Prior to 2006 Abu Garcia had no say in the low profile reel market and I have to say, what they were offering before really sucked, and I bet the Abu reel team agrees. Then all of the sudden out of no where they introduced the Revo reels at the 2006 ICAST. It was Abu’s REVOlution, making a huge dent in the freshwater low profile reel market and even had the guys at Shimano running scared.

So when is Abu Garcia’s Next REVOlution and where are they headed?

Here are my thoughts on where they are going…

1) Abu Garcia rods – They started out with the low cost yet attractive and decent performing Vengeance and Vendetta rods. And recently the Veritas white bass rod that we previewed and also seen on our TackleTour Forum. Just last ICAST we also gave a sneak peek at the new lightweight rod but haven’t seen much of it lately except that it’s in the works. It will be called Verdict and will be super-lightweight and well-balanced. It’s time they introduce higher end rods in the Abu Garcia brand, though Jim at Abu did tell us at ICAST they want to introduce high-performing, JDM looking rods at affordable prices, and of course widely available and easy to buy, with a warranty.

2) The REVO lowprofile baitcast reels, they already have a great product here and only minor changes can be made if any. Nothing will probably happen here for this year’s ICAST unless they are making new reels out of new materials to make it super-lightweight. If it ain’t broken don’t change it.

3) So what’s left for the Next REVOlution? I have a feeling that it’ll be in the freshwater spinning reels and perhaps a high-end line of spinning reels under the REVO name. I was about to review the Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel which I tested for trout fishing and it performed well but was then told it will be replaced by a newer and better model that will be introduced at ICAST 2010. Someone at Abu also leaked some word of a feather-lightweight spinning reel similar to what we’ve seen in the Revo Premier baitcaster.  This would match with the high-end lightweight rod, Verdict, that’s currently in development. Aside from that they can probably introduce a whole new line of REVO spinning reels here.

That’s where I’m seeing Abu Garcia headed for next year with prototypes being introduced this year at ICAST.

What would you like to see in the NEXT REVOlution?!?

Last weekend I hosted a kids fishing day with all my nephews, niece, and my 2 year old son, a total of 5 of them.  The goal was to put them on some schoolie striped bass so they would have some fun playing with them, and that I did. Zander was also out with his son and they got into the fun as well. I can’t believe Zander has his 8 year old son casting a jerkbait and RIPPIN’!!!!!

All the parents including my father came along. The kids ended the day early after each and everyone of them caught some fish, so the rest of the day was just my dad and myself, and no single fishing trip can go without testing some sort of new tackle. The test subject this time was the new Abu Garcia Vendetta bass rod.

ICAST preview here: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast09rodsabugarcia.html

- The rod felt really nice with the Revo Winch. Pretty balanced and lightweight.

- Components are outstanding for the price range

- Sensitive. Was able to feel when I hit vegetation when ripping for stripers

- Appearance wise, the rod looks premium!

- Here’s one negative I’ve noticed. The EVA grips aren’t as solid as the “Hypalon” thicker material. Only time will tell if it’ll hold him. I’ve seen indentations from it being pressed up against something for a period of time. But then again, you have to remember the rod costs only $79-90!!!!!

So far my impressions are very good for this under $100 rod that looks like it costs $250+. I can’t wait to take it on the water again.

A few weeks ago I blogged about a rumor that Abu Garcia might be coming out with some components for people to mod their Revos. Well, as ICAST nears those rumors doesn’t seem to be true. What’s 100% true is that the Revo series will be redesigned for 2010 with new looks and features. Here’s the 2010 Revo Premier.

Abu Garcia is going to introduce two new rods this year that’s designed to match their reels perfectly in terms of balance. These rods look premium, even with some JDM appearance, but only costs $79-89! More info coming next week. But what do you think?

Rumor has it that Abu Garcia is going to introduce new upgrades or mods to their Revo reels.  We aren’t 100% sure what it is yet but sources tell us it’s coming and we’ll see it at ICAST. It has been really hush hush on this even we couldn’t dig up more dirty on the new products.

Perhaps what some of you saw on PureFishing’s Japanese and Australian website will be brought to the USA?

What’s your guess?

In February 2009 Pure Fishing Japan announced the new Abu Garcia Morrum ZX1600 and ZX1601 reels.

Since ICAST 2009 is nearing we have heard various things but nothing for sure if they are going to bring the new Morrum ZX to the United States. It sells in Japan for about $477 USD.

If Pure Fishing USA brought the reel over to the States, are we willing to pay about $500 for the reel?

And if they diluted the reel a little to decrease the cost, would you buy one?

Pictures of the Japanese Abu Garcia Morrum ZX

Abu Garcia ZX 1600 IVCB-4 and ZX 1601 IVCB-4

Abu Garcia ZX 1600 BJ IVCB-4 and ZX 1601 BJ IVCB-4

Abu Garcia ZX 3600 LJ ICVB and ZX 3600 LJ ICVB