The new Abu Garcia REVO MGX is a dream machine. When you pull it out of the box, the first word from everyone who touches it is “WOW!†For some reason, each person I have handed it to does the same thing. They bounce it in their hands, turn it over, spin the spool and crank it a couple of times. At 5.4 ounces, it is so light it feels fragile, but it’s anything but dainty.
As I get older, I continually look for lighter gear. Not lighter like finesse gear but lighter in terms of weight. I still feel as tough as a rusty nail, but spending all day on the water, year after year, can take its toll on elbows, wrists, appendages and your back. Anything I can do to put the best tools in my hands gives me confidence and takes less effort also makes fishing more fun.
The low profile Abu Garcia Revo MGX is a Mercedes, the Space Shuttle and a diamond all in one. As my dad used to say, “This is a Cadillac.†Simply put: it’s one special reel. The MGX is futuristic. It combines the latest in technology and materials into a single product, and it is one smooth puppy.
An X-Mag frame with C6 Carbon side plates is the reason for its lightness. Materials used provide both lack of weight and toughness. You got to love it. Combined with nine High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) ball bearings and a single roller bearing, a 7.1:1 gear ratio, which means a full 28 inches on each turn, makes this reel one smooth customer. A super high speed 7.9:1 ratio is also available.
The trademarked IVCB-IV Brake System allows this baitcaster the ultimate in cast control. A carbon matrix drag system gives a strong smooth drag, and in our tests, we really liked the incremental settings. Rather than guessing at drag position each adjustment clicks and is precise. There are 28 settings. A carbon fiber handle and comfortable EVA paddles top it off.
The reel also employs a gear access panel for lubrication. A small Phillips Head screw unlocks a small door and lubrication of gears is a snap. A small bottle of reel oil comes in the package. Great feature!
For our tests we combined it with a Denali Rosewood Mark Tyler Series 884MTM rod, 12-pound Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon line and a Strike King Pro Model 1/2-ounce double willow spinnerbait. This set up not only looks sweet but casts like a dream, and we could feel the lightest tick. Hook ups were strong and the reel handled several fish up to 3 pounds with ease. Fishing deep grass on super long casts for 4 hours was a breeze, and if it had not got dark, we would still be out there.
In a nutshell, we love this reel. It is the smoothest and lightest reel we have seen to date. Having the Abu Garcia logo on it means it will last as dependability is a benchmark for them.
Because the Abu Garcia Revo MGX uses very high end materials, it is a pricey reel at $349.95. The MGX will hit the shelves in September. If you have the budget for it and demand performance and want the best materials in a reel with the quality reputation of the Revo series of reels, then this reel should be on your list.
The Revo MGX is going to be available at Tackle Warehouse in a few months, but they are accepting pre-orders now.
If you want a chance to win one before you can buy one, be sure to check out Abu Garcia’s Sneak Peek Sweepstakes.
To learn more about the Revo MGX, visit the MGX page at AbuGarcia.com
