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The
REVOlution Continues, Abu Garcia’s New Gen 3 Premier Baitcaster
| Date: |
12/17/12 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Abu Garcia |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.41 -
GREAT
Introduction: Abu Garcia updates their Revo Series for a third time?
It seems like just yesterday that the company was tweaking their original design
but sure enough rather than resting on their laurels the team at Abu is looking to
capitalize on their momentum with yet another update to their popular line of
low profile baitcasters. The Generation 3 Revo Premier is at the top of the
range in this updated series and features a lighter, more compact design that
employs both aluminum and carbon elements to successfully dip below the 6oz.
barrier. Does Abu sacrifice other areas in the pursuit for an overall lighter
package? It is time to find out as we present our first review of a Gen 3 Revo
reel, and why not start right at the top?
|
Abu Garcia
7.1:1 Revo Gen 3 Premier Reel
Specifications |
|
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
12/145 |
|
Gear Ratio |
7.1:1 (6.4:1 also
available) |
|
Measured Weight |
5.9 ounces |
|
Measured Max. Drag |
18.9 lbs measured
max drag (20lbs. published spec) |
|
Number of
Bearings |
10HPCR + 1CRRB |
|
Features |
Enhanced corrosion resistant bearings, alloy frame and carbon
sideplates, new D2 gear design, Infinitely variable centrifugal braking
design, titanium line guide, compact bent carbon handle, EVA knobs |
|
Origin |
Korea |
|
MSRP |
$299.99 |
Abu takes another turn at refining
their popular Revo Series
Impressions:
Abu Garcia has
long been known for their round reels but since the introduction of their
original Revo low profile baitcasters the company has taken the market by storm.
Quickly garnering the attention of bass anglers these reels successfully
competed right in the heart of the mainstream market. Were the original reels
perfect? No, but with each season Abu made investments in not only refining the
product itself but beefing up the lineup to address a wider spectrum of
applications, ranging from finesse fishing with ultra light line to winching up
inshore species. They often say that the third time is the charm and when Abu
introduced the new Generation 3 Revo Series we were excited to see just what the
company had in store for anglers.
The new reels feature the same
basic form factor but come with a variety of finishes for easy identification
Coming off
their recent success with the ultralight Revo MGX reel the stakes are already
high. What would Abu focus on for this new series? Better feel, lighter overall
weight, increased durability or perhaps superior ergonomics? When we first saw
the new Gen 3 Series this past summer we actually didn’t know what to think. The
new reels were obviously cleanly designed but from first glance they looked very
similar to the Gen 2 reels. What did they change? Was this simply an “evolution”
versus a “REVOlution?”
The Revo Premier is the highest
end new Gen 3 Revo reel
While similar
looking to the previous version, upon closer inspection it is clear that the new
Gen 3 reels sport some subtle yet significant differences, most notably of which
is the new larger gearbox that protrudes downwards to supports the new D2
gearing. There are plenty of choices in the Revo Gen 3 lineup ranging from the
Revo S for $129 dollars to the Premier, and this season the company seems to
have went out of their way to make the reels look physically different, with the
use of varied paint finishes, for easier identification since all the reel’s
share the same basic profile. The Premier does stand out from the rest of the
series with gold highlights and an attractive compact bent carbon handle.
The reel features a lower profile
and an enlarged gearbox
Every time we
meet up with Andrew Wheeler, Product Manager, at Abu Garcia it is obvious that
he is passionate about this particular reel series and at the recent ICAST show
when he introduced the enhanced feature set now found in the Premier he outlined
the fact that some of the high end features in the MGX had tricked down to the
Premier, while other elements like the new D2 gearing debuted on the new series.
Examining the reel both before and
after the field tests
When compared
to previous generation reels the Premier gets a number of upgrades this season
including the addition of the Abu Garcia’s IVCB-IV braking system which first
debuted in the lightweight Revo MGX. The Revo Premier makes use of a combination
of materials, the X2-Craftic alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplates which are
designed to provide significant weight reduction without sacrificing any reel
rigidity or durability. The Premier is a mix of both old and new technologies,
and it was clear that it offered more than just a more compact design. But how
would all this translate into actual real world performance?
The new reel's gearbox can
accommodate much larger gears for more power and speed
Next
Section:
Bring
on the fish!
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