Finesse
at the Entry Level: Abu Garcia's Revo S20 Spinning Reel

Date: |
10/13/14 |
Tackle type: |
Reel |
Manufacturer: |
Abu Garcia |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 7.24 -
GOOD
Introduction:
Abu Garcia's Revo line of baitcasting reels has been a big hit since they first
dropped into the scene back in 2006. With the success of those reels, the brand
took it one step further and introduced the first Revo spinning reel in 2010.
Now spanning several levels of pricing and performance, the Revo family
continues to enjoy epic popularity. In this review we dissect the entry- level
Revo spinning reel—the S20 model—to see if it has mean performance that exceeds
its friendly price tag.
Abu Garcia Revo S20 Spinning Reel
Specifications |
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
Mono: 130 yards of 8 pound
Braid: 190 yards of 8 pound |
Gear Ratio |
5.1:1 |
Inches Per Turn (IPT) |
27 |
Weight |
8.5 ounces |
Handle Length |
50 millimeters |
Number of
Bearings |
7 total |
Bearings Per Knob |
2 bushings 0 bearings |
Roller Guide Bearings |
1 bearing |
Origin |
China |
MSRP |
$129.99 |

The Revo S20 looks appealing and matches perfectly to Abu's Veritas rods.
Impressions and
Quality:
Much like its baitcasting counterpart, the Revo S20 shares the same black and
white color scheme. The body is comprised of an X-Craftic alloy frame, along
with a graphite stem and polymeric rotor and body structure. It also sports a
machined aluminum braid-ready spool and a thicker-than-standard bail wire as
part of the Everlast bail system.

A look at the non-handle side of the S20.
The reel is a mixture of shiny and matte surfaces. Overall the S20 is put
together quite well with no glaring or bothersome problems. I recently fished a
Revo SX20 spinning reel and the S20 model seemed to have about the same build
quality. The lettering on the spool could be a bit sharper and a couple spots
could be slightly more refined, but these issues are very small and don't affect
functionality one bit.

Zander and Cal tell me that taking this reel apart back in the
lab was tricky!
Quality Ratings for
Abu Garcia Revo S20 Spinning Reel |
Finish (1-5) |
Construction Tolerances (1-5) |
Handle Tolerance (1-5) |
Knob Tolerance (1-5) |
Total
|
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
3 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
The rotor, body, and stem sit independently in our lab.
Performance:
I brought the Revo S20 along with me primarily for
largemouth bass here in South Florida and up at Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee. I
used it along with 20 pound Sufix braid on a Daiwa Steez SVF rod.

Here's a look at the Carbon Matrix drag stack.
Casting:
You will appreciate the Revo S20 when the bite calls
for using small baits with thin-diameter line. The standard spool differs from
that of the next-level-up Revo SX in that it is deeper for increased capacity.
Despite the difference in spools, the S20 casts without drama. The bail clicks
open firmly and stays that way, thus adding to the confidence of hard two-handed
casts.

The bail spring is revealed beneath the cover.
Retrieve:
Similar to the SX20 I fished, the S20 is satisfyingly smooth but not as
butter-smooth and silent as in a high-end product. The guts of the reel are
comprised of a one-piece gearbox design with a stainless main shaft and
components, along with Duragear brass gearing for improved rigidity and
durability. There is ample power on tap for any appropriate species you'll
tangle with, and hook sets are quick thanks to no handle back play. The fact
that the structure of the reel exhibits so little flex also undoubtedly keeps
everything lined up nicely.
Next Section: Drag performance that doesn't disappoint

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