I have two Shimano saros and love them.  I also have a Abu Revo sx 20 and hate it.  I am wondering if it is just that model or if other Abu are also really grindy.  I need a few reels and am debating between the stradic, another saros, or a Abu.

IMO Abu is junk.

 

Go Shimano and don't look back. I've got several Shimano spinning reels, including some 15+ year old Saharas and Siennas that are still going strong. The newer models I own, a few Nascis, and Stradic Ci4+ 2500 are smooth and light.

I'm a big fan of Abu rods and baitcasting reels. That said there are much better options for spinning reels in my opinion. I use several Pfluegers, a few cheap shimanos and a daiwa and like them all much better than my abus.