Been with another brand of reel for many years but was considering switching up to a Revo Winch to add to my crank bait gear arsenal. I have used many Abu reels in the past mostly the 6500's and such for musky rigs but wanted to get feedback on the quality of the drag system on the Revo's as well as their other low profile offerings. Problems with the drag systems on other brands that I won't throw under the bus is my primary concern for looking elsewhere.

The Winch is a great reel, the drag is smooth and strong. I really like the longer handle. The Curado E5 is also a great reel. The Curado does handle lighter cranks a little bit better. But both are outstanding reels.

SJ

Another vote for the Revo Winch. Had one for over a year now and love it. Nice reel.

Eddie

I have one and use it as my primary cranking reel. Its super smooth and has a great drag system. After I cleaned it and adjusted it to my liking its been really great.

The Shimano Curado E5 is also a fanstatic reel and I would owe that one as well but they don't make lefty.

Sounds to me like I may be acquiring an Abu fairly soon. Thanks for the info

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've got a winch on my deep cranking rod and it has been a great reel for me.

I do not think that you will be disappointed in this reel. It is a very good reel for the money. I would also look into buying the reel from americanbassoutlet. Those guys are great when it comes to working with people and they always have low prices, especially on reels. Hope it works out for ya.

My link

Loomis24,

Thanks for the heads up I will definitely take a look at see what they have too offer.

The Winch's drag is very powerful and my experience is that is it very smooth, as well. But it is also overkill. It has a much greater strength than you will ever need for bass fishing.

As far as casting performance, the reel excels with heavier baits - over 1/2 oz. My experience is that the Curado and Zillion High Power will cast lighter baits better (and heavier baits just as well). And in my experience, their drags have been more than sufficient for bass fishing.

You won't be dissappointed with the winch. It's smooth and reliable. I Pitch 3/16oz t-rigs with no problem. It's my favorite reel by far. Some guys prefer dual cast control. Me personaly I like to keep it simple set 2 manual brakes and spool tension as desired. You'll like that reel!!

Fishohio, I certainly respect your ability to pitch 3/16oz jigs with a Winch. But just about any other bass reel out there is a better choice for pitching light baits like that. Can it be done? Certainly. Is it the best choice for pitching light baits? Hell no - not even close. I've used the Winch side by side with every other model of Revo, 200D and 200E Curados, Zillions, Fuegos and Sols, and all of them are better than the Winch for any kind of casting for light baits.

I am wanting to get a winch and see how that improves my cranking. Or I just might swap out the gears on one of my premiers and see how that works

Fishohio, I certainly respect your ability to pitch 3/16oz jigs with a Winch. But just about any other bass reel out there is a better choice for pitching light baits like that. Can it be done? Certainly. Is it the best choice for pitching light baits? Hell no - not even close. I've used the Winch side by side with every other model of Revo, 200D and 200E Curados, Zillions, Fuegos and Sols, and all of them are better than the Winch for any kind of casting for light baits.

Easy killer in noway shape or form did I say that the winch was the best reel for throwin light baits! He asked about the winch in particular. he didn't ask what reel was the best for throwin light baits. I use mine on my pitchin rod.And if he's fishin for Musky also it can handle that as well. was just saying how it WILL throw lighter baits didn't say it was the best. AAALLLL RRRIIIGGGHHHTTTYYYY TTHHEEENNN...

Okay. As long as we weren't espousing the Winch as a light-bait reel. Doing so would have been near he top of the "Suckingest Advice Ever Given On BR" list.