LiTugboat is correct, I was not aware that Abu cheaped out on this new version of the Revo X Winch. Graphite frames are to be avoided for what we do. What they offer in corrosion resistance they steal in rigidity. Any frame flex at all and the drive gears will micro-misalign, causing faster tooth wear-outs and that "geary" feeling when retrieve anything of consequence. Probably fine for FW bass, not so good for pulling big fluke straight up from depth.
I second looking for a NIB Gen4 Revo Winch, if you can find it for the right price. If not, the Gen5 is even nicer. My own Gen4 has been flawless for a ton of trips. Still smooth, drag still powerful and perfect.
Despite all that, I still prefer my Tatula 150Ps - just that much smoother to use.
Some of my frontline fluke reels. All are obviously umm, heavily "enhanced." The two Tatulas are on the left, the Gen4 Revo Winch is right rear, and my best fluke reel, My Daiwa Catalina TW100P 4.9:1 retrieve is right front.
Close up of one of Tatula 150Ps.
My Catalina 4.9. Those that took my advice several years ago and scooped up these reels during The Tackle Trap's ridiculous close-out deal really scored on these beauties. I wish I had bought two at that price. Eh, my loss. Anyway, it sits on my best all-around ocean jigging rod, my cork-gripped Palmarius Slow Pitch in the #3 power. I cannot get enough of that setup! This is NOT an inexpensive rod/reel combination, but if you purchase wisely (close-out pricing on the reel) and the Palmarius "Show Special" pricing at one of the shows at which owner Dan Harley displays, you can buy such an outfit at a substantial savings. And then smile every time you stick a nice fluke with it.
