Price Paid: 130.00
Recommended: Yes
Cons: no external brake adjustment; retail price a bit steep
Pros: very smooth operation, lower ratio works well with deep cranks, casts very well, excellent materials and workmanship, carbon matrix drag washers, capable of tremendous drag pressure (rated at 24lbs max), HPCR bearings
I purchased a new but factory reconditioned reel off eBay for a significantly reduced priced. MSRP from AG is $199.95, but it is routinely priced at present (7/2012) for $159.95.
It's a beautiful reel and is a pleasure to use. It casts very well with minimal adjustment. So far have found the lack of external brake controls to be minimally inconvenient. The reel makes it easy to retrieve high-resistance deep diving cranks like the Rapala DT-16; I can fish them for long periods with minimal arm and wrist fatigue. Was fortunate to catch a 5lb LMB on my first cast with the reel. The drag is silky smooth; fish was able to make repeated runs without the drag washers binding (I use a very light drag with cranks, at least when not close to structure).
High quality design of reel (e.g., HPCR or High Performance Corrosion Resistant bearings and corrosion resistant anti-reverse bearing; alloy frame) suggests it may also may also be used in saltwater. Will report back on my experiences fishing for Red Drum with this reel.
Update 8/3/2012: Good video product review of the Abu Garcia Winch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwbnOBhhxV0
Revo Winch
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