What Is The Best Abu Garcia Baitcasting Reel, And Which One Should You Buy?
UPDATED 11 MAY 2023
by Robert Ceran
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Are you looking for a new Abu Garcia baitcaster, but aren’t sure which model offers the best value for you?
My team and I tested the most popular Abu Garcia baitcasting reels on the market, and evaluated them on their gear ratio, retrieve rate, weight, drag pressure, and overall performance.
Based on our testing, here are our picks for the best Abu Garcia baitcasters in 2023:
- Best overall: Revo SX
- Best under 50: Black Max
- Best under 100: Revo X
- Best high speed: Revo Rocket
- Best for saltwater: Revo Beast
- Best lightweight option: Revo EXD
- Best round baitcaster: Ambassadeur C4
Best Abu Garcia baitcaster reviewed
| Model name | Image | Price | Our verdict | Ball bearings | Gear ratio | Retrieve rate | Max drag (lb) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revo SX |  |  | Best overall performance | 10 | 6.6:1 to 7.3:1 | 27" to 30" | 24 | 7.8 |
| Black Max |  | | Best under $50 | 5 | 6.4:1 | 26" | 18 | 7.3 |
| Revo X |  | | Best under $100 | 8 | 5.4:1 to 7.3:1 | 22" to 30" | 18 | 7.9 |
| Revo Rocket |  | | Best high speed option | 11 | 10.1:1 | 41" | 18 | 7.3 |
| Revo Beast |  | | Best for saltwater | 8 | 6.6:1 | 27" | 18 | 8.3 |
| Revo EXD |  | | Best lightweight option | 11 | 5.4:1 to 8.0:1 | 23" to 35" | 20 | 6.7 |
| Ambassadeur C4 |  | | Best round baitcaster | 5 | 6.3:1 | 30" | 15 | 10.0 |
The table above compares the most important specs and features of the top 7 Abu Garcia baitcasting reels that we tested (6 low profile models, and one round model).
As you can see, they cover quite a range of features and strengths. Now let’s take a closer look at each of these models.
1. Revo SX
This reel is undoubtedly one of the most popular low profile baitcasters among dedicated bass anglers, perhaps only rivaled by the Daiwa Tatula series.
But unlike the Tatula series, our testing showed that the Revo SX has lower backlash tendency due to its dual braking system.
The Infini dual braking system was developed by Abu Garcia to combine both magnetic and centrifugal brakes, which can be independently adjusted to avoid backlash almost completely, even without using your thumb to slow down the spool while casting.
This anti-backlash technology is revolutionary for casting reels, and based on our testing, it makes the Revo SX much easier to master for beginners, compared to traditional baitcasters.
This is why we also chose the Revo SX as the winner of our test of the best baitcaster for beginners.
In addition to the Infini brakes, we discovered that another hallmark of the Revo SX is the extremely smooth retrieval action, powered by its 10 ball bearings (which puts it within 1 ball bearing of the higher end Revo Rocket and EXD models).
And with 25 lb max drag, the Revo SX also has the most powerful drag system among Abu Garcia casting reels. All in all, our testing showed that the superior quality of this reel makes it one the best baitcasters you can get, and at a very competitive price.
Features:
- All brass gears
- Carbon matrix drag
- Aluminum frame
- Anti-backlash dual braking system
- Lube port
2. Black Max
This is a very poplular baitcaster among beginners, since it combines high quality and reliability with an affordable price. In fact, I don’t think it’s possible to find comparable quality at a similar price point, lower than 50 dollars.
Due to its attractive pricing and ease of use, this is a great entry level model. You just need to be aware that it doesn’t come with the dual braking system of the Revo SX, and instead relies only on MagTrax magnetic brakes.
However, during our testing we found that it’s not quite as backlash proof, which is a slight disadvantage for beginners. But with a little practice you will get wonderful results out of this model.
Another strength of the Black Max is its lightness of weight, which is due to its all-graphite construction.
The body consists of a one-piece graphite frame, combined with graphite side plates. And while the main body is graphite, the gears are made of brass, which makes them more durable.
Features:
- Brass gears
- MaxTrax braking system
- Graphite frame
- Felt drag
- Recessed reel foot
3. Revo X
This reel is the winner of our best baitcaster under $100 review, and for good reason. When we put it to the test, we found that it’s the best all-round baitcaster that covers both slow and medium speed gear ratios, and comes with a retrieve rate of 22” to 30” per turn of the handle.
This means you can use it for pretty much any casting technique (except for high speed applications).
It comes with 8 stainless steel ball bearings, which guarantees very smooth retrieval action, and is built with the same aluminum alloy frame as the Revo SX, resulting in much higher durability and resistance to warping under pressure, compared to graphite reels.
Overall, our testing showed that it’s very hard to beat the quality and reliability of the Revo X at this price point.
The main differences to the Revo SX are two ball bearings less, and no dual braking system. If you can live with that, this reel is a top performer.
Features:
- Aluminum frame
- Carbon matrix drag
- Brass gears
- Lube port
4. Revo Rocket
This is the fastest Abu Garcia baitcaster, which explains its name. With an incredibly high gear ratio of 10.1:1, it’s even faster than the KastKing Speed Demon, which has a gear ratio of 9.3:1. So even when it comes to high speed baitcasters, Abu Garcia is once again best in class.
We were surprised during our tests that its unheard-of high speed retrieval speed of 41 inches per turn of the handle comes with buttery smooth action, powered by the 10 plus one ball bearings, which definitely puts this reel at the high end of Abu Garcia reel lineups.
So if you’re looking for a high speed reel, then the Rocket is currently the top performer in this category. High speed reels are great if you’re casting long distances, and need to retrieve your lure fast from the strike zone, so you can cast again.
For more information on the benefits of high speed reels, check out our article on baitcaster gear ratio.
Features:
- 11 ball bearings
- Aluminum frame and sideplates
- Anti-backlash dual braking system
- Lube port
5. Revo Beast
If you’re planning to use your baitcaster for inshore fishing, our testing revealed that the Revo Beast baitcaster is a great choice to consider. Basically, this reel comes with all the same features as the Revo X, but in addition it also has 3 HPCS bearings in strategic locations that enhance durability, and guarantee reliable performance under pressure.
HPCR stands for “high-performance corrosion resistant” ball bearings.
Based on our tests, one of the challenges of saltwater fishing is that you’re a lot more likely to hook into bigger and stronger fish than in freshwater, and reels made of graphite components often warp under that kind of pressure.
In addition to its high-performance gears, the Revo Beast also comes with an extra large aluminum handle, which is also helpful for fighting big saltwater fish.
Features:
- 3 high-performance ball bearings in addition to 4 regular ones
- 95mm super sized aluminum handle
- Aluminum frame
- MagTrax magnetic brake
6. Revo EXD
This is the most recent addition to the Revo lineups. Our testing showed that it has several additional features that puts it among the most high end Abu Garcia baitcaster reels, together with the Revo Rocket.
The most notable feature of the EXD are its two EXD ball bearings positioned on the spool shaft. EXD stands for “Extra Casting Distance,” and these ball bearings were developed to improve spool rotation during casting, which leads to increased casting distance.
This is called a “frictionless spool” design, and makes the Revo EXD extremely interesting for any anglers that like to cast far.
In addition to its long distance casting performance, the EXD also comes as a high speed version, which again is helpful if you’re casting a long way to the strike zone, and then need to retrieve your lure as fast as possible to cast again.
Finally, with 6.7 ounces, the EXD is also the lightest model in this review, and while it’s not the lightest baitcaster on the market, that does make it a lot more attractive if you want to avoid arm fatigue from casting a lot.
Features:
- 11 ball bearings
- EXD ball bearings increase casting distance
- Comes with an additional “finesse” spool
- Extra light Infini spool
7. Ambassadeur C4
While all the baitcasters tested above are low profile models, the Ambassadeur is a round baitcaster. This is the traditional design of casting reels (which is why they’re also referred to as conventional reels).
The advantage of this round reel design is that the spool is significantly larger, and can hold a greater length of stronger pound test line.
Round casting reels are therefore ideal for catching larger fish, such as catfish, salmon, and muskie, and the Ambassadeur C4 is one of the best models for this purpose.
In fact it’s one of the most popular round casting reels on the market, which is one of the reasons we chose it as the winner of our best round baitcasting reel review.
The Ambassadeur C4 comes with a level wind system that features a moving line guide, and ensures that line is spooled evenly during retrieval.
The build of the frame is aluminum, and together with the brass gears and aluminum handle this makes the Ambassadeur one of the most durable models on the market.
Features:
- Carbon fiber drag
- Durable aluminum frame plus handle
- Brass gears
- High line capacity
Abu Garcia Revo X vs SX
Since these two reel types have many similarities, anglers often ask what distinguishes them, and which one is better? And while they appear to be broadly similar, there are several significant differences.
The most important difference between the two reels is that the Revo SX comes with the Infini dual braking system (combining both magnetic and centrifugal brakes), while the Revo X only has magnetic brakes.
Based on our testing, this makes the SX much better in terms of anti-backlash technology, and its ability to avoid baitcaster birds nest, which is especially important for beginners.
Secondly, the SX has a much stronger drag system, powered by its Power Stack carbon matrix drag, which can handle up to 24 lb max drag pressure, while the Revo X has a regular carbon matrix drag that can only handle up to 18 lb.
Finally, the SX has two additional ball bearings, which makes its retrieval action smoother than that of the Revo X.
Abu Garcia Black Max vs Silver Max
We only included the Black Max model in this review as the best budget baitcaster under $50. But Abu Garcia produces another low budget model, the Silver Max, which is about $10 more expensive than the Black Max.
So what are the differences between these two models, and which one is better?
The two reels are almost identical in most regards, but the key difference between them is that the Silver Max additionally has the Rocket Clutch system, which enables you to engage or disengage the spool with one hand.
The Black Max, on the other hand, has a regular clutch, and requires both hands for engaging or disengaging the spool.
The Rocket Clutch system makes the Silver Max much better suited for applications such as pitching and flipping, where you need to hold the line in one hand, and the rod & reel in the other hand while casting, which is not possible with a regular clutch.
Is Abu Garcia a good brand?
Yes, Abu Garcia is one of the top fishing gear brands on the market today, and their rods and reels are used by bass pro fishing legend Mike Iaconelli, as well as other professional anglers.
Personally, I’ve found their reels to be as good as any of the other top brands out there, and one of my Abu Garcia baitcasting reels is almost 25 years old now, and still works like a charm.
Final remarks
This concludes our review of the best Abu Garcia casting reel. So which model should you choose?
Especially when it comes to baitcasters, you have to choose between 26 low profile baitcasters, plus 12 round baitcasting reels in their lineup.
If budget is not a major consideration, and you want an excellent all-round baitcaster, then the Revo SX is undoubtedly one of the best reels on the market.
On the other hand, if you’re on a smaller budget, then the Black Max or Revo X are great choices.
If you’re looking for speed, then the Revo Rocket is currently the fastest reel on the market, while the Revo X Inshore is perfect for inshore saltwater fishing.
Finally, the Ambassadeur C4 is a great choice if you need a round baitcaster to target larger fish, both in freshwater or saltwater.
Gear and methods used for testing
For consistent testing results, we tested each of these baitcasters under the same conditions on Lake Okeechobee. We paired each baitcaster with a 6’10” medium heavy Abu Garcia Veritas casting rod. We spooled the reels with 15 lb test Power Pro Braid, and we used them to throw 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs in 3 to 10 feet of water.