It’s been a big year for Savage Gear who cement itself in the Australian market as a key fishing product manufacturer. Recently the team at Savage Gear released their new range of spinning reels custom built to suit tough Aussie conditions. A welcomed change from Savage Gear who already have an established range of fishing rods, lures, and accessories. Therefore it only made sense that they too would look to manufacturer their own range of spinning reels.

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They have done so with a big statement releasing a whole new range of product series. Including 2 brand new reel series including the Stealth range and the Black range. Savage also hit the market with 5 brand new rod series. Staring with the 1DFR series rods. The MPP2 ( Multipurpose predator 2 ). Salt2, The Finezze and the LRF ( Light Range Fishing ) rod series. So, it’s an exciting time for this fishing manufacturer looking to build a reputation in the Australian market. But how do the new Stealth range of reels stack up?

Watch our detailed video review on the stealth reels below. See it in action catching plenty of fish and then hear from Alan Bonnici who has used these reels exclusively since their release.

Savage Gear Stealth reel model specifications & features

The table below depicts the specs and capability of the 4 different available sizes

MODEL 2000 3000 4000 6000
BALL BEARINGS 7+1 7+1 7+1 7+1
GEAR RATIO 5.8:1 5.8:1 5.8:1 5.6:1
LINE CAPACITY 8lb/285yds 15lb/142yds 20lb/142yds 25lb/496yds
DRAG (KG) 7kg 7kg 7.5kg 12.5kg
WEIGHT (G) 256g 263g 294g 489g

Highlighted Features include

– Heavy-duty saltwater-resistant construction
– 7+1 stainless steel ball bearings for smooth casting
– Plenty of stopping power for strong fish
– Sealed drag to prevent water intrusion
– Rugged aluminium frame and carbon side plate
– Screw-in aluminium handle for left and right-handers
– Plenty of grip from the EVA handle knobs
– Convenient line holder clip on the spool
– DURA air rotor gives you longer casts and fewer knots

Check out this video of the stealth 2000 reels being pushed to their limits. When we stumble upon a massive school of hungry salmon in a wild bust-up.

Our tests with the Savage Gear Stealth

I have been using the stealth line of reels exclusively now since there release. Genuinely I have been really surprised by how good they perform. The reel is super smooth, it has a great sound especially when the line is peeled from the reel. It handles most species with ease, and I have used it for saltwater, freshwater and estuary fishing and have enjoyed the experience to date. They have a sealed 3-piece carbon washer drag system, that provides a very welcome 7kg of drag pressure in the smaller reels and up to 12.5kg’s in the 6000.

My favourite style of fishing is light and I will often try chasing big fish on the smaller size reels and these reels have handled that extremely well. I use the stealth 2000 size chasing bream, flathead, Redfin, trout, squid, and whiting. Whilst using the 3000 for chasing salmon, trevally and the 4000 size model to chase snapper, gummy sharks. The 6000 size reel on big mulloway and sharks.

They’re a great option when fishing from beaches, estuaries, bays and lakes. I have caught small finesse fish and large sports fish. To stand up to saltwater conditions, each reel is fitted with 8 stainless steel bearings, a stainless steel main shaft, aluminium frame and carbon body construction as well as going through a saltwater treatment

Immediately you can feel the build quality, the stealth is a solid unit made with quality components. Yet its light in weight so casting for hours is no problems especially with the smaller 2000 and 3000 models. Gladly the lightweight hasn’t compromised strength or general build quality. You can cast long distances especially when you spool your reel with a good quality brad thin in diameter. The DURA air rotor evenly lays braided lines, which means longer casts, fewer wind knots and the line smoothly coming off the reel when a fish takes a run. I really like the way it works when you get a bite, the drag system handles really well and it sounds terrific when the line is peeled from the spool.

Check out this video the stealth in action catching our bag limit of squid in 20 minutes

Stealth wear and tear

Like any reel, its susceptible to general wear and tear I have fished with the stealth reels in both saltwater and freshwater and have often got dirt and sand on the reel which hasn’t been a problem. A light rinse after use and its like new with no scratches or impact from the elements which highlight its quality. I recently fished using this reel on an inflatable pool challenge as a gimmicky video we released which can be seen here. It was really challenging to move. I accidentally got the reel fully submerged in saltwater on several occasions. That night I took it home and gave it a thorough clean removing the sand and whipping it with a cloth and small amount of WD40. I have been using that reel for the last 6 months and it hasn’t missed a beat.

Stealth Reel Price

These reels hit the market with an asking price of $199. Please note there have been some recent promotional pricing as low as $129 so keep your eyes out for those opportunities. They are sold exclusively through BCF fishing retail outlets throughout Australia. You can buy online directly using this link. I think with the build quality you get from these reels that its a fair and reasonable asking price which will command the attention of the Aussie market. At that price point, it will be competing against well established giant brands and reel series such as Shimano Nasci, Daiwa Aird, Rapala Levis & Penn Slammer but I think it very much holds its own in this category.

Check out this video as we fish on Jetski with the stealth reels.

Highlights of the Savage Gear Reels

Quality build
Lightweight
Comes in a range of sizes
Looks great
Casts well
They make a great sound when the line is being spooled from the reel
Affordable price point

A final word from the author

I know have 8 stealth reels in my collection and have really enjoyed using them. They look great and work really well over a number of different applications. If you’re interested in one then make sure you check out the videos above which show them in action.  If you have any further notes, suggestions or corrections then please don’t hesitate to contact us directly on enquiries@fishingmad.com.au Likewise if you have any images or videos of this product that you would like to share with us or have added to the review.