This year at ICAST, Abu Garcia had a big release with several new reels, new rods and some upgrades to some of their most popular reels. The story for this upcoming season will be lighter reels in the popular Revo lineup and a few new models to choose from. Their rod selection also got a new look, with the addition of a high-end reel to pair with their new flagship baitcast reel, the MGXTreme.
Revo MGXTreme
The original MGXTreme has been out for a few years. That version turned heads and became famous for it’s lightweight design at around five ounces. The new version is likely the lightest low-profile baitcast reel ever made. At 4.5 ounces, it is extremely light. They changed many things to reduce the weight and the result is a featherweight of a reel.
While the weight of this reel is one of the biggest stories, it is a solid reel built to cast lures of all sizes a long distance. It feels great in your hand and appears to be the perfect fit for the new Fantasista Premier rods. Retail cost is $499.95 and it will be available in both left and right handed retrieves. It has a capacity of 120 yards for 12lb test line, an 8.0:1 reel and 12lbs of drag.
It features just about every high-end feature Abu could come up with. HPCR (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings and hybrid ceramic spool bearings. The spool design is called the Super Lightweight Concept and the result is the lightest Revo ever. They were able to get it this light by reducing the weight of just about everything from the frame, spool, bearings and handle.
Revo MGX
The MGX has been around for several years and now got a facelift. The new version is lighter than it already was and has a whole new look.
The updated version weighs just five ounces and features ten HPCR bearings and 17 pounds of drag. The first generation is an excellent choice for casting light lures and this one should be just as good. The one-piece alloy frame and C6 side plates reduced the weight and did not change the strength or durability.
It is available in two gear ratios, right and left hand retrieves and will retail for $369.95.
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Revo Rocket Spinning Reel
Billed as one of the fastest spinning reel on the market, the Rocket features a 7.0:1 gear ratio. This opens it up for a whole new group of techniques on spinning gear and will be especially useful for fighting fish making hard runs and sudden jumps.
The reel itself has a bright red color like it’s baitcast cousin. Inside the reel are their HPCR bearings and AMGearing Sytem. These keep it smooth in addition to just being fast. The reel also has the Abu Rocket Line Management System and Everlast bail system that provide better casting and durability respectively.
Retail cost is $199.99 and it is available in three sizes, 20, 30 and 35. These three sizes will have 37, 40 and 44-inch retrieves per turn of the handle. These retrieves are much larger thancomparably sized reels.
Revo ALX Baitcast Reel
The new ALX comes in at 5.5 ounces and would be considered light by anyone’s standards. It is not quite as light as the two previously mentioned reels, but the lower price may make it more affordable for anglers. It is a solid reel with excellent features and cosmetics.
The ALX features an aluminum frame for strength and C6 carbon side plates for the lower weight. It also features a Carbon Matrix drag and stainless steel HPCR bearings. MSRP is $249.95.
Fantasista Premier Rods
From the moment you lift and hold one of the Fantasista rods, you appreciate it. It is built with ergonomics in mind and the stunning cosmetics are a bonus. They will pair well with the MGXTreme reel since they both feature quality cork and a nice style.
They use a resin from 3M, called the Powerlux and blend it in their carbon blanks to keep them light and strong. They also feature titanium allow guides to keep the weight down. They range from just 4.1 ounces to 5.5 ounces in weight.
The lineup consists of 13 rods, with eight being casting and five spinning. The MSRP for these rods is $299.95.
The Abu Garcia team had a busy year and the result is an impressive lineup of new rods and reels. Each of their additions promises to impress bass anglers who value light equipment, excellent cosmetics, unique technology and a variety of retrieve options.
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