I own a Ibanez RG2228, sometimes I regret buying it. It's a decent instrument, but it costs too much.
The neck is so thin it get's very unstable. Can't really put thicker strings on it either.
The reason why I would buy a Blackjack SLS is because it's the most "bang-for-the-buck" you will get from a 8 string guitar, great pickups, suggested scale length and great features not seen in any other guitar.
Honestly I think it's dead cheap.
The competitors are either too expensive or have poor design. Using a 27" inch scale length just makes the F# sounds sloppy.
Meshuggah actually uses 29,4" scale length and double truss rod on their newest model, probably for a reason. But they tune one half-step down.
More info here
That's just my opinion though
I actually tried selling my Ibanez to afford the Blackjack. No luck so far
Horrible review here, but you can hear how "tight" the strings sound compared to a 27" instrument
Notice the through body holes are not 100% aligned, compensating for easier intonation.
Seems to me they really thought this one through. The earlier 8 string models from schecter was rubbish.
Damnit, I wish I had the money to buy this instrument!