Power: Built rather robust for a BFS reel, one would naturally assume the BF8 to be powerful - and it might be. Trouble is, fished with light line on a light powered rod, power is hardly a concern. It certainly has the internal build to suited for conventional techniques which only means it's a reel that should hold up well to long term use. For those who like to tinker, this also means the BF8 is a very good candidate for bearing and other upgrades.

The BF8 comes with a flip out bait keeper

Drag: One area of this reel that will not need an upgrade for some time is the drag stack. Since the first introduction of their Revo line circa 2006, Abu Garcia has over-engineered these reels' drag consistently delivering over twenty pounds of maximum pressure. The BF8 follows suit rated at roughly fifteen pounds (15lbs) of maximum pressure - mind you, this is for a finesse reel. While this is far more than needed when fishing 5lb test line, when it comes to something mechanical, it's always better to operate somewhere less than 100% capacity.

The reel's drag stack is a hair overkill but better too much drag than not enough

I particularly like the way in which Abu enabled the audible drag feature

Actual operation of the drag is smooth and consistent and fans of audible drag alarms will be happy to know the BF8 has an audible click drag. I like how Abu Garcia has implemented the clicker giving the metal washers in the drag stack double duty and eliminating the more common practice of a spring loaded, micro-pin that I always fear losing when disassembling a reel with a clicking drag. The only downside is if you prefer to be more stealthy, disabling the audible drag in this reel might prove to be more of a challenge.

Like all recent vintage Revo reels, the BF8 sits very low in the reel seat

Design & Ergonomics: Abu Garcia's Revo UltraCast BF8 comes in at a very respectable six point seven ounces (6.7oz) in weight. It could probably be even lighter if it weren't for the brass gear and metal handle. The reel itself feels a hair wide for something "finessey," but that's knit-picking. A more enthusiast handle would be nice however, as would two bearings under each knob instead of one bearing and one bushing. Again, this presents an area of opportunity for the afore mentioned tinkerers.

External brake dial

Overall, the BF8 is very comfortable to fish

Overall, the BF8 is very comfortable to fish. The longer handle, while not necessary, is nice and the weight is far from a burden. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, it's still on the lighter side of average. The best thing, of course, about this reel are the purple sideplates.

Made in Korea, but still engineered in Sweden

Price & Applications: Retail on Abu Garcia's Revo UltraCast BF8 is 28,000 JPY or roughly $255 given the exchange rate at the time of this writing. Current available prices are well below that as this is a 2020 model year reel and e-tailers are busy liquidating stock. I found this reel at Japan Tackle for $153. If interested in the UltraCast BF8, I'd advise you to act quickly. As a bonus, it is rated safe for use in saltwater.

With the Revo UltraCast BF8, Abu Garcia proves, when it comes to BFS, it's not just about Shimano and Daiwa

Conclusion: With the Revo UltraCast BF8, Abu Garcia proves, when it comes to BFS, it's not just about Shimano and Daiwa. Quite the contrary, with the available tuning kits for their classic Ambassador reels, it's obvious Abu has been in the game at least as long as the other two. While those in Japan already know this, the entire bait finesse movement is still in its toddler stages here in the states, so the tackle options are not as readily apparent.

Abu Garcia's Revo UltraCast BF8 isn't quite perfect out of the box, but for this reel, that's part of its charm

The Revo UltraCast BF8 does have the feel of being slapped together last minute off the remains of a Revo IKE. Thing is, I really don't mind. I do wish Abu would use a carbon handle and dragstar like they did with the IKE, but I much prefer these knobs. Another bearing under each knob would also be nice. Perhaps ceramic bearings at the spool, another bearing at levelwind to replace the bushing, can you tell I'm assembling my list for parts upgrades? Abu Garcia's Revo UltraCast BF8 isn't quite perfect out of the box, but for this reel, that's part of its charm.

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