8-string guitars: Scale differences

Everytime I hear or come across someone who wants to invest in an 8-string guitar, I'd ask him for his preferred scale length (distance from nut to bridge NOT how long the guitar is, mind you). Why is this crucial? Assuming you are employing standard tuning, the tension would be different. For an 8-string model, the thicker strings would manifest quite the difference if you A-B test it with another brand name guitar with a different scale length. The above is a summary of 3 popular models sporting the differences; Ibanez's RGA8 has the longest scale length of 27" which is 0.5" longer than their RGD make. The Ibanez would manifest the tightest feel in this line-up. Schecter's Hellraiser 8 sports a 26.5" version, making it an in-between offering, followed by LTD's H-338 25.5"; this one is the 'normal' member here. 

The different scale lengths would necessitate string gauge consideration, fitting a .65 8th string in the Ibanez would manifest an acceptable tension but try that in those 2 other guitars- it'll bee too floppy & affects note definition. In terms of feel, I note the Ibanez has its bridge moved back a tad (this is after my RG2228 experience) to accommodate the longer scale length. This would mean a picking hand adaptation, that's the reason why you feel a little more lethargic playing the Ibanez especially if you chug notes by palming your picking hand at the bridge. This is the reason why I make it a point to own a Schecter 8-string, to feel the difference & very recently, I enjoy playing the LTD 8s. 

The unschooled/noobs among us would then equate the shortest scale length with the most playing ease- that shouldn't be the case. It's all about preference, if we return to the 6-string domain, we know that there is an arguably equal appeal when it comes to the Les Paul (24.75" scale length) and Strat (25.5" scale length); the Strat can't produce that dense bottom end & the Les Paul can't pull off (no pun intended) that tight snap. So all in all, it's a matter of knowing what your tool has to offer & using it in a learned context.