When I first laid hands on the Abu Garcia Revo STX LP baitcasting reel about two and a half months ago, I knew right away that it was made for serious power fishing. The reel’s hefty 95mm handle, complete with oversized knobs, immediately caught my attention—designed for strength and durability. I was excited to spool it with a braided line and put it to the test.
I paired the reel with my 7’1″ medium-heavy Fenwick Elite casting rod and loaded it with a 40-pound Sufix 832 braided line. Then, I tied on a Berkley Choppo topwater lure and hit the water. What I discovered was that the Revo STX LP not only met my expectations but exceeded them across the board.
A Topwater Fishing Powerhouse
Topwater fishing, particularly during the summer, is both thrilling and challenging. The strikes are explosive, but long lulls between bites can make the experience tedious. To excel in this type of fishing, you need a reel that’s fast and powerful—and the Abu Garcia Revo STX LP fits the bill perfectly.
The Berkley Choppo, with its rotating tail that churns up the water, is a fantastic lure for enticing big bass. Using the Revo STX LP to cast and retrieve this lure was effortless. The reel’s high-speed gear ratio made quick retrieves a breeze, and when a fish struck, the Revo provided the strength needed to land it.
In the 30 hours I spent fishing with the Choppo, I caught several memorable fish, including a 3.5-pound spotted bass and a largemouth of similar size. The STX LP’s smooth drag system allowed for seamless line payout during sudden surges, ensuring each fish was brought in without any problems. Whether I needed to make short, precise casts or bomb the lure across the water, this reel was up to the task.
Versatile Beyond Topwater
While the Revo STX LP excelled with topwater lures, its performance extended beyond that. I also used it with a swim jig and buzz bait on a few trips, and the reel handled those lures just as well. Both the swim jig and buzz bait moved effortlessly through the water, even in weedy areas.
When a fish bit, the reel’s power came through again. The oversized knobs gave me extra leverage, and the reel’s 25-pound max drag provided ample stopping power to haul fish out of thick cover and into the boat. No matter the lure, the STX LP is built for strength, making it perfect for power fishing.
Simplicity and Strength Combined
One of the most impressive features of the Abu Garcia Revo STX LP is its simplicity. Unlike other baitcasters that come with numerous controls and complicated settings, the STX LP keeps things straightforward. It has an external brake control, a spool tension knob, and a drag star—everything you need to make quick adjustments on the go. There’s no need to take the side plate off or make any complicated adjustments, making it ideal even for beginners.
Despite its simple design, the Revo STX LP packs a serious punch. Its lightweight aluminum frame is durable without being heavy, and the reel’s 25-pound maximum drag capacity allows you to take on big fish without worry. Whether you’re fishing in open water or pulling fish out of thick vegetation, this reel’s power is unmatched.
Comfortable and Ergonomic Design
One of the first things I noticed about the Revo STX LP was how comfortable it felt in my hand. This is largely due to Abu Garcia’s asymmetric body design, which keeps the reel’s profile slim while allowing for a larger spool. Instead of the bulky, symmetrical shape found on most reels, the STX LP has a sloped design, with the side plate kept compact and the handle side slightly larger.
This unique design provides enough room for the reel to hold 130 yards of 50-pound braided line without feeling oversized. The result is a powerful and comfortable reel, allowing for long hours of fishing without fatigue.
Performance-Enhancing Features
The Abu Garcia Revo STX LP is packed with advanced features that enhance its performance. These include:
Asymmetric body design: Keeps the reel comfortable in hand while providing space for a larger spool.
Lightweight aluminum frame: Ensures durability without extra weight.
EXD concept casting system: Allows for smoother, more controlled casts.
IVCB-6 braking system: Provides precise adjustments to reduce the risk of backlashes.
95mm handle with oversized knobs: Offers added leverage for cranking power.
D2 gear design: Improves gear efficiency and smoothness.
Specifications
Gear ratios: Available in 6.7:1 and 8.1:1
Retrieve: Right-hand and left-hand options available
Weight: 7.8 ounces
Max drag: 25 pounds
Bearings: 10+1
Line capacity: 12 lb mono / 130 yards
Final Thoughts: Ideal for Power Fishing
The Abu Garcia Revo STX LP isn’t your go-to reel for finesse techniques with lightweight lines. It’s designed for power fishing—whether you’re casting heavy topwater lures, flipping jigs, or winding spinnerbaits. This reel provides the speed, strength, and control you need to catch big fish.
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What impressed me the most was how simple it was to adjust, making it suitable even for anglers who are new to baitcasters. Its combination of lightweight construction, strength, and ergonomic design makes it a powerhouse on the water. For any angler serious about power fishing, the Abu Garcia Revo STX LP is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint.
