Abu Garcia's Andrew Wheeler introduces the new Revo MGX
 

Revo MGX Reel: Introducing the new Abu Garcia Revo MGX. This reel not only impressed the TackleTour staff but obviously caught the attention of everyone at ICAST, winning “Best of Show for Freshwater Reels” – Congratulations Abu Garcia for pulling off this win!

Here's the compact low profile Revo MGX

Here’s why the Revo MGX is so impressive. The new compact Abu Garcia Revo MGX only weighs 5.4 ounces thanks to the combination of X-Mag magnesium alloy frame and lighter-than-aluminum C6 carbon sideplates. This low profile reel is not only lightweight but high performance and comes with some neat features.

An impressive reel indeed

First is the cast control mechanism called Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake (IVCB-IV) system. This system has been used in Swedish reel designs such as the premium Morrum casting reel. One of the cool features of the IVCB-IV system is that it can be adjusted externally without removing the side plate. But, where this system really differs from other reels is in the design of the brakes. Instead of a brake sliding on a pin, like other centrifugal brake systems, the IVCB-IV has four brake points that go vertical when the spool spins. It’s hard to describe but you can see it from the video above. The external adjuster allows a plate inside to move up and down controlling the height of the vertical brakes as a cast occurs.

Clicking star drag and spool tension knob

The MGX includes nine stainless steel HPCR™ (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings plus a roller bearing, Infini II™ spool, Carbon Matrix™ drag system and Titanium coated line guide. The durable aircraft-grade aluminum main gear reduces weight as does the compact bent carbon handle with flat EVA knobs. The recessed reel foot allows for a more comfortable position while in the reel seat and the bent handle moves the crank paddles closer to the reel for easier cranking.

Carbon fiber sweeped handle and EVA knobs

This magnesium alloy reel has some sick gear ratios too, featuring high speed and super high-speed ratios of 7.1:1 and 7.9:1 respectively. It also has a line capacity of 115 yards of 12-pound mono or 110 yards of 30 pound braid. In October anglers will be able to purchase these right-handed models from their favorite stores with a retail price of $349.95.

Those little white brakes when the spool spins they come up

MAX Family of Reels: Due to the popularity of the MAX series of low profile baitcasting reels, Abu Garcia has redefined it this year. The reels get a more compact design, cosmetic tune-ups, and new gear ratios.

The $79.95 Pro Max gets revamped but price stays low

The Pro Max features new cosmetics with a black double-anodized finish and a machined aluminum spool for durability. The handle and star drag are more compact and feature a bent shape, moving the center of gravity closer to the center of the rod. The reel foot is recessed giving the reel a more comfortable feel when placed on a rod and the gear ratio is now 7.1:1, far faster than the previous version. All other features of the 7.9-ounce Pro Max were retained including the MagTrax™ brake system, Power Disk™ drag and 7+1 stainless steel bearings.

The gear ratio of this newly re-designed Silver Max is now 6.4:1

The Silver Max weighs in at 8.0 ounces and has a new silver and black finish, machined aluminum spool, compact bent handle and star drag and a recessed reel foot. The 5+1 stainless steel bearings are precision engineered into the reel design. Additional features include the MagTrax brake system, Power Disk drag and flipping switch. The gear ratio is now 6.4:1.

$49.95 only! This reel feels good at this price point

Upgrades to the 7.9-ounce Black Max include the compact bent handle and star drag along with a recessed reel foot. Retained features include 4+1 stainless steel bearings, MagTrax brake system and Power Disk drag. The gear ratio is now 6.4:1.

Max reels now hold 145 yards of 12-pound monofilament or 130 yards of 30-pound braid and all are available in right and left hand retrieve versions. The MSRP is $79.95 for the Pro Max, $59.95 for the Silver Max and $49.95 for the Black Max. Each reel will also be available on a 6’6’’M or 7’0’’MH combo featuring a 24 Ton graphite rod and stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts.

Conclusion: Abu Garcia must be doing something right. Their Revo series of reels have been taking the industry by storm. And with the new Revo MGX, winning Best of Show for the Freshwater Reel category here at ICAST, it’s telling us that they are again moving in the right direction. The new Revo MGX is truly impressive, being only 5.4  ounces, this super compact low profile design is a true performer. And then there’s the popular MAX family of reels. Those reels felt great even before they fine-tuned them – now without a doubt, they’re much better. What more can you ask for when these reels are $80 and below.