Retrieve: The main gear for the REVO Inshore is brass so when you turn that extra-long, 95mm handle, you're turning a very solid and reliable gear system. The overall feel of that retrieve is smooth and connected and the EVA foam knobs are comfortable to grasp. However, because this is an Inshore reel and meant to be fished in salt or brackish conditions, the knobs are supported with plastic bushings instead of bearings. These are easily swapped if you only intend to use this reel in freshwater conditions, but Abu Garcia uses the bushings to help mitigate bearing failure in salt conditions.

A brass main gear and Abu's Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag makeup the guts of the Inshore.

Power: As mentioned earlier, the REVO Inshore is available in only one retrieve ratio - 7.3:1. At one time considered high speed, 7.3:1 is now more like an all purpose type ratio. Some BASS Elite Pros even use this gear ratio for deep cranking. Well, if you're one of those anglers, the REVO Inshore would actually be a good choice! It has plenty of power to pull deep diving cranks and thanks to that extra-long handle, you have plenty of leverage to power your retrieve.

The reel's driveshaft is also brass.

Drag: Once you have a fish hooked, Abu Garcia's new Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag delivers smooth and consistent drag performance. This system is rated with twenty four pounds (24lbs) of max pressure which should be plenty even when targeting those hard pulling inshore species of fish.

The REVO Inshore shares the same size, shape, and profile as the other reels in this family.

Design & Ergonomics: The REVO Inshore shares the same size, shape, and profile as the other reels in this family. It comes in at just under eight ounces (7.8oz as measured in our lab), and it's that extra-long, swept handle together with the deep spool that makes this reel such a nice choice for power applications - or that for which it was intended, inshore. It sits low on the reel seat so it's very comfortable to palm.

Gone is the fastening screw spanning the width of the reel to fasten the sideplate. Now, it is secured via this little switch at the back.

Price & Applications: Obviously the REVO Inshore was built for larger and more hard pulling quarry than the not so little sunfish with big mouths or even its cousin with the smallmouth or the other with spots. Unfortunately, aside from the very large cousin with stripes, we do not have easy access to Inshore species against which to test this beast of a reel. We've had difficulty locating the striper schools over the last few years. .

Conclusion: Abu Garcia's REVO Inshore has been part of the family since the onset yet this was actually my first time fishing this model and I find it an intriguing product. Where as in spinning reels, I really prefer shallow spools because I'm usually using six pound or lighter test fishing line, with casting reels, I don't mind the deep spool option. It'd certainly make it easier if some of these reels came with both, but of course that'd be too much to ask since we don't even get spare spools with spinning reels anymore.

If you're looking for a reel to handle your freshwater needs and allow you to turn around and make a few casts in the salty stuff (or vice versa), Abu Garcia's REVO Inshore belongs on your short list.

The REVO Inshore is built for bigger game, hence the deep spool for heavier gauge line. Its retrieve ratio of 7.3:1 is the new 6.4:1 meaning more and more anglers are seeking a ratio in this range for their everyday needs. It's a really smart build and let's face it, the electric blue highlights don't hurt either. If you're looking for a reel to handle your freshwater needs and allow you to turn around and make a few casts in the salty stuff (or vice versa), Abu Garcia's REVO Inshore belongs on your short list.

Looking for a Abu Garcia Revo4 Inshore?

Try TackleWarehouse