Design & Ergonomics: For my hands, and the way in which I grip my rod and reel combo, Abu Garcia has consistently produced among the more comfortably shaped low profile baitcasting reels on the market. This trend continues and even elevates with the new Zenon platform. The height of the reel in the seat, its width, and of course, the Zenon MG-X's weight all combine for instant comfort and familiarity.

The 90mm handle is carbon

I also enjoy the afore mentioned fact that both retrieve ratios feature the same handle, and on those handles are new knobs that look a bit large and awkward initially, but are exceedingly comfortable to grip. The brake adjustment dial on the non-handle sideplate is easy to adjust and read, and access to the spool, by removing the non-handle sideplate is pretty simple. That sideplate, by the way, is not attached to the reel, so take care not to accidentally drop it in the water.

The reel's gearbox is not exaggerated

The reel arrives in an oversized cardboard box that contains a hard, nylon case, which in turn contains the reel. I'm not certain if I'll really use that hard nylon case long term, but it's an interesting touch. Abu Garcia has been using this case the last several years for their higher end spinning reels. It make sense with those reels because included in the case is a spare spool and sometimes, optional handle knobs. For the Zenon MG-X, the only extras in that case are a reel foot protector, warranty card, an exploded reel diagram for part numbers, and other paperwork. Missing it seems, at minimum, is a vial of oil.

If you want or are at least intrigued by Abu Garcia's new, Zenon MG-X, retail is $449.95

Price & Applications: Now for the bad news. If you want or are at least intrigued by Abu Garcia's new, Zenon MG-X, retail is $449.95. This is not a reel you can easily rely upon to fill a complete arsenal - and by easy, I'm referring to affordability. It is, of course, the middle Zenon child so there is a model that is less expensive (the Zenon X) as well as one that is more (the Zenon MG-LTX). However, the MG-X may very well be my favorite. The good news is, as a flagship model, Zenon is slightly more accessible than those from some of Abu's competitors.

Conclusion: Time has a way of dampening the enthusiasm for a product, but I still remember the fervor surrounding those original Abu Garcia Revo casting reels. It wasn't until five or six years later that the manufacturer introduced their first magnesium based low profile casting reel, the original MGX. While that reel proved popular, and has gone through a couple of refreshes since its introduction in 2011, my impression is it was not received with the same amount of popularity. Especially after Abu one upped it a year later with the MGXtreme.

Zander has been putting the Zenon MG-LTX through the paces, including seeing how this lightweight reel holds up to stripers. Stay tuned for that review

It could also just be me, but the high end market is tricky. If there's any sense a platform was derived in a bottom up manner rather than top down, a great majority of enthusiasts will lose interest. I think Abu has taken note. Not only have they divorced the MG-X from the Revo family, they've created a new family atop the popular brand and gave Zenon its own look and feel.

I started with one MG-X. It quickly became two, and you know what? I may not be done

This approach elevates perception and gives Zenon a chance to distinguish itself from Revo. Within that new family of high end casting reels, MG-X sits in the middle - the hot seat of neglect. I'm here to tell you to overlook this reel would be a mistake. I started with one MG-X. It quickly became two, and you know what? I may not be done.

All three of the Zenon reels, while bearing the same form factor, have unique attributes, materials, and design elements that warrant a closer look. Stay tuned for our complete review of the MG-LTX coming next, but until then the MG-X has already won us over. It is rare that the middle offering gets this much attention, but the Zenon MG-X steals the spotlight, raises Abu's high-end magnesium baitcaster game, and is the first product of 2023 to win an Editor's Choice Award. 

Looking for an Abu Garcia Zenon MG-X Casting Reel?

Try TackleWarehouse