Any Abu Garcia fans out there?

[Bass Justice]

So I just got into LMB fishing two years ago and had some cash lying around, so I splurged and literally bought 4 rod and reel combos off of Abu Garcia's site. They were the Abu Garcia Pro Max rod and reel combos for $90 each give or take. They seemed like the cheapest combos that had decent reviews online, so I bought a bunch (4). My plan was to eventually and gradually replace a rod and reel each year with a more specific higher quality model, whether a better quality Abu, Shimano etc. I already have replaced two of the rods with two Dobyns rods which i love, but I really have to hand it to Abu without sounding like a promoter. I have straight up ABUSED these rods and reels. Backlashes, dropping them on concrete, in the water, getting snagged in cover and incorrectly using the rod to pull a lure free with all my strength, bending them to fit all 5 rods in my tiny Civic Hybrid, constant tangling within other rods, eyes getting bent (and bending them back), stepping on them I mean you name it. Not a chip, not a broken eye, nothing. Not to mention an average of 3 days a week fishing for several hours for the last two years which is however many casts that ends up being. I have read bad reviews about certain rods breaking with little use, and reels that the bearings that go out and whatnot, and I just can't envision that. Abu might have sold me to just go with their high end models for my replacements, but what do you guys think? I am loyal but if i'm going to spend $400+ on a reel I want it to be the best.

Now I know certain reels might be best for certain situations similar to rods, but who all should I consider for my future upgrades?

I literally fish every technique (not much finesse), and don't really want more than 5 total setups.

Should I go with other manufacturers like Shimano when I upgrade, or should I look into Abu Garcia's Revo Beast lineup? Any users out there?

Thanks guys! I hope I don't violate rules by talking about my experience!

-Mike

[EvanT123]

You should stick with what you like.....if you want to try another brand go for it. I don't abuse my gear but don't treat it with kid gloves either. Dropped my first custom rod and took a couple iches off the tip; got a scratch on my new reel well stuff happens.

I like to find a happy medium between high quality gear and a price point where if it breaks or gets damaged it won't be a heartbreak. 

[Rob96]

To get my toes wet in the round reel world I picked up an Abu Garcia Ambassdeur 5500S. It was mistakenly put in the $40 clearance bin and that's what I got it for. Regular price was $90. Good deal for me and great way to learn the bait caster. 

[MickD]

Every experience I've had with Abu Garcia has been good.  Take care of your gear and you may find there will be no need for upgrades, certainly not right away.  With spinning, it is my opinion that the rod is the most important element.  In baitcasting, it is the reel.

[edfitzvb]

I have a Revo STX that I can recommend without reservation. My first quality bait casting reel was an Abu Garcia 5500c. It was an outstanding reel that disappeared somehow (I have 2 sons that "borrow" my tackle from time to time.) I would agree with you that ABU Garcia has excellent quality control.

[crypt]

all of my bait casters are abu garcia,all 17 of em…….. can't beat an Abu.

[new2BC4bass]

My Gen 1 STX was the 3rd or 4th casting reel I bought.  Used but like new.  Has been a good reel for me.  Keep 40# braid on it and take it to Florida almost every year with me.  Think last year was the first time I didn't take it.  Actually like it better than my Gen 1 Premier.  Will bomb the right lure (with right rod) the proverbial country mile.  Picked up a Gen 2 Premier over the winter.  Haven't had it out yet, but many felt this model was one of the best in its price range.

Abu has made some very nice reels.  Also one or two not so great.  Wouldn't own a Gen 2 SX from what I used to read about them.  Excellent casting distance when dialed in correctly, but getting it dialed in correctly was something of a nightmare for some.  Many backlashes.

[Bass Justice]

Awesome. I will definitely consider buying a high end one and checking it out for sure. Thanks guys

[dodgeguy]

I have a Abu Garcia mgx.its a beautiful reel.light as can be and casts awesome. That said my pflueger patriarch is way smoother.

[SMITTY0045]

I am a huge Revo fan. I know there are a lot of people seem to have problems with them but I honestly feel like they are some of the best quality reels on the market. If you do regular maintenance on the reel (I'm not talking anything major, just keeping it clean, and greasing and lubung it) they keep their quality and performance

[mojojojo]

There are plenty of gear snobs in the fishing world and some of them will poo poo Abu Garcia, but don't listen to any of them. Abu makes great rods and reels.

My first baitcaster was Abu's entry level reel, the black max. Ive beat the crap out of that thing and besides the thumb piece breaking from my son getting mad and throwing the rod,  its still going strong. 

[Dye99]

Yup, another huge Abu fan here....I have a few of their reels, and love em...

[Caliyak]

If the combos are still going strong, why upgrade? 

I love my black Max. I will not upgrade but buy another. My go to reel is the curado I. All my spinning reels are shimano. I will stick with these two brands. 

[Bass Justice]

6 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

I have a Abu Garcia mgx.its a beautiful reel.light as can be and casts awesome. That said my pflueger patriarch is way smoother.

Yeah I am considering it for sure

 

5 hours ago, SMITTY0045 said:

I am a huge Revo fan. I know there are a lot of people seem to have problems with them but I honestly feel like they are some of the best quality reels on the market. If you do regular maintenance on the reel (I'm not talking anything major, just keeping it clean, and greasing and lubung it) they keep their quality and performance

I definitely love my max's they are quality no doubt

 

3 hours ago, mojojojo said:

There are plenty of gear snobs in the fishing world and some of them will poo poo Abu Garcia, but don't listen to any of them. Abu makes great rods and reels.

My first baitcaster was Abu's entry level reel, the black max. Ive beat the crap out of that thing and besides the thumb piece breaking from my son getting mad and throwing the rod,  its still going strong. 

Like I said I have put them through hell with just carelessness and inexperience and they have been solid

 

1 hour ago, Caliyak said:

If the combos are still going strong, why upgrade? 

I love my black Max. I will not upgrade but buy another. My go to reel is the curado I. All my spinning reels are shimano. I will stick with these two brands. 

That's true. I suppose with my abuse of the reel i'm just expecting them to fail at some point. But maybe I should just take them apart and clean them up and keep them going

[Edwin Ross]

I own a silver max and also a Black max reel love them both have no problems with them what so ever they are smooth and consistant

[Caliyak]

12 hours ago, Bass Justice said:

That's true. I suppose with my abuse of the reel i'm just expecting them to fail at some point. But maybe I should just take them apart and clean them up and keep them going

I have a cheap Shimano baitcaster that lasted 10 years of abuse and I still use from time to time. No need to upgrade. When the reels are no longer salvageable, then upgrade or replace. But in 10 years, you will be looking at self casting reels. LOL  

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Grab ur self a few 4600s c3 and c4s they will last forever .heirlooms they keep goin and goin.dont let shimano and dawia guys tell you other wise.when they get a reel thats 50 yrs old and still catching bass then they can chime in..abu is already ahead of them by 30 yrs no way  they will catch up.

[new2BC4bass]

Give 'em what for Max.    My 5001C is only about 35 or so years old.

[blckshirt98]

I use a Gen2 Revo STX for cranking and it's a nice reel, would buy another one to use in a heartbeat.  I've heard mixed reviews on the Gen3 reels though.  If I were going to buy a new reel on the market today I'd probably get a Shimano Curado or Metanium, or one of the new Daiwa SV reels.

[Root]

I love my black max after I put 20 lb braided on it. Before that I had days I wanted to break it and throw it in the water. Lol. 

[fishballer06]

If you like Abu, use Abu. There are plenty of Abu fans out there. 

 

With how rough it sounds you are on your gear, you might not want to start buying $200+ rods. But to each his own. 

[crypt]

just got a 2nd generation orra. relly impressed so far. ebay 82.00 shipped

[Honkytonk]

My opinion: shimano and Abu are top notch, that's all I'll ever use

[Ohio Archer]

I recently purchased three AG reels...one C4 and two C3's.  I have almost a dozen late-80's Shimanos that I'm still using and would have gotten their round reels but no one here stocks left-hand models.  So I picked up the three AGs.  So far I've been pleased with them.

[Further North]

I have some reels from all of the major makers...and they all perform and last about the same if taken reasonable care of.

I've got one STX, an MGX, 3 or 4 Rockets and an LTX.  All do what they are supposed to do with no complaints here.