Real World Tests: When hunting for the right rod from my arsenal upon which to mount this new SX, I couldn't get over the Zenon MG-X like vibe I was getting. So I reluctantly unsheathed my Trika C73M and bestowed upon it, the responsibility of revealing what the new Revo5 SX was capable. I say reluctantly because, for testing purposes, I usually try to keep the matchmaking within the same price tier, but that Abu matte gray looks too fun on the Trika rods. As for fishing line, those responsibilities befell upon two candidates. I spooled the Revo5 SX with some 50lb Daiwa JBraid as its mainline and used a variety of leaders depending upon the application I had in mind but mostly settled on some 12lb Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon.

IVCB-6 brakes in SX!

Casting: What I enjoy about Abu Garcia's IVCB braking system is the free and easy manner with which it enables me to present my bait. Start up inertia is always very good so it doesn't take much effort to execute an effective cast. Where this brake system is a little more difficult to tame is when making quick, snap of the wrist type of casts, and casts into the wind. In these instances, a quick adjustment of the brakes or even the spool tension knob is in order, or if you're lazy like me, just use a bit more thumb control to help tame the spool.

The Revo5 SX is equipped with 9 bearings plus a roller bearing

A good indicator of how easy the spool on the Revo5 SX starts up is the fact I was able to cast a 2.5" Berkley MaxScent Power Bait tube with a quarter ounce head fairly competently. I'm pretty sure if I had thinner gauged line and an even lighter powered stick than the Trika C73M, my assessment of "fairly competent" would improve a great deal. One thing is for sure, compared to previous generations, the IVCB-6 braking system elevates the casting capabilities of the new SX, to another level.

The super low profile of the Revo5 SX

Retrieve: There was a time, maybe only a decade ago, maybe longer, when you could lineup several casting reels of varying price points, pick them up one at a time, spin the handle, and feel the difference in operation as you moved up the line in price point. Not so much today. If the reels are made with the similar frame and sideplate compositions, just about everything can be considered smooth. There are always exceptions with the degree of smoothness in the uber upper echelon of casting reels, but with reels between $99 to $300, those differences are not so apparent anymore.

Wait, what are these red highlights about?

This could be due to the fact the majority of manufacturers are using the same basic construction for their reels only changing the number of bearings, the brake systems, and handles as you move from one price point to the other. Abu Garcia is certainly guilty of this. I bring this up here because what seems to distinguish one manufacturer from the other, these days, in the "retrieve" category of our evaluation, is the available gear ratios. With reels designed for general purpose use, three options is the standard and usually something in the 6, 7, and now 8 range. It used to be 5, 6, and 7, but now 8 is the new 7 and so on.

It's the 9:1 retrieve ratio SX Rocket (RKT)!

Abu Garcia, always one to push the limits in retrieve ratio since the introduction of their Rocket platform, offers the SX in a 9:1 gear ratio. I discovered the new, SX Rocket upon researching the reel on TackleWarehouse and our Editor in Chief, always a fan of the faster retrieves, scooped one up right away. Distinguished from the rest of the SX pack with red highlights, I personally, think this is a low key big deal (if there is such a thing). Even the fastest STX is only an 8.1:1 reel. The SX RKT is $20 more than its siblings, but a good option if you want a more affordable, super fast retrieve Revo.

Inside the Revo5 SX is a nice, large main gear of brass

Next Section: Revo SX Gear Ratio and Drag...