I think I  understand the technical differences between the various Revo models, but I'm trying to discern what the tradeoffs would be for a novice like me.  I have about 15 hours experience with the old Curado 200B.  I'm looking for a LH alternative.

Centifugal Brakes (S) vs Linear Magnetic (SX):

- which is more for giving

- which casts lighter lures better

- which casts further

- convenience of changing settings

I presume that the Centifugal might be more forgiving.  As a casual fisherman with limited time to "educate my thumb," is it still a good long-term investment to get a reel with Magnetic braking.  I've heard the SX braking is not as refined as the Daiwa Mag braking.

Infini Spool & Everslik coatings

- Would these STX enhancements be meaningfully noticed by a casual fisherman, of is the SX sufficient?  I would like to throw some lighter jigs & lures.

Daiwa Advantage HSTA - how would it compare for use a novice/casual user?

Sorry if my questions are redundant to the other threads, but these are the key issues I'm trying to resolve.  Sort of a cost/benefits analysis.  Thanks!

I think I understand the technical differences between the various Revo models, but I'm trying to discern what the tradeoffs would be for a novice like me. I have about 15 hours experience with the old Curado 200B. I'm looking for a LH alternative.

Centifugal Brakes (S) vs Linear Magnetic (SX):

- which is more for giving

I just bought my first two Ss today. I've been casting one in my front yard for a little while on a 6'8" MH/F with 14# line. I think I'm gonna say the centrifugal brake is more effective than the magnetic brake. More time is needed for me to decide for myself, but the S's brake seems more effective.

- which casts lighter lures better

My STXs, SXs and SCs cast relatively light lures well. I haven't tried my Ss with light baits yet and may not. But I think they would cast just as well and with a more effective brake may actually do it better. I seem to use a lot more brake with light baits than heavier ones. I know a lot of people complain about overruns with the revos with magnetic brakes. I think that's mostly user error but a more effective brake might help.

- which casts further

Between the STX, SX and SC it's a toss-up. I'm betting the S will cast just as far.

- convenience of changing settings

No question, it's easier to set the magnetic brake. But you sort of have to play with them all to get them just right.

I presume that the Centifugal might be more forgiving. As a casual fisherman with limited time to "educate my thumb," is it still a good long-term investment to get a reel with Magnetic braking. I've heard the SX braking is not as refined as the Daiwa Mag braking.

I don't have a Daiwa so I can't comment. The magnetic brake on the Revo is good. It could be more powerful and I wouldn't complain. No matter what you buy you are going to have to develope some thumb discipline. Read Reelmechs baitcasting article. It tells you the things you need to consider when learning a baitcaster.

Infini Spool & Everslik coatings

- Would these STX enhancements be meaningfully noticed by a casual fisherman, of is the SX sufficient? I would like to throw some lighter jigs & lures.

I can detect no significant difference in performance between the STX and SX. The STX may have a wee bit of advantage throwing light baits, but in practice it's hard to tell. And for that matter, I can't tell any difference between the SC and SX. The SC is a red Revo sold by Cabelas.

These Revo Ss I bought are impressive. I really like them so far.

Here's the line of Abu Revo reels that u can buy.

Inshore

Premier

Revo S

Revo SC

Revo STX

Revo SX

The new Abu Max's are awsome, tested the black and the pro, want to see the silver. Quality they go good to great, Black, Silver, Pro.

Black

Silver

Pro

I personally have used the Max pro, black and both the Revo S and SX on the water. The max black and revo S are both good reels in general, i would use them if i didn't have other abugarcia reels already, i am planning to make a couple more purchaces soon. The Max pro is super nice, casts a mile and is smooth as any other baitcaster that i've used. U can cast light and heavy baits with no problem and can torke fish out of cover easy, believe me, the first fish i hooked on the reel was a 3lber that brought in another 5lbs of milfoil and what ever other weed growth it could wrap around. As for the SX i only got a dozen casts after my friend wanted it back so i couldn't really tell u much about it, another great abu reel of course though.

Micro's assesment is 100% correct. I have had the S, SX, and STX. I still have the S, and bought another one yesterday. The reasons behind me getting rid of the SX and STX are personal, nothing to do with the reels themselves. I prefer a larger reel and tend to use Abu rounds. My daughter is the Revo S girl. She is 8 and can cast a mile with the S using 1/4 to 1/2 oz worms, spinners, and jigs. The centrifugal brakes are more effective, but do not allow the distance(by fine adustment) with light lures that the magnetic brakes do. The centrifugal brakes take a little more effort to adjust, which means removing the sideplate to postition the weights on the pins. This should not be much different than your Curado, I think. As far as the SX vs. STX, I could not tell an appreciable difference between the two. The STX had a little more "bling" factor, but the bearing and spool differences were not discernible. The only Daiwas reels that I can comment on are the Exceler and Megaforce, so I won't offer an opinion on that. I would say(my opinion only) if you plan on using lighter than 1/4oz, I would get the SX or STX.

Thanks for the great responses - you provided the info I was seeking.  I guess my decision would be S or SX.  

Control Now for Novice (S) vs. Distance with Light Lures (SX)

Can you confirm that the SC from Cabelas has a Magnetic Brake, the published info says it has a Centifugal Brake, but all of the user reviews say it has a Magnetic Brake.  Also, I did not see a LH version listed for the SC.

Thanks!!

I don't think there is a significant difference between the S, SC, SX and STX with respect to casting distance.  Nor do I think any of them handle lights baits any better than the other, except maybe the STX, which is a little different than the others with respect to the way the spool engages/disengages.

IMO 1/4 baits are the absolute lightest any of these reels will handle, and in most cast I throw 1/4 oz'ers on a spinning outfit.  

The SC definately has a magnetic brake, just like the SX and STX.

Thanks Micro, it sounds like the decison is all mine now.

If I don't take the easy way out and go the Spinning route, a Revo S and AllStar ASR will be hard to beat while the rebate is going on.

The Bait Monkey may think otherwise, though  ;D

Have Fun!

I have a couple Revo S's, and a Daiwa Advantage. I like the Revo better and bought another. I do not dis-like the Advantage, just like the Revo better. The Daiwa's brakes are by far the best magnetic brakes out there, and easier to adjust on the fly thanthe Revo's centrifical brakes. BUT I am always adjusting the Daiwa, withthe Revo I have it set with 2 pins out and leave it all the time, I get the occasional over run, but it's more my fault than the reels.

Thanks ww2farmer, another great insight.  You always provide a great perspective with practical advice.