Reels
Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Reel Review
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcast Reel is a great option for anglers who want a low-profile baitcaster that is lightweight and easy to use on a daily basis. It is well-built and made with excellent materials. It’s one of the best baitcasters available, and you can’t beat the price. Check out our full review below.
Review: Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcast Reel is one of the best reels for the money on the market today. It was originally introduced in the fall of 2014, and is now in the 4th generation in the Revo SX line.
It’s a lightweight, low-profile baitcaster that has earned high praise and some industry awards.
It’s a great reel for anglers who enjoy casting a wide variety of lures and presentations, light lures, crankbaits, as well as heavier baits and more traditional baitcasting applications.
Shop Online for the Abu Garcia Revo SX
Revo SX Specs:
- Ball Bearings: 10 (9+1)
- Anti-Reverse: Yes
- Handle: Compact Bent Handle
- Infini Brake: Yes
- Brake Type: Centrifugal/Magnetic
- Line Capacity: 175/10, 145/12, 100/15 mono
- Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 and 6.6:1
- Spool: Aluminum
- Body: X2-Cräftic (Aluminum Alloy)
- Drag: 24 lbs
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Mike's Impressions:
I’ve been having a great time testing the Abu Garcia Revo SX. It’s a great all-around reel with plenty of power and control. It's slightly heavier than some of the other baitcasting reels I've been testing, but I think that’s by design.
I tested the 7.3:1 gear ratio model and it’s a great option if you're looking for a little more cranking speed for things like flipping and pitching. I tested it with a wide variety of lures and thought it performed excellently throughout each application.
If you’re looking for a reel that can really help you move some line, the Revo SX is a solid option to consider.
All in all, I’m very impressed with this latest generation of the Revo SX reel. The guys at Abu Garcia have made another great casting reel.
Features:
The Revo SX Gen 4 has many features that set it apart from competitors. The first is the Infini II spool, which is a high-performance spool that’s lighter and stronger than many other reels. It’s manufactured to withstand the harshest conditions.
Another standout feature is the Infini-Brake system, which is one of the best I have ever used. It is precise and easy to adjust. The drag is smooth, yet strong. It works extremely well in a variety of conditions and situations.
The Revo SX Gen 4 is equipped with a composite frame, which is corrosion resistant and tangle resistant. The frame is also super light, weighing in at 7.7 ounces.
The handle is a compact bent handle design and is compatible with right- or left-hand retrieve.
It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Let’s look at some of the main features in a little more detail.
Infini-Brake System
The Infini-Brake System is a combination of both magnetic and centrifugal brakes. It allows the angler to adjust the magnetic brake independently of the centrifugal brake. This allows for greater control and allows the angler to set the brakes so that they work together without negatively affecting one another.
Magnetic Brake
The magnetic brake is a new feature for the SX. It gives the angler more control over how much force the fishing reel experiences during the casting process. The magnetic brake automatically adjusts as the angler changes the centrifugal brake setting. When the magnetic brake is set to the highest setting, the centrifugal brake is disabled.
Centrifugal Brake
The centrifugal brake is what makes the Revo SX shine when it comes to fighting big fish. It works in conjunction with the magnetic brake to give the angler more control when fighting fish.
Drag System
The Revo SX also comes with a Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System. This system consists of carbon composite discs that are stacked up to four layers deep. The pressure is stacked in a similar manner. The result is a drag system that can handle the toughest fight.
Bearings
The Revo SX has 10 bearings — one roller bearing and nine stainless steel ball bearings — compared to the normal nine ball bearings or less. It allows the SX to spin smoother and more quietly, while giving it the ability to handle the heavier lures needed for bass fishing.
On the Water
The Revo SX Gen 4 has a comfortable, compact bent handle and star drag, and it’s easy to adjust. It’s also smooth and responsive, and it casts well.
Patrick's Thoughts:
The Revo SX is a very good workhorse reel. It is dependable and durable and has a lot of performance for the money. The reel's new magnetic and centrifugal brakes are a welcomed change and the reel's weight gain is a trade-off I'm happy to make due to the reel's improved feel and performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Smooth, balanced and responsive
- Quick and quiet retrieve
- Easy to cast
- Buttery smooth drag
- Comfortable grips
- Multidisc braking system
Cons:
- Little heavier than some other rival baitcasters
- Only available in 2 gear ratios
John's Review:
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Gen 4 is a smooth-casting, durable reel that offers plenty of torque for pulling big fish out of cover. It also features a strong drag system that can handle a variety of fishing applications. Overall, it's been an extremely comfortable baitcaster to use and at the price to benefit ratio, I think the Revo SX is a REEL winner!
FAQs
“I’ll be honest; this is the best ultra low-profile baitcaster I’ve ever tried. I’ve been able to cast it for hours at a time with no hand fatigue and I think it’s going to be great for anglers who want to use it on open-water or with heavier fishing gear.
I’m still trying to get used to the Infini brake system, but I don’t think it’s going to cause many problems for me.
I’m very excited about the power and durability of this reel and I think Abu Garcia has a real winner on their hands.”
John T.
It’s perfect for bass fishing! The power is right there when you need it, plus you can palm it nicely with the oversized EVA knobs. I’ve been using it with a football jig and a few different jerkbaits, and I’ve been pretty impressed with it.
It holds 175 yards of 10 lbs test monofilament.
This Abu Garcia reel is made in Korea.
Yes, the Revo SX should do just fine with fish in that range.
While it’s not a saltwater reel, it can be used in saltwater. Just make sure you clean it well with fresh water after using it.
It is available in a left and right hand model. Just make sure you choose the right one when purchasing it.
The Abu Garcia IKE Signature is one of our favorite casting rods and would pair nicely with the Revo SX.
But you can also check out our list of the top 9 casting rods.
Reel Score:
We’ve given the new Abu Garcia Revo SX low profile baitcaster ratings in four categories. They are as follows:
- Price: A
- Build: A+
- Feature Set: A+
- Design: A
The Abu Garcia Revo SX earns an overall score of: A+
Conclusion:
Abu’s Revo SX Gen 4 is a smooth-casting, hard-fighting, heavy-duty baitcasting reel with a beefy 24-pound drag and customizable components.
It has a lot of great features, it casts well, and it’s easy to adjust on the water. It’s a good reel for open water fishing and has a nice smooth engagement, balanced operation, and responsive feel to it.
It’s a solid option for anglers who enjoy casting a wide variety of lures and presentations, light lures, crankbaits, as well as heavier baits and more traditional baitcasting applications.
All in all, we’re very impressed with this latest generation of the Revo SX reel. The guys at Abu Garcia have made another great casting reel.
Shop Online for the Abu Garcia Revo SX
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