Tackle Tour Review of New Abu Revo Gen5 Baitcaster

[Leprechaun]

I gave a brief overview of these in my ICAST 2022 reporting:

ICAST 2022

So though I'm fighting off a COVID infection (doing better since Monday, thank you very much!), it is time to briefly look at the new gear being unveiled at this season's show. This will be an on-going post, as I'll append new items to it as I find them. Right off the bat, Shimano is giving a...

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But now that they are actually available, here's an in-depth review of the SX version - sort of mid-way up the Abu baitcaster lineup. I have always preferred the Winch version of the Revo line, regardless of reel generation. This for the slower but more powerful 5.4:1 gear ratio. I don't mind trading speed that I do not need for cranking power that can keep steady pressure on an out-sized fluke. without pumping the rod up and down to gain line. Slow and steady wins THAT race to the net. But then again, all the new Revos (Gen 4 and Gen 5, especially) are very nice pieces.

Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Product Review #abugarciarevosx #aburevosx #aburevobaitcaster

The anglers source for tackle news and reviews. 100% independent review site.

www.tackletour.com

And here's Abu's entire low-profile lineup.

Baitcast Reels - Abu Garcia® Fishing US

www.abugarcia.com

 

[Leprechaun]

Tackle Tour has published a review of the new Abu Gen5 Revo Winch - which is a further progression of the Winch line of 5:1 reels that goes all the way back to the early 2000's. Other than the Gen 3, with its problematic free spool mechanism and aluminum main gear, the other Gens have all been really good pieces. My own Gen4 has been flawless for a few seasons, and now the Gen5 improves on that reel a bit, with a better mag braking system and slightly lower profile.

Abu Garcia Revo5 Winch Product Review

The anglers source for tackle news and reviews. 100% independent review site.

www.tackletour.com

Though the TT guys are primarily FW bass fishermen and their review reflects that, it is also true that they could find no faults in the reel.

But here's the thing - this new Revo carries a list price of $229. Not terrible, but not a particularly great value, when you can pick up a new in the box Daiwa Tatula 150P (which also carries a 5-speed gear ratio), for just about $100 less - if you look around. I know this because that's what I did.

Sure, the Revo has the more impressive drag specs, with a better engineered disk setup in its main gear. But for fluke? Who cares? the Tatula has more than enough drag for any fluke that swims out there.

So that's MY analysis, owning both the Gen4 Winch and the new Tatula 150P - you pays your money and takes your choice. Both are real nice pieces, but only one is a best buy - to me anyway.