Abu Garcia REVO X Gen 4 (Cranking) Review
A Stellar Budget-Conscious Cranking Machine
-Specifications-
Model: REVO4 X-W-L
Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 5.4:1
As I built up my rod and reel arsenal, I could never muster the funds to get my hands on a dedicated cranking setup. I would typically tie my crankbaits on spinning gear, with the moderate action of the rods and the slower gear ratio of my spinning reels making it easier to haul in good-sized, head-shaking bass. After trying out the speed-retrieve version of the Abu Garcia Revo X Gen 4, the REVO4 X-HS in a 7.3:1 ratio, I liked what I saw enough in terms of performance to look into buying the slower gear ratio version. After about 30+ hours on the water with the REVO4 X-W-L in a 5.4:1 gear ratio, I have been consistently impressed at every turn, particularly when contrasted with the low retail price of only $99USD. Get ready to read some seriously high praise, because this reel deserves every word.
Usability:
The Revo X Gen 4 Cranking has all of the features you’d ask for in a good casting reel; lightweight alloy frame, a total of 7 bearings combined with the Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system for silky smooth retrieves in a fight, and a handy MagTrax brake system. Everything is easily adjustable on this reel, with simple dial adjustments handling both the drag system, located near the retrieve handle, and the brake system, which sits on the opposite side of the reel. Audible clicks are heard when adjusting both, making it easy to tell just how tight or loose your reel is running. Closing the bail after a cast feels solid and grounded, with seemingly no undesirable movement to be found. Everything works well, feels good, and generally feels to be an excellently constructed reel.
Casting:
As a cranking reel specifically, you obviously want the ability to really hoon a bait down water. In a day full of chuckin’ and windin’, burning the banks and making hundreds of casts, you need something that’ll get your bait out there without much effort, or a fear of backlash. In this role, the Abu Garcia Revo X Gen 4 Cranking performs admirably. I have mine paired up with a Lew’s Fritts Perfect Cranking Rod with medium power and a moderate action, and let me tell you, this reel absolutely bombs. On gusty days with the wind at my back and the braking system turned down low, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see fifty yard casts, maybe even longer with the right bait. The reel doesn’t like to backlash even after switching lures, and the easy adjustments to braking pressure spoken of previously almost eliminate the possibility of backlashing, even with new users. Overall, it’s just a joy to cast this puppy, and I see myself continuing to use it extensively for all of my cranking applications.
Retrieve:
As the low gear ratio would suggest, the Revo X Gen 4 Cranking will put a serious crank on a fish. I’ve hooked into a few behemoths with this reel so far, even losing a fish that couldn’t have been less than 7lbs. at the boat not long ago, and I’ve been nothing but impressed. Drag is consistent, easy to adjust on the fly, and smooth as butter. I landed a 2.14lb. crappie who had a ton of fight in her, and when I saw it was a papermouth a few moments after the hookset, I loosened that drag up to almost nothing and rode that fish all the way in, despite her diving for deep water several times. It’s hard to put any sort of negative comment on this reel. I’ve caught everything from palm-sized bluegill to the aforementioned monster largemouth, and I am never without the utmost confidence that this is the right reel for the job. Highest possible points to Abu Garcia for this reel.
Pros:
· Low pricetag, high performance
· Sleek looks and solid design
· Great cranking power and a well-sized spool for bomber casts
· Low-profile and ergonomic
· Easily adjustable and highly usable, even for beginners
Cons:
· Grips are slippery when wet, and sometimes even when they aren’t wet I’ll find myself having trouble getting my initial grip
The bottom line that I've come to understand with this reel is quite simply that you should go and buy one immediately. That's about all I have to say about that.
