Abu Garcia Revo Gen4 Revo4 X Baitcasting Low Profile Product Review

Reel Review

Forget the 4, This Revo Generation is About the X

Date:	4/16/18
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Abu Garcia
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.92 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: Given how solid Abu Garcia's third generation Revo low profile baitcasters have performed for us over the last several years, we were a little surprised to see the manufacturer refresh the entire lineup for 2018. However, the gen 3 reels were a 2013 product year introduction so it has really been five years. In recent bass fishing product lifecycles where a great many manufacturers refresh certain lineups every three years, five can be an eternity. Not only has Abu Garcia refreshed their Revo base models, they've introduced a brand new, entry level Revo that is already the best selling model in their lineup. We thought it fitting this reel be the first in the fourth generation Revos to receive an in-depth look by us. Introducing our review of Abu Garcia's Revo4 model X.

Abu Garcia Revo4 X Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	12/145 : Winch Version = 12/180
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	12.6 cm³ : Winch Version = 14.8 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	5.4	6.6	7.3
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	6 - 21	12 - 26	13.5 - 29
Weight	7.8 oz
Spool Weight	20 g
Handle Length	90 mm
Bearings	7SS+1
Bearings per Knob	1 bearing, 1 bushing
Levelwind Bearings	2 bearings
Rated Max Drag	18lbs
Braking System	MagTrax (magnetic)
Origin	Made in Korea
MSRP	$99

Introducing Abu Garcia's Revo X.

Impressions: No, Abu Garcia's Revo4 model X is not a product made in conjunction with Tesla motors nor does it have any electronic parts (that we know of). Instead, it is the new, gateway Revo model available in three retrieve ratios and presented with a price tag of $99. Though it looks more slim, this reel features the same profile as the Gen 3 models and comes in the new, en-vogue, matt black finish that's sweeping across the spinning reel market (yes, there's a spinning version of the RevoX too with the same finish).

The Revo X is a new model positioned at the gateway to the entire suite.

Other than the slight change in shape and finish, most everything else on the exterior of this reel is very familiar.

As the new base model in the Revo lineup, the X comes with a magnetic braking system and a new, hybrid carbon and synthetic material drag stack. This reel also features an oversized brass gear (part of Abu Garcia's D2 Gear Design).

It is available in three different retrieve ratios.

Real World Tests: I fished both the 5.4:1 (code name Winch) and 6.6:1 gear ratio versions of this reel and yes, the 5.4:1 cranking version is available in left hand retrieve! I spooled the X-Winch with 50lb Daiwa J-Braid in white topped with a 10lb Green Sunline Sniper leader and the 6.6X with straight 10lb Sunline Super Natural for these tests.

The lowest retrieve ratio model is a cranking reel - the Revo X Winch.

Casting: As the most basic model in the Revo lineup, the model X comes with a very basic magnetic braking system adjustable via a dial on the non-handle sideplate. This dial is ratcheted and adjusts from a max position at 10 o'clock clockwise to 7 o'clock for min. I set it at about 2 o'clock on both reels before making a cast.

This reel features 7 stainless steel bearings plus one roller bearing for a total of 8 bearings.

Casting evaluations can be made so much more quickly with two reels of the same model. I fished with a variety of cranks and soft plastics ranging from a quarter or maybe three eighths of an ounce total lure weight of a Texas rigged Reins C-Pod to the one and an eighth ounce Berkley Dredger 25.5.

The overall width of the Gen4 Revo frame is the same as Gen3, but Abu has adjusted the face so that it appears more narrow.

The most important comment I can make with regards to the casting ability of this reel was I never gave a second though as to what reel I was fishing while fishing whatever I had tied on. The model X performed flawlessly.

The Revo X comes with a 90mm handle standard.

Retrieve: Abu Garcia does an excellent job with the brass guts of this reel and their D2 Gear design to produce something in the RevoX that feels much more refined than its price point would suggest. This can be felt every time you click the reel over to work your bait. Everything from the extra-long handle, to the comfortable, rubberized knobs, to the aluminum alloy frame (X2-Craftic), to the afore mentioned brass guts really come together to deliver a smooth retrieve experience.

It also features these comfortable, rubber knobs.

Power: Thanks to the fact that brass main gear is oversized and the stock handle is a good 90mm in length, the RevoX has plenty of power. Not to mention is it made in a low gear ratio, Winch version in both left and right hand retrieve! That's right, now anglers that use lefty reels finally have an affordable, low profile cranking option in the RevoX Winch! The Winch version even has the same deep spool as the standard Revo4 Winch, so you can fill it with thicker diameter lines for all your cranking needs. It pulls deep diving cranks the same as the standard Winch.

The Revo X features the same oversized gear as all the other Revo reels.

Next Section: A Closer Look at the Drag and Ergonomics