Abu Garcia Revo Winch Gen 4

[FishTank]

I fished a buddies new Winch last week and was sold....  So the bait monkey got me.

 

This reel is one of the best I have ever used.  It's unique in its feel and power.  I had the original Premier and STX.  Both did not work out for me. The Winch on the other hand hit's the nail on the head on pretty much all accounts. 

 

The drag is, well, perfect.  The break system is also the best I have used.  The retrieve is smooth and is great for crankbaits but not as smooth as a Shimano Calais (ya that's an old $400 reel).  Casting is above average but not the best I have used.  It's a little larger than most baitcasters but it's not uncomfortable and still palms well.  The only down side.... the build seems a little cheap feeling but it is no way a thing to turn me away from it.   If you add up all the things this reels does for under $200, it may be the best bang for the buck I have ever used, only time will tell.  

 

The five pounder below was brought in with ease. 

[Spankey]

I'm kicking this reel around. Have seen it, touched it and mounted on a Abu rod I've been eyeing up also. This will most likely be a set up for next season. Have all winter to shop price, show prices, and discounts. Be a winter project. The slower gear ratio will make it perfect for crankbait fishing. Sort of waiting for the next generation of Ike rods to come out also.

 

Good luck.

[FishTank]

7 hours ago, Spankey said:

I'm kicking this reel around. Have seen it, touched it and mounted on a Abu rod I've been eyeing up also. This will most likely be a set up for next season. Have all winter to shop price, show prices, and discounts. Be a winter project. The slower gear ratio will make it perfect for crankbait fishing. Sort of waiting for the next generation of Ike rods to come out also.

 

Good luck.

I looked at the current Ike rods and they are clearanced out a few places.  They seem ok but they are kind of ugly looking (not that it matters).

 

I picked up the reel for $144 on Amazon and the Ike rods can be had for around $100, not a bad combo for under $250. 

 

A new rod for me will have to wait. I have spent my budget for this year. Right now, I am using an old Shimano Crucial Crankbait rod.  Works great so far.  I like the feel of the Winch better with this rod than I did the Curado G6 I had on it.  I do how ever like the Curado and will be putting it on a G. Loomis GLX 783C. 

[Spankey]

23 hours ago, FishTank said:

I looked at the current Ike rods and they are clearanced out a few places.  They seem ok but they are kind of ugly looking (not that it matters).

 

I picked up the reel for $144 on Amazon and the Ike rods can be had for around $100, not a bad combo for under $250. 

 

A new rod for me will have to wait. I have spent my budget for this year. Right now, I am using an old Shimano Crucial Crankbait rod.  Works great so far.  I like the feel of the Winch better with this rod than I did the Curado G6 I had on it.  I do how ever like the Curado and will be putting it on a G. Loomis GLX 783C. 

It's not like I don't buy anything during the season because I do. But I'm anal when it comes to rods and reels. Takes me forever to make up my mind, spend forever looking. Long winter out her in Penna. Have a lot of time. to search and buy.

 

I thought there was a new generation of Ike rods coming out. Was willing to wait until I saw the new series. Over the past winter I was able to pick up a 6'10" in ML spinning that I've been using for drop shotting and split shotting. I love it. I didn't pay much more than this current discount on them. The rod is sort of chameleon like where it changes color but that doesnt bother me, just a superficial thing. I put a Revo spinning reel on it. I'm more than satisfied with that reel.