Me and my wife watch a ton of fishing shows(yeah keeper right?)and she noticed that the pros sponsored by Abu still use the Gen 2 models. I think we spotted Ike using an STX in MLF when they were on Chataqua, but that's it. Seem to me like Abu would want these guys using the new gear to further promote the Revo line. How does sponsorship work when it comes to stuff like this? Do the companies give them leeway on what they wanna use?

At the end of the day they are still using abu gear I guess. Maybe its based on certain levels of sponsorship, possibly what they are comfortable with. I did see the mgx extreme used in the classic and a rod many of us had no idea what it was.

I think if the reel isn't the  pros own design, they may opt to use what they are used to. Some people just stick to what they know works, and new products don't always mean better. Im sure 85% of the people who buy these reels don't even know what pro uses what anyways.

 

When I used to race bikes, I had Dunlop as a contingency sponsor. I had to place top 3 to get paid anything. The uk made ntec was the best tire made, at $530 a pair I used these. These were the only tires I used, sometimes the US version of the same (cheaper but less grip) since I started my first track day. My last year Pirelli came out with a new tire that was supposed to be awesome and a hair better at $100 less a pair. So, at $100 less, Id break even or save not having to hit the podium, but did I want to risk running something I wasn't used to mid season, and pay to have the suspension re tuned on my bike to match several times over and re adjust, or stick to what I know the last of the season? I stuck to Dunlop. Lots of people asked why who don't get it. Not to mention another motive, I was able to join the AMA who spec the same Dunlop tire.

Ike is still using Veritas rods, in fact I even saw 2 Vendettas on his deck but I never saw him use a Verdict or Villian so I guess they stick with what they like.

I have been fortunate enough to be a on course player escort for the PGA and as we know golf is like fishing in it's a very intensive sponsor sport. I don't think I ever saw a player with the "latest and greatest" with the exception of newly sponsored young up and coming players. All the established pros used older gear and a few used different brands than what they were "pusing". Sure the head covers, bags, hats, etc. said they were using the new LongBall3 but they would pull the cover off and it was their well worn LongBall1.

And you have to remember some of these shows were filmed last year when these weren't all available yet.

I have been fortunate enough to be a on course player escort for the PGA and as we know golf is like fishing in it's a very intensive sponsor sport. I don't think I ever saw a player with the "latest and greatest" with the exception of newly sponsored young up and coming players. All the established pros used older gear and a few used different brands than what they were "pusing". Sure the head covers, bags, hats, etc. said they were using the new LongBall3 but they would pull the cover off and it was their well worn LongBall1.

Without a doubt.  Tiger woods uses putters 2 (I think 1 is a Nike and the other is Cameron or Titlest) with Ping grips on them, the last couple of months I've noticed the Ping logo is blacked out.

And you have to remember some of these shows were filmed last year when these weren't all available yet.

 

Exactly this. Not sure about the top dozen or so pros, but I the guys I know get their new gear in spring.  Most of the new models seem to come out in fall.

Without a doubt.  Tiger woods uses putters 2 (I think 1 is a Nike and the other is Cameron or Titlest) with Ping grips on them, the last couple of months I've noticed the Ping logo is blacked out.

Tiger has done that pretty much since he has been on tour. Also pro's especially the good ones have contracts that read that they have to only use a certain number of clubs from the sponsor. Usually this is somewhere between 10-13 leaving a few opening for " favorite clubs". Bass pros and their equipment are not as close to the public like the golf pros are. I would think that they don't upgrade because they don't have to. If it ain't broke don't fix it kinda of thing. I've also wondered that if they are not allotted a certain dollar value for sponsored reels. Something like you can have $2000 worth of rods and reels. If they were completely free then it seems all the pros would be using the absolute top of the line gear from their sponsor or why wouldn't some one like ish be using completely blinged out top of the line daiwas instead of just regular zillions and steez.

You'll still see guys fishing the old Greenie Shimanos and what not. At the end of the day, it's all about being comfortable as that leads to wins.

If they are doing well and getting some on air TV time with the sponsor right in your face, I highly doubt they care what level of the revo or w/e they are using.