It is true a lot of these engine we use do not need high octane...BUT...the engines need GOOD gas. So sometimes you will need to buy the higher gradegas to getGOOD gas. When I go to a gas station to buy Hi- octane, I pump at least a 1/2 gallon or so into my vehicale (I do not want the low octane in pump hose)and the rest goes into my container for my small engines. What a difference it does make. Better starting & the Idle is better. Capt,n