So I picked up a 8' Zillion swimbait rod for an amazing $100 brand new and now need a reel for it. I'm set on the ABU Revo Beast. 2 of the reviews on TW said they were using it for SB also. It holds 180 yards of 12lb so I figured it will hold 20 25lb line. It only weighs 9.4oz is low pro and has a 22lb drag. And I also found it for half price. They are $350 on TW, so is anyone else using the Beast as a SB reel? Thanks

if you're set on Abu Garcia , i would choose the Winch. same line capacity and about 3 ounces lighter ! what size baits are you throwing ??? i really consider the Beast reel is more of a musky reel , with the high gear ratio , it would be used for burning baits .

I'd go with an Ambassador. 

I use 3 different reels for swimbaits, a 300E Curado, an Okuma Citrix 364, and a 400B Calcutta. They all work well but have their different pros and cons.

First off, WOW that's a good deal for that rod, where did you find that??

Also you're going to want a 5.1 gear ratio reel for swimbaits

That's a great deal on that rod. Personally I like a 5x:1 gear ratio for swim baits also, but you don't have to use that. I use low gear reels for deep cranks too but there are guys that use high gear ratios for everything now. 

Calcutta 200?

All of the above are excellent choices. I am a big Lew's fan & the Super Duty Speed Spool & the BB2 Wide are great swimbait reels - Both under $180.00.