Slowing Things Down with Abu Garcia's Revo 4 Winch Spinning Reel

Total Score: 7.50 - GOOD

Introduction: One of the arguments I hear in passing as to why bass anglers prefer casting reels to spinning is the slower gear ratios in spinning reels versus casting. What I guess many of the anglers making this argument fail to realize is it's not the gear ratio that's important, but the actual rate of retrieve or inches of line retrieved per turn of the reel's handle (IPT). I am quite certain, given the different spool sizes available in spinning gear, that if the amount of line that is picked up per turn of the handle is your concern, you can find a model to suit your needs.

Introducing Abu Garcia's Revo Winch Spinning Reel.

However, I do know there are a lot of anglers in general, who actually prefer spinning gear to casting because the perception is spinning reels are easier to use. My view is that it is simply a matter of trading one concern for another - the likelihood of line twist versus a birds-nest. With proper attention, both can be managed. For those in the spinning reel camp, this year, Abu Garcia has introduced an intriguing new product - a technique specific spinning reel made for cranking. Introducing Abu Garcia's Revo Winch spinning reel.

The Winch spinning reel is available in only one size, Abu's 30 platform.

Impressions: I've always viewed the gear ratio race in fishing reels in the same manner as the available gear race in cycling. Once upon a time, a ten speed bicycle was considered a bike with five gears in back and two gears in front for a total of ten gears or speeds. Today, as manufacturing and technology have evolved, that number simply refers to the number of gears on the back of the bike (the cogset or cog). That number currently sits at 11 with talks of 12 speed cogs in the very near future. Is it necessary? Not really, but how can bicycle component manufacturers convince cyclists to upgrade their bikes if they continue making the same stuff year after year? Any of this sound familiar?

The spool has a kind of rubberized coating making it braid ready.

So I find it very interesting, in an age where fishing reels are getting faster and faster, that one manufacturer is actually making a new reel that goes slower. To top it off, it's a spinning reel at that.

The Revo Winch Spinning reel is built off of Abu Garcia's familiar Revo spinning reel frame and introduced to the Revo family during their fourth generation refresh.

Our review model is the 30 size and sports a lightning slow 4.7:1 gear ratio.

Rigged and ready to go.