I have a third generation revo s baitcaster that i'm pretty happy with. My understanding is that abu's, lew's, and a few others are all actually doyo reels that company's like lew's and abu purchase and brand as their own. My question is that on my revo reel, it says "engineered in Sweden" on the handle side plate. Do you think Abu has actually done some engineering on this reel? or is the reel totally designed by doyo and abu put that on the sideplate as more of a marketing thing? Thanks for any input.

Brass gearing ? Spool design ? I have no clue id like to know myself

Designed in could mean anything, like the logo was designed in Sweden. It's where the reel parts are manufactured and/or assembled that determines where it's made. Abu has been using Off shore manufacturing for over 15 years now. Doyo is Korean, that would be better then China IMO.

Daiwa Tatula reels are made in Thailand, parts designed by Daiwa. It is what it is.

Tom