Photos: Abu Garcia · supplied retailer imagery
Predator tackle · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Abu Garcia Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel
Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel
A serious baitcaster for predator anglers who want proper drag power, quick line pick-up and a body that won’t feel like a brick on the rod.
- Low-profile baitcasting reel with an asymmetrical body design.
- Available gear ratios include 6.7:1 and 8.1:1.
- Maximum drag is 25 lb, or 11.3 kg.
- Uses 10 stainless-steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Abu Garcia Revo5 STX low-profile baitcasting reel. Braking-system details vary by version, with IVCB-4 or IVCB-6 listed depending on the exact model.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A premium, powerful baitcaster with strong predator credentials, though the version differences and lack of spare spool take a little shine off the package.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.6/10
- Performance9.5/10
- Impact on Fish Catching9.2/10
- Ease of Use8.6/10
- Value for Money8.5/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Pike anglers casting medium to large lures. The strong drag, deep enough line capacity and powerful handle make it a good match for predator rods doing proper work.
- Experienced baitcaster users wanting a premium upgrade. The alloy build, bearing count, braking options and refined gearing give you plenty of control once your thumb is dialled in.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers brand new to baitcasting. A cheaper, more forgiving reel can make more sense while you’re learning spool control and avoiding the dreaded birdie.
- Light-lure specialists. This reel’s big-drag, strong-body approach is better suited to predator tackle than delicate finesse work.
The lowdown
Introducing the Abu Garcia Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel
A serious baitcaster for predator anglers who want proper drag power, quick line pick-up and a body that won’t feel like a brick on the rod.
- Low-profile baitcasting reel with an asymmetrical body design.
- Available gear ratios include 6.7:1 and 8.1:1.
- Maximum drag is 25 lb, or 11.3 kg.
- Uses 10 stainless-steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The Revo5 STX is a high-spec baitcaster aimed at anglers who want serious control, strong internals and loads of drag without moving to a big round multiplier. It’s compact, powerful and built around proper predator fishing rather than casual lure chucking.
It’s not the cheapest route into baitcasting, and the different braking versions mean you’ll want to check the exact listing before parting with your quid. But if you’re regularly casting bigger lures for pike, zander or other hard-fighting predators, this is a cracking bit of kit.
A premium, powerful baitcaster with strong predator credentials, though the version differences and lack of spare spool take a little shine off the package.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.6/10
- Performance
- 9.5/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 9.2/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.6/10
- Value for Money
- 8.5/10
The alloy body, quality gearing, carbon drag and substantial handle point to a properly well-equipped reel.
The ratio choices, bearing package and braking-system options give confident anglers plenty of retrieve and casting control.
Reliable line control, strong drag and useful leverage can make playing hard-fighting predators around cover more controlled.
The low-profile body and oversized knobs are user-friendly, but baitcasters still demand thumb control and careful setup.
It offers a high-end feature set, although the price bracket, version confusion and no spare spool hold it back slightly.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel (this one)
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Abu Garcia Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo5 STX is a low-profile baitcaster for predator anglers who want more than a basic casting reel. It’s built around power, control and proper lure-fishing ergonomics, rather than being a dainty little number for flicking tiny plugs. Think pike rods, heavier braid and lures with a bit of meat on them.
At the heart of it is an X2-Cräftic alloy frame and sideplate. That gives the reel a solid backbone while keeping the body relatively compact in the hand. The asymmetrical design also helps it sit neatly against the rod, which matters when you’re casting all day and don’t fancy ending up with a wrist like a bag of spanners.
There are two useful gear-ratio options listed: 6.7:1 and 8.1:1. The slower choice is the more measured all-rounder, giving you good control when crawling a lure, working a glide bait or keeping a steady retrieve through colder water. The 8.1:1 version is the faster tool for ripping line in after a cast and keeping contact when a fish follows right to the net.
That faster retrieve can be a proper bonus on big waters. Pike don’t always eat beside your boots, and there’s nothing worse than a fish turning away while you’re still winding in slack. A quick reel helps you get the lure back into the strike zone and keeps the rod ready for the next cast. Just remember that speed doesn’t replace a smooth retrieve or a tidy thumb.
Drag power is another big selling point. The Revo5 STX is listed with a maximum 25 lb, or 11.3 kg, Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag. You won’t need all of that for every fish, obviously, but the headroom is useful when a pike charges into weed or you’re fishing close to cover. Set it sensibly and let the rod do its job; clamping it solid can turn a good take into a pulled hook.
The 95 mm bowed aluminium handle is a very welcome bit of kit for bigger predator lures. Its length gives you leverage, while the oversized knobs are easier to hang onto when your hands are wet or you’re winding hard against resistance. That’s the sort of detail you appreciate after a full day of chucking, retrieving and repeating until a proper lump finally goes bosh.
Inside, Duragear Gen II gearing is paired with 10 stainless-steel ball bearings and one roller bearing. That’s a serious bearing package for a low-profile reel and should give the retrieve a refined feel when everything is clean and correctly maintained. It’s not magic, mind. Sand, grit and neglected oil will still make any reel feel a bit naff.
Braking is the one area where you need to pay attention at checkout. The Revo5 STX is listed with either IVCB-4 or IVCB-6, depending on the product version. Both are part of the reel’s casting-control story, but don’t assume every listing is identical. Check the exact model, especially if you’re buying online and comparing a few tempting quid-off offers.
Line capacity is sensible for predator work, with listed versions holding either 145 m of 0.29 mm line or 120 m of 0.32 mm line. That gives you useful room for braid and leader setups, though there’s no spare spool listed. For most anglers, that means picking your main line carefully and keeping a second reel ready if you want instant access to another setup. Overall, it’s a powerful, properly equipped baitcaster for anglers who know why they want one.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Type
- Low-profile baitcasting reel
- Gear ratios
- 6.7:1 and 8.1:1 options
- Maximum drag
- 25 lb / 11.3 kg
- Bearings
- 10 stainless-steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing
- Body
- X2-Cräftic alloy frame and sideplate; asymmetrical design
- Spool and capacity
- Aluminium spool; listed capacities include 145 m of 0.29 mm line or 120 m of 0.32 mm line, depending on version
Specs checked with Abu Garcia, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The angle
This is all about controlled power in a compact low-profile package. The alloy frame, Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag and Duragear Gen II gearing give the reel the sort of backbone you want when a pike turns in weed or a proper lump heads for the snags.
The 95 mm bowed aluminium handle and oversized knobs are especially handy with bigger lures. You get a more positive grip when working jerkbaits, swimbaits and heavy soft plastics, while the available 6.7:1 and 8.1:1 ratios let you choose between extra torque and faster line pick-up.
Closer look
A compact reel with proper predator muscle
The Revo5 STX brings together an X2-Cräftic alloy frame and sideplate, an asymmetrical body and an aluminium spool. That combination should feel reassuring when you’re repeatedly launching heavier lures and leaning into a fish close to weed or snags. It has the look and layout of a serious working reel, not a lightweight toy.
The Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag is rated to 25 lb, while Duragear Gen II gearing handles the drive side. Add the 95 mm bowed handle and oversized knobs, and the design makes a lot of sense for pike anglers fishing jerkbaits, swimbaits and other lures that need a bit of grunt.
Worth knowing. Check the exact braking version before buying. Listings can show IVCB-4 or IVCB-6, and line capacity can also vary, with figures listed around 145 m of 0.29 mm or 120 m of 0.32 mm.
Who it suits
Best matched with confident predator anglers
This is a bob-on choice for an angler already comfortable with baitcasting, or someone moving up to a premium reel for regular pike work. The 6.7:1 ratio suits controlled retrieves, while the 8.1:1 version is useful when you need to burn in line and stay tight to a moving lure.
It’ll pair nicely with a medium-heavy or heavy predator rod, braided main line and a suitable wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. The deep spool capacity gives you room for normal lure-fishing distances, while the powerful drag offers confidence around weed and structure.
Worth knowing. If you’re learning to cast a baitcaster, start with sensible braking, a slightly heavier practice lure and a well-controlled spool. Don’t go straight for maximum distance, mate. A tidy cast beats a bird’s nest every time.
FAQs in full
The useful stuff before you buy
Is the Revo5 STX suitable for pike? Yes. Its strong drag, alloy construction, predator-friendly handle and useful line capacity make it well suited to pike lure fishing. Match it to the rod and line rather than treating the 25 lb maximum drag as a target setting.
Which ratio is better for jerkbaits? The 8.1:1 version gives faster line recovery and can help when you’re working a lure with sharp movements or need to remove slack quickly. The 6.7:1 option is less hurried and may feel nicer for slower presentations.
Worth knowing. There’s no spare spool listed, so decide on your main line setup before filling the reel. If you regularly switch between braid sizes or lure styles, a second spool-ready reel can save a fair bit of faff on the bank.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Proper 25 lb Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag for powerful predator work.
- X2-Cräftic alloy frame and sideplate keep the reel feeling strong without making it needlessly bulky.
- 95 mm bowed aluminium handle with oversized knobs gives excellent leverage.
- Two useful gear-ratio options, including a fast 8.1:1 version.
- Smooth, well-equipped platform with Duragear Gen II gearing.
Worth knowing
- The exact braking system varies between IVCB-4 and IVCB-6 versions, so buying the wrong listing could cause a bit of faff.
- High-end baitcaster pricing won’t suit anglers only fishing occasionally.
- No spare spool is listed, limiting quick changes between line setups.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which gear ratio should I choose?
Which gear ratio should I choose?
The 6.7:1 option gives a more measured retrieve and suits steady lure work or anglers who prefer extra control. The 8.1:1 version picks up line faster, which is handy for jerkbaits, fast retrieves and taking up slack after a screaming take.
02What line can the Revo5 STX hold?
What line can the Revo5 STX hold?
Listed capacities include 145 m of 0.29 mm line and 120 m of 0.32 mm line, depending on the specific version. That’s a useful amount for normal pike and predator lure fishing, but check the spool marking or retailer listing before loading up.
03Does it come with a spare spool?
Does it come with a spare spool?
No spare spool is listed. If you want different braid or leader setups, you’ll need to respool the main spool or keep a second reel ready to go.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are proper 25 lb power stack carbon matrix drag for powerful predator work. and x2-cräftic alloy frame and sideplate keep the reel feeling strong without making it needlessly bulky.; the main trade-off is the exact braking system varies between ivcb-4 and ivcb-6 versions, so buying the wrong listing could cause a bit of faff..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Proper 25 lb Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag for powerful predator work.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Pike anglers casting medium to large lures: The strong drag, deep enough line capacity and powerful handle make it a good match for predator rods doing proper work.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The exact braking system varies between IVCB-4 and IVCB-6 versions, so buying the wrong listing could cause a bit of faff.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Abu Garcia Revo5 STX Low Profile Reel
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