Total Score: 7.68 -
GOODIntroduction:
If there's a segment of low profile baitcasting reels that can be defined as "workhorse", it's those products priced in the rough range of $150. This is the true sweetspot between what most consider budget reels and an entry level to high end. Since the introduction of Abu Garcia's Revo line of baitcasting reels, the company has been very aggressive in their efforts to dominate market share as is evidenced by the diversity of their lineup. Their entry into this workhorse category of casting reels? Well, that's the reel we're looking at today. Introducing our take on Abu Garcia's 3rd Generation Revo SX.
Quality/Construction: Several countries in the Far East are now being leveraged for manufacturing other than just China and Japan. In recent years we've seen an influx of product from Thailand, Taiwan, to the country many are referring to as "the New Japan" because of the quality of product being produced within their borders. That country is Korea. Abu Garcia manufactures all their Revo line of reels in Korea and in looking over the Gen 3 Revo SX, it's easy to understand why.
Introducing Abu Garcia's third generation Revo SX casting reel.
The fit and finish of our Revo SX is outstanding. The sideplates on this reel align perfectly with the frame with no noticeable gaps or protrusions anywhere as you run your finger over the joints and seams. The reel is finished in a smooth and consistent matte black with red highlights at the spool, under the dragstar, and in the handle nut and port holes. There is a very-very slight degree of backplay in the reel but only if you hold the reel and handle very tight in both hands and wiggle back and forth. The knobs do exhibit maybe a millimeter - if that - of play into and away from the handle.
Quality Ratings for Abu Garcia Gen 3 Revo SX |
Finish (1-5) | Frame & Sideplate Tolerance (1-5) | Handle Tolerance (1-5) | Knob Tolerance (1-5) | Total | Possible | Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
5 | | | | | 20 | |
We fished the Revo SX aboard a St. Croix Legend Xtreme rod as well as a Phenix M1.
Performance: We fished this reel spooled with twelve pound Sunline Super Natural monofilament and mounted on a Phenix M1 MX72H-B (7'2" Heavy Powered) casting rod.
This reel is very compact, lightweight and comfortable to palm.
Retrieve: The Revo SX is available in two different retrieve ratios ( 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 ). We calculate the inches per turn in each of these retrieve ratios from empty to full spool to range from twelve and a half to twenty six inches (12.5" - 26") on the 6.4:1 ratio reel to fourteen to twenty nine inches (14" - 29") on the 7.1:1 ratio reel.
It comes with a standard, 80 mm handle.
Our test specimen was a 7.1:1 ratio reel which performed very well while fishing spinnerbaits and buzzbaits in the California Delta. On one or two trips, there was a time where the reel felt a little rough, but a quick dab of oil on the bearings and under the levelwind worm gear cleared those issues up right away.
Performance Ratings for Abu Garcia Gen 3 Revo SX |
Retrieve (1-5) | Drag (1-5) | Power (1-5) | Casting Range (1-5) | Brakes (1-5) | Total | Possible | Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
4 | | | | 3 | 18 | 25 | |
Taking a look inside we see the SX's drag array.
Drag: In the lab, our Revo SX performed well during its Sweet Drag Performance Test save for a couple of unexplained dips in pressure of near 40%. The reel did not exhibit any of these inconsistencies out on the water or at least not to where we could discern.
Sweet Drag Performance for Abu Garcia Gen 3 Revo SX (~2.5 Turns to Lockdown) |
| | | | | Lockdown | Avg % Change |
Start Up | | | | | 9.97 |
Sustained | | | | | 10.29 |
Biggest Drop | | | | | 9.37 |
Change in Startup vs Sustained | | | | | 3.2% | 4.5% |
Biggest Drop from Sustained | | | | | 8.9% | 25.3% |
Looking over the Sweet Drag Performance chart, we can see where these dips occurred in the "Full + 6" setting, but the curve is in relatively good shape aside from that one dip. Where the drag seemed more erratic was at finger tight lockdown. This was not a setting we tested out in the field since we rarely, if ever fish our reels on this drag setting.
Fig 1: Our Sweet Drag Performance chart illustrates how consistent the SX's drag performed over several adjustment points while strapped to The Machine.
Power: Our review specimen was the 7.1:1 retrieve ratio Revo SX. This is not a retrieve ratio we'd expect to come with a lot of power. For testing purposes, we tied on a Norman DD-22 deep diving crank, tossed it out and attempted to crank it up with this reel. The reel was certainly able, but it wasn't ideal. Otherwise while fishing plastics, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits, we did not run into any situations where the power of this reel came into question. We'd rate this reel average in this regard.
The Revo SX is an effective caster, but don't expect to use it as a finesse reel, it's not made for that.
FAQs
These materials are also highly resistant to corrosion, making the Abu Garcia Revo SX suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Where is the Abu Garcia Revo rocket made? ›
| Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Specifications |
|---|
| Line Capacity - Rated | 12/145 |
|---|
| Levelwind Bearings | 2 bearings |
| Tested Max Drag | ~21.3 lbs |
| Origin | Made in Korea |
9 more rowsMay 18, 2014
In general, we recommend a gear ratio around 4.9:1 for saltwater applications. Here is an opposite example of the musky fisherman. This slower range is great for bait rigs since they require a slow retrieve to keep the bait on the hook when you retrieve.
Who is Abu Garcia owned by? ›
ABU Garcia, originally AB Urfabriken (Swedish: "Watch Factory Ltd."), then ABU Svängsta, is a fishing reel and equipment manufacturing company founded in Svängsta, Sweden, and is now owned by Pure Fishing conglomerate of the United States.
How to tell if Abu Garcia is made in Sweden? ›
C3 and C4 on up are made in Sweden. You can tell by the embossed king's crest on the reel. The cheaper Chinese made reels just have a screen print of the king's crest on the reel. I'm still using a Swedish made, Ambassadeur 5000C that I got in 1975.
What is the gear ratio of the Revo SX? ›
The Revo SX Gen 4 that I tested has a 7.3:1 gear ratio, which an HS identifies following the model number.
What happens if you use freshwater reels in saltwater? ›
Materials. The best saltwater fishing reels are made of corrosion resistant materials, such anodized aluminum. Freshwater reels will work in saltwater in a pinch, but I learned the hard way that even if you rinse and oil the reel after it gets wet from the surf, it may never work the same.
Is Abu Garcia a good rod and reel? ›
The reel spins smoothly, making casting and reeling in a breeze. Plus, the rod has just the right amount of flex, perfect for those big catches. If you're looking for a fishing combo that delivers on performance and durability, this is the one. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Can I use a regular baitcaster in saltwater? ›
Saltwater can very quickly corrode your gear, so get a baitcaster reel that is made for saltwater environments to ensure it lasts you a long time.
Are any Abu reels still made in Sweden? ›
AB Urfabriken, later on ABU, and today Abu Garcia, is a company to be proud of. To this day there are still Ambassadeur reels being built on Holländarevägen in Svängsta, models up to size 6500, all collector's editions and custom reels. Over 33 million reels have been made here so far.
A: This reel is made in Japan where Shimano makes most of it premium reels. The warranty issues is Shimano USA is the exclusive distributor of products in North and South America. Shimano USA only warranties the reels they distribute.
Who makes rocket engines? ›
Leveraging over six decades of flight-proven propulsion and using advanced technologies, Northrop Grumman is an expert and leading provider of solid rocket motors for U.S. strategic weapon systems that support national defense, the civil space industry for human spaceflight and scientific exploration, and commercial ...
Can you use KastKing reels in saltwater? ›
Versatile - KastKing Rover baitcasting fishing reel is a conventional reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater (Size 40 – 60 with 2-pin centrifugal brake that is good for casting).
What type of reel is best for saltwater fishing? ›
Pros: Baitcasting reels hold more line, cast farther and produce smoother drag than spinning reels; they work well for long casts or when big baits are necessary and are better for bottom fishing and jigging.
Can you use any spinning reel in saltwater? ›
The best saltwater fishing reels are made of corrosion resistant materials, such anodized aluminum. Freshwater reels will work in saltwater in a pinch, but I learned the hard way that even if you rinse and oil the reel after it gets wet from the surf, it may never work the same.
Are Okuma reels good for saltwater? ›
OKUMA FISHING's fishing tackle is your best choice for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Both with advanced technology and over 31 years of fishing equipment supply experience, OKUMA FISHING delivers excellent quality fishing rods and reels in order to meet each customer's demands.
