G3 Fan Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 I have spent the weekend trying to decide which reels to buy. I am about 90% sure I have it narrowed down to the Revo line but I need advice from some members that have experience with the products. I am getting two reels and I will probably get the two different gear ratios. My first question: is the STX worth the extra $30.00 over the SX? My second question is in regards to the brake systems, It seems like ABU has gone to a centrifugal braking on their newer releases (Winch, Skeet Reese, Toro) is this a better system? Any issues with the linear braking? Thanks for your help. Steve Quote
Super User burleytog Posted April 20, 2009 Super User Posted April 20, 2009 My first question: is the STX worth the extra $30.00 over the SX? IMO, yes. The STX's spool is a lot more free. My second question is in regards to the brake systems, It seems like ABU has gone to a centrifugal braking on their newer releases (Winch, Skeet Reese, Toro) is this a better system? Any issues with the linear braking? Thanks for your help. Steve In my experience, the centrifugal braking on the S was more effective than the linear magnetic braking on the STX and Premier. Quote
adclem Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 I have the STX and from what I can tell the only difference between the SX and the STX is the handle and most noticeably the spool. So I would say that is entirely up to you. I liked the silver and the handle better. As for the braking system there is nothing wrong with the magnetic system. It can be a little tough to set and a little finicky at times. Not sure why they went with the centrifugal brakes on the winch but I know Skeet Reese opted for them on his new line of reels. But the Revos S does use centrifugal over magnetic. I have mainly fished all Shimano reels till my purchase of the STX. As of right now I am very impressed with the STX. It is smooth and the drag is awesome. Later, Quote
DINK WHISPERER Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 The STX is not worth the extra cost man! I have two SX and only one STX. The STX has the Infi II spool but it doesn't cast any further than the SX! I actually like my SX better. The brakes are fine on the reels as well. I hated my S model because no matter what setting i put the brakes on it was still the same! Trust me, get a SX model and you will not regret it!!!! ;D Quote
MillerTime Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 I have to SX's and i love them! The brakes are my (and apparently everyone else's) only complaint, and they're not that hard to deal with IMO. Quote
The_Natural Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 The STX is not worth the extra cost man! I have two SX and only one STX. The STX has the Infi II spool but it doesn't cast any further than the SX! I actually like my SX better. The brakes are fine on the reels as well. I hated my S model because no matter what setting i put the brakes on it was still the same! Trust me, get a SX model and you will not regret it!!!! ;D Hmmm....I'm not sure how to take advice with a laughing smile at the end Quote
Super User cart7t Posted April 20, 2009 Super User Posted April 20, 2009 Of the SX and STX, the SX was far more finicky and difficult to cast as conditions changed for me. I have no idea why but I really found myself not liking the SX's and using the STX's. Furthermore, neither reel was worth the effort of keeping it adjusted when you were throwing lighter baits in windy conditions or high profile baits that catch air in flight like jerkbaits or lighter spinnerbaits with larger blades. As for the linear braking? Garcia was one of the first to develop mag braking. They had an excellent system that is still used today on another PURE fishing line, the Pfluegers. The linear mag design was introduced on the last LP Garcia reel, the 4007LP. The overall effect on spool rotation of the Linear system is less vs. their older system. Why they went with it is beyond me. There is little if any weight reduction between the two. In order to really feel a difference in the cast, the linear mag must be adjusted more to get any sort of measurable effect. Honestly, if you're an experienced baitcaster the best braking system is centrifugal since spool speed is difficult to control on the initial, spool spin up part of the cast unless you're using a Daiwa which has an interactive mag braking system. You allow your thumb to control the last part of the cast which is where the mag braking takes effect. Firefighting15 managed to do a switch of spools and palm plate ends between an S and a SX. He now has an SX with the S centrifugal brakes. He likes it much better. Quote
Super User BrianinMD Posted April 20, 2009 Super User Posted April 20, 2009 I personally have a Revo S, with the centrifugal brakes I just made the initial setting (2 brakes) on and haven't touched it even after ceramic bearings were installed. I had one reel with the magnetic brakes and never got confortable with it. Was always a little to much or too little. I do not use it anymore, the Revo is my favorite, also have a citica. Quote
G3 Fan Posted April 20, 2009 Author Posted April 20, 2009 I want to thank you all for the great feedback. Of course I was hoping for a landslide decision one way or another. Actually I am glad that it is such a personal opion it just shows that the mfgs are turning out good equipment. I did fish all weekend with a borrowed Black Max which I know is a different mag brake than the Revos and I was pretty impressed with it. For the most part I prefer centrifugal brakes. If I buy the Reese I couldn't afford a second reel and I am on the fence about a low gear ratio but it sounds like maybe I should get an SX or STX and a winch (or other mfg with a CB) and see which one I ends up being my "go to" Thanks again for all the great feedback. Quote
Super User Bankbeater Posted April 20, 2009 Super User Posted April 20, 2009 I have had my s for about a year now and I have had no problems. Quote
Pantera61 Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 The complaints regarding the mag brake are overblown, in my opinion. I was out yesterday with my STX. Changing conditions between no wind, light wind, heavy wind and various baits. I set the cast control knob once and the mag brake exactly ... ONCE! For $30.00 more, you are getting a better spool and treatments which will increase the longevity of the reel. Quote
21farms Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 As for the linear braking? Garcia was one of the first to develop mag braking. They had an excellent system that is still used today on another PURE fishing line, the Pfluegers. IIRC, daiwa was first to the market with mag reels back in the early 80s, followed by shimano (i had several of each when they first came out). garcia was actually a relatively latecomer to the mag braking arena by several years (i bought one of their first and it was big and clunky and didn't cast particularly well). their current "linear" magnetic braking system is actually very basic design that hasn't changed much. Quote
DINK WHISPERER Posted April 20, 2009 Posted April 20, 2009 The STX is not worth the extra cost man! I have two SX and only one STX. The STX has the Infi II spool but it doesn't cast any further than the SX! I actually like my SX better. The brakes are fine on the reels as well. I hated my S model because no matter what setting i put the brakes on it was still the same! Trust me, get a SX model and you will not regret it!!!! ;D Hmmm....I'm not sure how to take advice with a laughing smile at the end That's the great thing about the US, you don't have to!!!!!!! Quote
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