So I'm seriously looking at picking up my first bass-only baitcaster and have pretty much decided on an Abu Garcia. I'm just wondering if I'd be better off putting the extra 50$ into a rod and going with the low end Revo. I'd like to keep the whole rod/reel combo at 200 dollars or less.

I'm not sure what rod to get, but I'm leaning towards a Shimano. Good idea?

Edit: By the way I'd use it mainly for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and anything else I can't cast with my ultralight.

Thanks alot!

Revo s dont have a magnatic break its perfect for the rod you have rigged with a specific lure day in day out the sx has a mag brake wich is nice if u switch from say a 3/8oz lure to a 1/4 lure the mag brake is great for fine tuning thats what i use mine for .But for med cranks and spinnerbaits the revo s is perfect and u cant go wrong with a shimano rod either.

Both the S and SX Revo's are nice reels.  I'm not fond of Centrifugal braking systems but that's a personal choice.  The SX has the external mag adjustment.  Both reels feel pretty much the same on a rod other wise.  If you poke around on the forum boards you can easily find an SX, NIB for around $120.  Matched with a Shimano Clarus rod you're right at $190-200.

Go with the S version Revo, which you can find on Ebay for around $85-90 NIB, and you can go with a Compre rod for the same price point.

I have the Revo Sx and it is a super reel.  Went fishing all last week and used all sorts of baits.  Adjustments were easy and backlashes were low.

Cabela's has an exclusive Revo SC.  Has the magnetic brake of the SX but 2 less bearings for $129.99  Give a look here http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0042976121669a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=revo&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=revo&noImage=0

Hey acar555, I saw that a couple days ago and wasn't sure if it was an older model or whatever, but I'll definetely take a look. Since it's going to be an all purpose outfit, I'll probably need the extra adjustment.

On second thought since it's only a Cabela's reel I probably won't be able to pick one up locally I'd rather purchase my combo locally so I can make sure I like the feel and can 'support my community'. :

I have 2 SX's and I'm very happy with them. If I had a $200.00 budget, I would buy the S and invest more money in a better rod.   Shimano makes great rods, I prefer St. Croix rods.

BTW, as a small business owner thanks for wanting to buy locally and support your community!

Cabela's has an exclusive Revo SC.  Has the magnetic brake of the SX but 2 less bearings for $129.99  Give a look here http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0042976121669a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=revo&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=revo&noImage=0

Oh man, how come I haven't heard about that thing!  I wish it came in lefty.  Yet another great Revo option to look forward to.

The Cabela's Revo SC has been out since just after the first of the year, but it is only available in right hand retrieve.  

OH wow completely forgot to tell you guys.  If you are judging by price, I have a very good option for you.

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/

Go here, pick your Revo, and type the name of the revo in the voucher code in your shopping cart! (recalculate to see)

"revos" for Revo S                  $10 off

"revosx" for Revo SX              $20 off

"revostx" for RevoSTX            $20 off

And free shipping ;D.  I haven't purchased from this guy but I've been planning on doing so.  I hear it's some great customer service since it's so small, and they carry some pretty hard to find stuff!

Namely:

-Cavitron Buzzbait

-Evolution Jig

I've bought from Delo's before. Great customer service and incredible prices on incredible products. The shipping is a little slower than BPS, but that's too be expected from a small business.

I've bought from Delo's before. Great customer service and incredible prices on incredible products. The shipping is a little slower than BPS, but that's too be expected from a small business.

Yeah, man.  Lowest prices, hard to find, top of the line stuff, free shipping, the works.  I've even been considering gettin an Airrus and Delo's has been a huge find for me.  I can't wait to try out those evolution jigs.