Review: Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Outdoor Empire TOP-3 bass fishing reel

Serious anglers are often quite discerning when it comes to spinning reels, and they typically demand high-caliber performance, reliability and value of every reel they use.

Unfortunately, serious anglers can’t always afford the finest reels on the market.  

So, it often becomes necessary to find the best possible reel available at a low to moderate price point. If you fit into this category of serious, but budget-conscious anglers, you’ll definitely want to check out the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel.  

About 

Abu Garcia is one of the leading names in the fishing industry, and they boast an impressive lineup of rods and reels.

The Revo SX Spinning Reel is one of the nicer spinning reels they produce, and it is an excellent option for those trying to balance quality and performance with value.  

Each of the reels in the four-model series are carbon-based, lightweight and strong. Built for performance, they all feature several of Abu Garcia’s proprietary innovations, including the Rocket line management™ system and the Everlast™ bail.

Above all else, the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel provides smooth casting and cranking, thanks to its nine-bearing system (8 + 1 design) and one-piece aluminum gearbox.

Specifications and Special Features 

Before you consider purchasing an Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel, be sure to familiarize yourself with its specifications and special features so that you can be sure it will suit your fishing style and preferences.  

Specs 

There are four different models in the Revo SX Spinning Reel Series, and each has slightly different specifications. The higher the model number, the heavier the reel.  

Each of the reels in the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Series can be set up for either left- or right-handed retrieves.  

Special Features

The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Series Reels come packed with a number of attractive features. Unless otherwise noted, each of the reels includes the following:  

• K-Clutch anti-reverse feature provides rock-solid hooksets 
• Nine bearing system features eight stainless-steel HPCR bearings and one roller bearing 
• One-piece X-craftic aluminum gearbox 
• Insert-molded C6 carbon body 
• Silky smooth carbon matrix hybrid drag system
• Front-positioned drag adjustment
• Rocket line management™ system
• Lightweight graphite rotor with Everlast™ bail 
• Braid-ready aluminum spool  

Compare Similar Products 

Anglers have a number of options that are similar to the Revo SX Series, and it makes sense to compare it with some of the most similar models when trying to choose a new reel. This will help you ensure that you select the best reel for your circumstances.

Two of the reels that are largely similar to the Abu Garcia Revo SX Series include the Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reel Series and the Daiwa Procyon EX Spinning Reel Series.  

All three of these reels are remarkably similar in several respects. They are each made with water-resistant features, they each have very smooth, front-positioned drag systems and all three can be used by right- or left-hand-cranking anglers.

However, there are a few differences between these models, and each has different strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the differences before making a decision. 

Product	Abu Garcia Revo SX	Shimano Ultegra	Daiwa Procyon EX
Model Number	REVO2SX10	ULT1000HGFB	PREX2000SH
Gear Ratio	6.2:1	6.0:1	6.0:1
Retrieve Rate	30 in	31 in	31.9 in
Bearing Count	9	5+1	7BB, 1RB
Weight	7.2 oz	7.1 oz	8.6 oz
Braid Capacity	150/6	10/95 15/85 20/65	not specified by manufacturer
Mono Capacity	110/6	2/270 4/140 6/110	6/135 8/110 10/90
Max Drag	10 lbs	7 lbs	8.8 lbs
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Abu Garcia Revo SX vs. Shimano Ultegra

The Revbo SX and the Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reel are both mid-level reels, made by some of the most celebrated brands in the fishing business. Both reels are quite similar, although they do have a few important differences.  

Some of the notable differences between the two reels include: 

1. The smallest two Ultegra reels feature a 6.0:1 gear ratio (the larger three models feature a 6.2:1 ratio); all of the Revo SX reels feature a 6.2:1 ratio.  

2. Each reel in the Shimano Ultegra Series features a 4 + 1 bearing system, while the Abu Garcia Revo SX Series all boast an 8 + 1 bearing system.    

3. The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Series Reels feature three more bearings than the Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reels do. 

4. The Ultegra is capable of providing much more drag resistance than the Revo SX can. 

Abu Garcia Revo SX vs. Daiwa Procyon EX

Daiwa Procyon EX Spinning Reels are very similar to the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reels, and they offer broadly similar features and materials.  

Some of the notable differences between the two reels include: 

1. Although they are still reasonably lightweight reels, the Daiwa Procyon EX Spinning Reels weigh a bit more than the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reels.  

2. Although prices often vary depending on the retailer in question, most Revo SX models are about $10 to $20 more expensive than the comparable Procyon EX model.    

3. All of the Abu Garcia Revo SX Reels feature a 6.2:1 gear ratio, while the Daiwa Procyon Ex Series features 6.0:1, 5.6:1 and 5.7:1 gear ratios on their reels.  

4. Daiwa Procyon EX Series Reels feature one less bearing than the Abu Garcia Revo SX Series Reels do. 

Rating the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

If you just want to cut to the chase and see how well this reel should work for different circumstances, check out the ratings below.  

Value

Durability 

Performance

Suitability for Panfish

Suitability for Bass

Suitability for Catfish

Suitability for Walleye

Suitability for Trout

Suitability for Inshore Saltwater

Suitability for Offshore Saltwater

Conclusion

Although some reels are certainly better than others, almost every reel on the market does some things well and some things poorly. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Abu Garcia Revo SX Series include: 

Pros

• Very good quality for the money 
• Proprietary Rocket line management™ system improves casting distance and all but eliminates tangles 
• Extremely lightweight – particularly the three smallest models 
• High-speed retrieve makes this a great rod for inline spinner baits and small crankbaits 

Cons 

• Relatively low maximum drag pressure 
• A few anglers who tried the reel complained that it didn’t perform well once wet