Detailed photos and information on the 2009 Abu Garcia Revo baitcast and
spinning reels (continued)
Sorön STX:
Abu Garcia gets
aggressive when it comes to spinning this season and the new Soron STX
spinning reel is one sharp looking reel. The color combination and details
throughout the spinning reel make this a contender with exciting new features
designed specifically for handling modern superlines.
Introducing
the new Abu Garcia Soron STX spinning reel
So what's the story with the
Abu Garcia Soron STX? Well... with the increasing popularity of braided lines
spinning reels still are not nearly as commonly spooled with these lines compared to baitcast
reels. Abu Garcia is introducing a new spool design
called the Superline Spool System (S3) and it will only available on the Soron STX.
The S3 allows anglers to spool on braided line without the use of a backing
material on the bare spool like one used to do with electrical tape or
monofilament line. The S3 incorporates Abu Garcia's patent pending Fast Tie Down
Design which uses two elastomeric rings built into the spool which prevent superlines from slipping on the spool.
The reel's
appearance is modern yet still makes use of the elements that are instantly
recognizable as a Abu
|
Abu
Garcia Soron STX |
| Model |
Bearings |
Weight |
Line
Cap (lbs/yds) |
Gear |
| STX10 |
10+1 |
8.2 oz |
6/110 |
5.1:1 |
| STX20 |
10+1 |
9.6 oz |
8/130 |
5.1:1 |
| STX40 |
10+1 |
11.0 oz |
10/210 |
5.1:1 |
| STX60 |
10+1 |
15.5 oz |
12/250 |
4.8:1 |
| STX70 |
10+1 |
21.7 oz |
17/250 |
4.8:1 |
The Soron STX
comes with a spare spool. Notice only the main spool has Abu Garcia's Superline
Spool System (S3)
Not only is the spool
designed to handle braided line, the Soron STX reel is also made tougher. The
body, body cover, rotor, and bail arm are built with the proven X-Craftic
aluminum alloy. This material is designed to be lighter and tougher than normal
aluminum and can even be used in saltwater fishing as it is much more corrosion
resistant. Like the baitcast version, the STX spinning reel uses the Carbon
Matrix Drag system and 10+1 HPCR bearings. It also employs the hefty Duragear so
hard hooksets from non-stretch braided lines will not damage the guts of the
reel.
The reel has a
solid construction using an X-Craftic aluminum alloy
Additional features: Everlast
Bail System, stainless steel main shaft and hardware, a fluorocarbon spare
spool, and comfort soft touch paddles. The Abu Garcia Soron STX will retail for: $129.99
(STX10 and 20), $139.99 (STX40), and $149.99 (STX60 and 70)
A spinning reel designed to handle
braided lines
Cardinal
500ALBi: The Cardinal 500ALB gets a stunning redesign and yet still proves
to be a
great value. The 500ALBi is new for 2009 with a complete makeover. The body
construction is now more rigid and durable thanks to the use of the X-Craftic
aluminum alloy that we are seeing in all the other reels by Abu Garcia. Ten
bearings are used to provide smooth operation while Duragear gears form the
power train.
A first look at the redesigned
Cardinal 500ALBi
The Cardinal 500ALBi also features a Multi-Disc
Drag System for smooth drag pressure and Abu's Everlast Bail System for
durability. In addition the reel comes with a spare spool to hold a fresh spool
of line ready to be used.
A graphite spare spool is included
with the reel
|
Abu
Garcia Cardinal
500ALBi |
| Model |
Bearings |
Weight |
Line
Cap (lbs/yds) |
Gear |
| C501 |
10 |
7.5 oz |
6/110 |
5.5:1 |
| C502 |
10 |
9.5 oz |
6/175 |
5.5:1 |
| C503 |
10 |
9.6 oz |
8/180 |
5.5:1 |
| C504 |
10 |
10.9 oz |
10/210 |
5.5:1 |
| C506 |
10 |
14.7 oz |
12/250 |
4.8:1 |
A great value having features of
higher end reels
The spinning reel is available in five different
sizes and will retail for a great value of $69.99 for the 501, 502, and 503ALBi
and $79.99 for the 504 and 506ALBi models.
The body is now even more rugged
Conclusion: Abu Garcia has in the span of
two seasons transformed from a brand with a storied and rich history to come to
offer one of the hottest and most sought after brands by bass fishermen. The
Revos have won over many anglers over the last season and we are excited to see Abu Garcia expanding
this series of low profile reels, providing cranking power via the Winch
or more line capacity with an even deeper spool with the larger profile Revo Toro.
While there is no doubt these new contenders will make the baitcaster brawl even
more exciting Abu shows us that they are serious about spinning as well with the Soron being the first spinning reel on the
market with a patent pending spool designed specifically to better manage braided lines.
With ICAST just weeks away the top Tier 1 reel manufacturers have already
started to deliver, and Abu does just that as the brand makes a bold statement
with their new Revo and Soron reels.
