Predator tackle · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Low Profile
Right- and left-hand retrieve options; available in 6.7:1 and 7.3:1 gear ratios.
A punchy, tough baitcaster with serious drag, tidy braking and enough spool capacity for most lure fishing jobs.
- Fifth-generation low-profile baitcaster with an X2-Cräftic alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplate.
- Available with 6.7:1 or 7.3:1 gearing, plus left- and right-hand retrieve options.
- IVCB-6 braking gives adjustable spool control for lure changes and different casting conditions.
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag offers up to 25 lb of maximum drag pressure.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the fifth-generation Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Low Profile baitcasting reel, not the Revo5 SX-HS or another Revo variant.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A strong, well-equipped baitcaster that earns its keep for regular predator work.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.4/10
- Performance9.1/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use8.5/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Predator anglers fishing mixed lure styles. The braking system, two retrieve speeds and sturdy drag make it flexible across hardbaits, jigs, soft plastics and spinnerbaits.
- Anglers moving up to a serious baitcaster. It offers proper control and a strong, refined feel without becoming a massive, cumbersome reel on the rod.
Maybe skip if
- Beginners fishing very light lures. A baitcaster needs thumb control and sensible brake settings, and this reel won’t magically remove the learning curve.
- Anglers targeting huge fish with very heavy braid. The LP format is neat and manageable, but a larger round reel may offer more capacity for extreme work.
The lowdown
Introducing the Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Low Profile
A punchy, tough baitcaster with serious drag, tidy braking and enough spool capacity for most lure fishing jobs.
- Fifth-generation low-profile baitcaster with an X2-Cräftic alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplate.
- Available with 6.7:1 or 7.3:1 gearing, plus left- and right-hand retrieve options.
- IVCB-6 braking gives adjustable spool control for lure changes and different casting conditions.
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag offers up to 25 lb of maximum drag pressure.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The Revo5 SX is a cracking all-round baitcaster for predator anglers who want one reel to cover pike, perch and zander work. It’s built around a solid alloy frame, a capable carbon drag and a useful IVCB-6 braking system.
The 6.7:1 version is the safer all-round pick for mixed lure fishing, while the 7.3:1 model suits anglers who like quickly picking up slack. It’s not the cheapest reel on the peg, but the package feels properly sorted rather than dressed up with daft gimmicks.
A strong, well-equipped baitcaster that earns its keep for regular predator work.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.4/10
- Performance
- 9.1/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.5/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The alloy frame, carbon sideplate, Duragear system and quality bearing package point to a properly built reel.
The two gear ratios, IVCB-6 braking and strong drag make it versatile across a wide range of lure work.
Good casting control, slack pickup and drag power help you present lures cleanly and stay in charge during a scrap.
The controls and handle are user-friendly, though baitcasters still require practice and thumb control.
It isn’t the cheapest LP reel, but the spec and build make the asking bracket feel justified for regular predator anglers.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Low Profile (this one)
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Abu Garcia Revo5 SX Low Profile
A decent baitcaster should make predator fishing feel more controlled, not turn every cast into a windswept tangle-fest. That’s the job Abu Garcia has given the fifth-generation Revo5 SX Low Profile. It’s a compact reel with a serious streak, aimed at anglers who want to fish lures properly hard without carrying a brick on the rod.
The first thing that matters is the frame. The Revo5 SX uses an X2-Cräftic alloy frame, giving the reel a solid backbone when you’re winding a lure against flow, leaning into weed or stopping a pike from diving into snags. The sideplate is C6 carbon, keeping the body neat and manageable rather than bulky.
There are two gear ratios to choose from: 6.7:1 and 7.3:1. That’s a useful split, mate. The 6.7:1 version is the sensible all-rounder for most lure fishing, with enough pace for ordinary retrieves but a bit more control when you’re crawling a soft plastic or working a jig through a deeper swim.
The quicker 7.3:1 model is the lively option. It’s handy when a lure needs speed, when you’re burning a spinner over weed or when a fish follows right to the bank and you need to get ready for the next cast sharpish. It also helps pick up slack after a long cast, which is bob on when a take comes from the drop.
Casting control comes from Abu Garcia’s IVCB-6 braking system. That gives you a way to calm the spool down as you change lure weight, cast into wind or move between open water and awkward margin swims. You’ll still need a trained thumb, of course, but sensible brake adjustment can save a lot of faff and keep the reel feeling predictable.
Underneath, the Duragear Gen II system and D2 Gear design are there to give the reel a sturdy drive train. In plain English, it’s built for the sort of work where you’re repeatedly winding lures, hitting weed and putting pressure on a lively predator. That matters on a long session when the rods are constantly going out and coming back in.
The drag is one of the headline features. Power Stack Carbon Matrix material delivers up to 25 lb of maximum drag pressure, which is loads for normal lure fishing. You’re unlikely to need all of that, but having plenty in reserve is handy when a lump turns for cover. Set it smoothly rather than simply cranking it tight and hoping for the best.
The handle is a 90 mm bowed aluminium job with oversized knobs. That gives you a positive grip when your hands are cold, wet or covered in fish slime — all part of the glamour, eh? It also helps when you’re working resistance-heavy lures and want a bit more leverage without the reel feeling awkward.
Capacity is sensible for a low-profile reel. It takes 160 yards of 10 lb mono, 130 yards of 12 lb or 90 yards of 17 lb. With braid, the figures are 170 yards of 20 lb, 125 yards of 30 lb or 90 yards of 50 lb. That covers a lot of UK predator fishing, though anglers chasing maximum capacity for huge waters may want something bigger.
So, who’s it for? In a nutshell, the Revo5 SX suits the angler who wants one confident, do-it-all baitcaster for pike, perch and zander work. It’s not a bargain-bin punt, and light-lure beginners may find the learning curve a bit steep, but the mix of control, strength and sensible ergonomics is spot on for proper predator sessions.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Reel type
- Low-profile baitcasting reel
- Gear ratios
- 6.7:1 and 7.3:1
- Bearings
- 9 stainless-steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing
- Maximum drag
- Up to 25 lb
- Braking system
- IVCB-6
- Frame and sideplate
- X2-Cräftic alloy frame with C6 carbon sideplate
Specs checked with Abu Garcia, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The angle
This is a reel for anglers who want control. You get proper mechanical braking, a strong drag and a comfortable handle, so it can move from jigging and Texas rigs to bigger hardbaits without making every session a faff.
The main choice is the retrieve speed. Go 6.7:1 for a more versatile, controlled feel. Choose 7.3:1 if you’re often burning lures back, fishing topwater or need to get tight quickly after a cast.
Closer look
A compact reel with some proper muscle
The X2-Cräftic alloy frame gives the Revo5 SX a reassuringly solid feel, while the C6 carbon sideplate keeps the overall package tidy. That’s a good combination for lure fishing, where you want strength without a reel that makes the outfit feel top-heavy.
The IVCB-6 braking system is the bit that helps keep casting manageable. Tweak it when you change lure weight or face a cheeky headwind, then use your thumb for the final bit of control. The reel also gets a nine-bearing stainless-steel ball-bearing setup plus a roller bearing, Duragear Gen II gearing and a D2 Gear design.
Worth knowing. Up to 25 lb of drag is a headline maximum, not a target setting. For most pike and zander work, a smooth, sensibly adjusted drag is more useful than simply locking it solid. Your knots, hook hold and bite protection still need to be right.
Who it suits
Pick your speed, then crack on
Go for 6.7:1 if you want a versatile reel for jigging, soft plastics, crankbaits and general predator work. It gives you a useful balance between lure speed and control, especially when you’re still getting your baitcaster habits dialled in.
The 7.3:1 version is the one for rapid retrieves and quick slack recovery. It’s a good shout for topwater, spinnerbaits, faster hardbait work and situations where a fish can follow a lure right to the margin. Choose left- or right-hand retrieve to match how you naturally fish.
The low-profile shape makes sense for mobile fishing. You can cast, wind, pause and cast again without the outfit becoming a lump in your hand. Just remember that very light lures and strong crosswinds still demand decent spool control. No reel can completely banish a bird’s nest, sadly.
FAQs in full
The useful stuff before you buy
For pike, pair the reel with suitable braid and a reliable bite-resistant trace. The drag has the power for hard runs, but the whole system — rod, knots, trace, hooks and drag setting — needs to work together. Don’t let a big maximum drag figure make you complacent.
For perch and zander, the 6.7:1 option is generally the easier all-round choice. It gives you enough retrieve speed while leaving room for slower presentations. If your fishing is mostly quick lure work or long casts with lots of slack to recover, the 7.3:1 earns its keep.
Worth knowing. Match line fill to the job. More braid capacity is useful on big reservoirs and long casts, while a sensible amount of line keeps the spool performing consistently. Avoid overfilling, particularly while you’re learning, as it can make backlash more dramatic.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Strong, rigid alloy frame for confident casting and winding under pressure.
- IVCB-6 braking gives useful control without making lure changes a total faff.
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag has plenty of muscle for hard-fighting predators.
- 90 mm bowed aluminium handle and oversized knobs feel positive when working lures.
Worth knowing
- The compact LP body won’t suit anglers wanting maximum line capacity for very heavy braid.
- Baitcaster technique still takes practice, especially with light lures and awkward wind.
- The 7.3:1 option can feel a touch quick for slow, deliberate presentations.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which Revo5 SX gear ratio should I choose?
Which Revo5 SX gear ratio should I choose?
Pick 6.7:1 for the most versatile setup, especially with jigs, soft plastics and general lure fishing. The 7.3:1 is better when you want quick lure pickup, fast retrieves or rapid slack-line recovery.
02Is the Abu Garcia Revo5 SX suitable for pike fishing?
Is the Abu Garcia Revo5 SX suitable for pike fishing?
Yes, provided the rest of the outfit is right. Pair it with a suitable pike rod, braid and reliable bite protection. The strong drag and alloy frame give it the muscle for regular predator work.
03How much line does it hold?
How much line does it hold?
The stated mono capacities are 160 yards of 10 lb, 130 yards of 12 lb or 90 yards of 17 lb. Braid capacity is 170 yards of 20 lb, 125 yards of 30 lb or 90 yards of 50 lb.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are strong, rigid alloy frame for confident casting and winding under pressure. and ivcb-6 braking gives useful control without making lure changes a total faff.; the main trade-off is the compact lp body won’t suit anglers wanting maximum line capacity for very heavy braid..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Strong, rigid alloy frame for confident casting and winding under pressure.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Predator anglers fishing mixed lure styles: The braking system, two retrieve speeds and sturdy drag make it flexible across hardbaits, jigs, soft plastics and spinnerbaits.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The compact LP body won’t suit anglers wanting maximum line capacity for very heavy braid.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
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