | 4.1:1, providing a retrieval rate of 1.1 metres per handle turn |
| Line Capacity | 0.30mm/370m, 0.35mm/280m, 0.40mm/220m, suitable for various fishing needs |
| Ball Bearings | 5+1 ball bearings which is great for a smooth retrieve |
| Drag System | Quick-Torque drag system for fast and precise adjustments |
| Line Clips | Twin spring-loaded captive line clips which helps to bait up more than one spot |
| Handle | Matt black anodised aluminium handle with a unique looking wood barrel knob |
| Weight | 620g, which is an average amongst top spod reels |
| Body Material | Graphite body and rotor for strength and durability |
| Pre-loaded Line | Supplied with 200 metres of 30lb braid, ready for use |
Here’s how the Sonik Vader X 8000 RS compared to other spod reels we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW | 8.8 | from £169.99 |
| Daiwa Emblem Spod Reel | 8.6 | from £134.99 |
| Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | from £134.99 |
| Avid Pro Spod Marker Reel | 7.8 | from £94.99 |
| Shimano Aerlex 10000 XTB Spod Reel | 7.9 | from £79.99 |
| Sonik Vader X 8000 RS Spod Reel | 7.6 | from £44.99 |
What Does This Mean?
When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.
The overall build quality of the 8000 RS is designed to withstand the rigours of intensive use you get from spodding.
The body and the rotor is made from graphite which is pretty standard as reels go but this does ensure the durability of the reel is good whilst keeping it low in weight at 622g.
The reel’s sleek matte black finish gives it a modern and stylish look whilst the wooden barrel knob adds a touch of uniqueness to it.
Overall the build of the reel combines aesthetics with functionality really well.
What Does This Mean?
This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.
Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.
On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.
With a gear ratio of 4.1:1, the Vader X 8000 RS Spod Reel offers a decent retrieval rate but one that does fall short with its more premium competitors. This doesn’t make a huge difference but it does take a few more winds to retrieve the spod fully.
The spool design, combined with the oversized twist-free line roller, does ensure casting is smooth, while the twin spring-loaded captive line clips do the job nicely and hold solid even with a significant over cast.
What Does This Mean?
When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.
There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.
The Vader X 8000 features a quick-torque drag system which is rare to see on a budget type reel. It can be adjusted from loose to tight in just half a turn which can be really useful when doubling up the reel for some marker work or even fishing with it if needs be.
What Does This Mean?
Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.
Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.
Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.
With a price point of around £50 this reel offers fantastic value for money so much so that it is featured as our best budget spod reel in our full guide. Okay so its not the best on the market but for the money it performs above its value and is a great option for beginners to the sport or maybe as a backup for those anglers that like to be super prepared.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Vader X 8000 Spod reel:
If you would like to see more fishing tackle reviews as well as compare prices with various tackle shops then you can do so here.
Here is a list of resources we have used as part of putting this review together:
Sonik Sports Official Specifications – https://www.soniksports.com/product/vaderx-rs-spod-reel/
Hi, I’m James
And I have to make a confession: I am addicted to fishing and have been for over 30 years!
As part of my therapy, I’ve started to write about all things angling.
Learn more about me and my company on the about page.
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