Ready for Battle: Abu Garcia Introduces New
ZATA Series at the Classic
Date: |
3/9/20 |
Tackle type: |
Reels |
Manufacturer: |
Abu Garcia |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction: The Bassmaster Classic continues to be a hot venue
for manufacturers to introduce new products early in the season and this week Abu Garcia
launched a number of new products including the ZATA Series of reels and rods which leverage proven platforms
and bold new military-green styling.
The Abu Garcia ZATA bears the same
angular profile as other Abu reels but the finish is unlike any other in the
lineup
ZATA Baitcaster: Abu Garcia already has one of the
most expansive baitcaster lineups but the company is looking to further solidify
their mainstream offerings at the sub $200 dollar price point with the
introduction of the new ZATA series.
The first thing anglers
will notice about the entire ZATA family is the matte green finish that reminds
us of military vehicle paint. These reels look like they are built for battle.
External controls to the Infini
Brake System
The ZATA baitcaster features a sleek profile that
is the same as other more expensive Revo Series low-profile reels. The reels are
built on a graphite frame and sideplates but rather than use aluminum gearing
the ZATA is built to be an everyday workhorse reel and comes equipped with the
company's Duragear brass gearing. To help anglers maintain that smooth out of
the box feel there is also a conveniently located lube port for mid-season tuning.
The baitcaster feature a low
profile with a compact gearbox with a 7.1:1 gear ratio
The ZATA is designed to be smooth under pressure
and is loaded with 10 stainless steel bearings and one roller bearing. The
ZATA's aluminum spool is anodized and ported, and casts are managed with the Abu Infini brake system, a dual magnetic centrifugal system
that is externally
adjustable.
Abu designed the ZATA
to handle the complete range of freshwater applications, and includes their
powerful carbon matrix drag system which is rated for 20lbs. of drag pressure.
The red highlights are equally
bold and give the reel even more of an unique identity
Ergonomics are very
similar to the company's Revo reels and a compact bent handle is finished with
ergonomic eva knobs, and rather than use plastic knobs Abu opted
for aluminum ones to give the reel a more refined feel where anglers interact
with it the most.
The ZATA baitcaster will be available this Spring
with a multi-purpose 7.1:1 gear ratio, in both right and left retrieve. The
brass gearing and high bearing count add to the overall weight of the reel,
and this baitcaster is no lightweight at 9.5 ounces. This ZATA is designed to target
mainstream anglers and is aggressively priced at $174.95, so the toughest
competition at this price point is going to be Shimano's aluminum based Curado
200K which retails for only 5 dollars more, and the complete range of Daiwa
Tatula reels.
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