Abu Garcia Revo Toro Winch (4.6:1)

[Red Childress]

Has anyone used these new reels yet? I have been scoping them out on eBay. I have heard great things about their "DC burning" capabilities.

Any input would be appreciated.

[lowbidder]

I haven't used the toro winch yet, but I have two Revo high ratio reels and I love them. I like the way they fit in my hand and the casting is oh...so... smooth. I had bought a record 61 for big blades and I do like it, but I wish I had tried the winch. I probably would've like it better. My wedding anniversary is next month....maybe that would be a good present to myself :D

[cband]

I have heard nothing but good things about them. I do have experience with the 5:4. I tried someones out with jerkbaits. It was pretty sweet. I just saw someone post one up for sale on another website for pretty cheap.

[Red Childress]

I won the auction for the winch.........I should have it for this weekend and will give a report on it. I went with the smaller 50 series (200yds./14lb. test).

[Anzomcik]

I think you got the better of the two sizes. When i was at ohio muskie show last year i played with the 50 and 60 version at the musky shop booth. The 60 IMO is a little large, and i really do not see what you gain with the larger size. Let us know how it works.

[Red Childress]

The line capacity difference in the 50 and 60 (51 and 61 for lefties) was not really relevant so I stuck with the 51, plus it was a great deal. I only need 60-70 yards (at the most) on my casting reels anyway. If I cannot pin a musky down with 100lb. braid and 70 yards of line, then I have a serious problem. :)

[Red Childress]

Tried out the Winch yesterday and I really liked it............longer casts and much less effort reeling in the DC-10 and other hard pulling baits. It will not be a good jerkbait reel since the 'line per crank' is noticably less than my Luna's/AC-300. I really noticed a difference in the lighter, low profile reel as well....it was much easier fishing with gloves when using the Winch since it is considerably smaller and easier to grip. I am NOT afraid to step up to the DC-13's or even 15's with this reel......definitely much easier on the body using the lower geared Winch.

I just might have to look into the HS series for burning blades and quickly moving jerkaits 'with the current' for river applications.

[pgwbacher]

Abu Garcia Records were mentioned earlier in this thread. Gander Mount near the Pgh. airport has the Record 50 on "blowout sale" for $99 (regular $149). I picked one up last night. I already had a 60 and love it. They also had a couple of Calcuttas on "blowout" sale but I did not check to see how much or the exact models.

[Red Childress]

To read the reviews of the Abu Garcia new low-profile reels, click below:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast09reelsabugarcia.html

[lowbidder]

It's been about a month, have you had a chance to use it yet? I'm interested to hear your opinion, been thinking about getting on of these.

[Red Childress]

Used it and really like it.........it is great for slow rolling the big blades as well as pulling larger blades (12's/13's). If you are pulling glide baits along a river current, you will have difficulties keeping up with the slack. I will buy a Toro High Speed 60 series (either 6.4:1 or 7.1:1) for burning baits and/or pulling jerkbaits with the river current. The Luna's/AC 300's work great for me but a little higher speed gearing will be nice for the river or burning weed tops.

I have never owned a low profile baitcaster before. The lower profile allows me to get more of the reel in my hand therefore creating a little more leverage against the "tip heavy" 8.5 ft. rods.