Abu Garcia Makes a Case for (MG)Xtreme Value and Performance

Total Score: 8.25 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: It's true you don't have to spend a lot of money these days to get spinning reel that performs well. Of course, good enough probably isn't in the vocabulary of those seeking the perfection in the likes of Stella and Exist. The question may be, where's the middle ground? What if you want to feed your enthusiast soul with something better than "budget" but want to stay away from "extravagant"? The answer there lies in the dollar amount you consider the happy median. If you have a good amount of flexibility in that definition, Abu Garcia has a new flagship spinning reel that could very well feed your hunger. Let's take a closer look at the MGXtreme spinning reel by Abu Garcia.

Ready for another flagship spinning reel? This is Abu Garcia's MGXtreme (20 size)

Impressions: First things first, $400 is still a lot of money for a spinning reel. Of course, given the flagship product from two other manufacturers easily eclipse that mark by 50% or more, everything is relative, right? Taking a closer look at the MGXtreme spinning reel reveals Abu Garcia delivers it in a nice, hard nylon clamshell case. Inside that case is the reel complete with two - yes two - aluminum spools (one shallow, the other more shallow). Remember when the higher end spinning reels used to come with a spare ALUMINUM spool?

The reel arrives in this attractive little case

The MGXtreme spinning reel is offered in two sizes, a 20 and a 30. I fished the smaller 20 size. Back to the reel case, also included are replacement options for the knob and two options for covering the handle shaft opposite the side you prefer to have the handle: a standard cap, and a drop shot weight holder. The afore mentioned knob options include a round cork knob and an EVA foam I-knob. The reel comes with a cork I-knob installed.

Also in that case is a spare aluminum spool