Abu Revo Sx Backlash Issues?

[elkriverangler]

I have just ordered a 2012 Revo SX. I have read on this and other forums about the SX being finicky about the Cast Control and Mag Settings in regards to Backlashing if not set properly so I have few questions to those that have the SX.

Is the Backlash issue more common with the older Models or have there been problems with the newer Red/Black models as well? I read that there was a Magnet upgrade on the newer Models.

For those that use the SX without any Backlash issues are there "tricks" to the Settings that make them different than other Mag Brake Reels?

Do the SX's handle 1/4 and 3/16 Lures pretty good?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The SX is a fine reel as long as you follow the recommended setup procedure. Turn mag brake off, adjust cast control (cap on crank side plate) to a point where the bait you want to cast falls slowly to the ground. Set brakes for 50% and adjust as on the water conditions dictate. There are no secrets or tricks. 1/4 ounce may be pushing the limit for baitcasting effectiveness but the SX will handle them as well as any other outside of a specific "finesse" baitcaster. It's importatnt that the rod used be approriate for the bait as well. Forcing a cast can cause backlash issues that may not otherwise occur.

[elkriverangler]

Thanks for the quick reply. So if I understand you are saying the Mag Brake should be turned off every time you change a Lure, then set the Cast Control for that Lure and then reset the Mag Brake?

[ChrisAW]

Yes, the SX's can be a bit finicky. Both of mine, depending on what im throwing, would have a couple random major backlashes. Most of the time i set them to where i needed to use my thumb for cast control, but not so.loose that it wouldnt mostly control itself, but it still seemed to happen every so often.

Depends on what youre going to throw with it. I used mine for everything you could think of and they have been settled as pitching reels, or for heavy texas rigs and jigs. It also depends on the line you choose, hoyow well it will handle those light lures. If youre using that weight head with a chunk of plastic behind it, then yes, thry will handle it fine. But if youre using actual 1/4 ounce lures, it could take a little practice from my experience, but should be able to throw them. But, depending on if its a sleek little rattle trap or a small spinnerbait that will catch the wind will determin how easily.

[LgMouthGambler]

I use mine on a M Vendetta rod, 65# Spiderwire. The lures I use for it are mostly 6" plastic lizards on a 3/0 widegap hook and a 1/32 oz bullet weight. Once dialed (aprrox 3/4 mag brake and just enough man brake for the lure to drop), I cany cast effortlessly with no problems. You cant try to over do the cast or it will backlash. If you have wind, just adjust the man brake to balance it out. Also, if you just bought the reel, take the oil that comes with the reel and add a drop to each spool bearing, I find it helped the performance a bit.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thanks for the quick reply. So if I understand you are saying the Mag Brake should be turned off every time you change a Lure, then set the Cast Control for that Lure and then reset the Mag Brake?

Right. The bigger the difference in weight between the two baits, the more important to readjust.

[aavery2]

The older Revo SX, the one without the red accents was a little harder to cast than the newer SX. The newer SX upgraded the magnets in the braking system and the spool was upgraded to the Infini II design.

Setting the reel up correctly is very important with these reels, as magnetic brakes primarily help control backlash on the coast down part of the cast. If the correct spool tension is not set, other than good thumb control and proper casting technique, the reels offer nothing to help control backlash during the inital part of the cast when the spool speed is at the highest.

Many people feel these reels make for good pitching and flipping reels because when performing these techniques the spool speed is not nearly as high as it would be during a long cast technique, creating an opportunity for the magnetic brakes to have more effect on the cast.

[21farms]

i had two of the first-generation SXs and was totally perplexed by the jekyll and hyde nature of these reels...i'd get beautifully long casts one minute and the world's worst birdsnests the next. i was further baffled by how others (like me) were ultra-frustrated with their SXs while others absolutely loved them. it took me awhile but i finally figured it out:

fishermen who are always deliberate and methodical in casting smoothly do great with the SX. others who are not as careful, snapping one cast and lobbing the next, etc., are the ones who find the reel finicky. once i started concentrating on every cast, i was rewarded with outstanding distances and smooth retrieves. unfortunately, if shad started boiling around me or i saw a follower, i'd get excited and inevitably rushed the next cast and backlashed badly and so i just had to abandon them. i demo'd the current-generation SX and it was slightly better but still not very forgiving of sloppy technique.

my advice: set the cast control (tension) knob tighter than the instruction manual says to and, most of all, cast with a smooth, fluid motion and you'll be fine. i'd also highly recommend the "masking tape trick" (make the longest cast you can, pull out another 10-15 feet of line and put a piece of masking tape around half the spool to limit the extent of your birdnesting).

[Chris Wilson]

I actually had no backlash issues at all the first time out with my new sx. I just adjusted the spool tension knob so it fell fast but not to the point where it peeled all the line off and kept the brakes off.

[ChrisAW]

The above is exactly it. Once I figured out that I was the problem, I was throwing crankbaits like a rock, easily casting up to 200 feet. Even though it worked well, I rarely throw crankbaits, I ended up swapping the two SX's I have to pitching duty because they do work really well for that application.

[SausageFingers]

I have an older generation SX (2009) and the current version. Delaware Valley Tackle's method of adjusting the breaks is spot on.

Once I have it dialed in, the reel performs flawlessly.

[oooSONwhatAbass]

I have the newer model, heres how I set it up. Turn the brakes off then adjust the spool tension knob until the bait falls slowly, then set your brakes around 2/3 to 1/2. I take the mag brake mark for when the brakes are off and set it to the opposite of that mark.

I keep the brakes at that setting but every cast I take I slowly dial back the spool tension knob until I find that smooth sweet spot (usually a click or two after the side to side play is eliminated) , I don't like the feeling of the tight spool from the tension knob when retrieving. Start tight and loosen it up as you go. I haven't had any backlash problems but I usually use lures 3/8 and up.

[elkriverangler]

Update on the Revo SX. The Brown truck delivered it today and I got to try it out with some Lawn Casting.

DVT's and others tips were spot on. once it was dialed in it threw 1/4 Cranks and Spinnerbaits great. Excellent distance and no hint of a Backlash except for the one time I forgot to reset the Magnet after changing Lures but that is operator error.

Just what I was looking for, a Reel that will cast light lures a good distance. I like my Revo S but this SX is a cut above for Casting distance and Smoothness.

Thanks for the tips.

[clayton86]

I love my sx I never adjust it unless I make a huge change in lures like for when I'm hiking and take 1 pole and switch from jig to crank I'll make a quick adjustment. Iv never back lashed other then when I do dumb stuff like snag my back pack behind me or hit te tree branch right infront of the canoe not paying attention. Them things can happen with any reel though.