Field Test Results:
I just spent 3 weeks beating the water using the Revo Toro as my bucktail
rod so it got a real good workout. I loaded the reel with 80 pound
Tuf-line plus (not the XP or
the standard) and the reel has great line capacity. The loaded reel is no
heavier that the standard 5500 or 6500 reels. The drag system was
exceptional as was the brake system. With all of the casting, into and with
the wind, I did not have any backlash problems. I am very pleased with the
reel and will probably buy another.
I decided upon this reel because of the reputation
of the Abu Garcia products and the high speed retrieve (6.4:1) and the 7
HPCR® bearings.
I am not easily impressed by a reel but this reel
got my attention as soon as I took it from the box.
The reel is a bit unusual looking because of the
offset gearing mechanism. The first thing that got my attention was the
detented drag star. This has the promise of precise drag control and a
predictable drag setting is a real ally when fighting a Musky.
I then set my attention to the reel brake and
found that it too is detented allowing for precise control in preventing
those professional overruns (Backlashes). The line leveling mechanism is
also smooth and persistent as line is stripped off during casting and also
put back on the reel during a retrieve.
The reel is also equipped with a thumb bar
promoting ease of operation. All in all, this reel appears to be a leap
forward for Abu Garcia in the high performance reel market.
Oh yes, the reel also comes with an extra reel
handle for those of you who prefer the power handle to the paddle handle.
The MSRP for this reel is $279.95, however,
Jackson Lures Unlimited is offering $50.00 in free lures when
you buy any of the Revo Toro model reels. This is one heck of a deal
especially now when we are looking to the coming 2010 Musky season.
Tight Lines
