Start up inertia is always very good so it doesn't take much effort to execute an effective cast. I spooled the Revo5 SX with some 50lb Daiwa JBraid as its mainline and used a variety of leaders depending upon the application I had in mind but mostly settled on some 12lb Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon.Ĭasting: What I enjoy about Abu Garcia's IVCB braking system is the free and easy manner with which it enables me to present my bait. As for fishing line, those responsibilities befell upon two candidates. I say reluctantly because, for testing purposes, I usually try to keep the matchmaking within the same price tier, but that Abu matte gray looks too fun on the Trika rods. So I reluctantly unsheathed my Trika C73M and bestowed upon it, the responsibility of revealing what the new Revo5 SX was capable. When hunting for the right rod from my arsenal upon which to mount this new SX, I couldn't get over the Zenon MG-X like vibe I was getting.

The only remaining question is, will this be a two handed, 720, McClung-esque debut or a more subtle layup. Did Abu Garcia go full magnets to keep costs down? Did they carry over their dual braking system from previous generations? Perhaps they did the unimaginable and equipped the SX with full centrifugal? A quick investigation beneath the non handle sideplate revealed the answer to my question - IVCB 6 - in the SX! That alone completed SX's transformation in my mind from G-League prospect to the main show. Of course, my real interest was which brake system was underneath the hood. This generation Revo SX has a much different aura than SX of previous years The swept handle is still aluminum, and not carbon, but expecting more at this price point would probably be unreasonable, right? Gone are the EVA foam knobs, replaced with oversized levers of a rubberized compound (PVC) - much more comfortable in shape, size, and texture. When I first unboxed it, the reel's matte gray finish reminded me of the recently introduced Zenon MG-X which served to instantly elevate the SX's status in my demented, enthusiast mind. Seriously though, with internal debates over hierarchy out of the way, Abu Garcia's fifth generation Revo SX has a much different aura than SX of previous years. When it comes to the Revo platform, my interest usually begins at Thing is, with Abu Garcia's platform realignment, thanks to the introduction of Zenon, SX is really positioned where STX used to be - a step below the top end of the platform (STX is now the top, non specialty Revo). But with rising costs and shrinking tackle budgets, compromises are inevitable. It is the tier of casting reels that best suits my raison d'etre. That preference is consistent with my choices in Shimano beginning with Chronarch, and Daiwa beginning with Zillion. I'll admit, when it comes to the Revo platform, my interest usually begins at STX. Introducing Abu Garcia's Gen 5 Revo (Revo5) SX

Abu garcia revo sx rocket baitcast reel