Is the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7 Their Best Bait Finesse Reel
As an avid angler, I always find myself drawn to the latest and greatest fishing gear. Recently, I got my hands on the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7 bait finesse reel, and I couldn’t resist sharing my unboxing experience with you all.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7
The Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7, released in 2016, is a bait finesse reel that has garnered a reputation for its performance and reliability. Even though it’s been around for a few years, many anglers still consider it one of the best bait finesse reels on the market. I found a brand new one from Digitaka, and I just had to get it, along with a few other goodies.
Unboxing Experience
When I opened the package, I was immediately impressed by the presentation. The reel was cradled securely, showcasing its sleek design. Along with the reel, the package included BFS oil, a manual (mostly in Japanese), a wrench for color changes, a warranty card, and a line guide nut. The attention to detail in the packaging was evident, making the unboxing experience feel special.
Key Features of the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7
- Bearing System: The reel features an eight-bearing system, which is actually seven plus one. This ensures smooth operation and durability.
- Gear Ratio: With a 7.1:1 gear ratio, the reel offers 28 inches per turn, making it efficient for various fishing techniques.
- Drag Power: It boasts 15.5 pounds of drag, which is substantial for a reel of this size.
- Weight: Weighing in at 141 grams, it’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- Line Capacity: It holds 50 meters of line, suitable for true bait finesse applications.
- Customizable Braking: One of the standout features is its unique braking system. The reel comes with removable magnets, allowing for highly tunable braking performance. There are bigger magnets on one side and finer magnets on the other, with a total of 10 magnets included.
Initial Impressions
The reel feels smooth right out of the box, although it might need a bit of oil. The clicking drag star and spool tension offer positive feedback, and the thumb bar feels comfortable. The knobs are particularly nice, adding to the overall premium feel of the reel.
Testing and Performance
After fishing with his reel for over a year, I truly think it is one of the most under-appreciated reels in the market. It’s a shame Abu Garcia isn;t making any modern BFS reels that are competitive. The ALC-BF7 is still available on Amazon, and sometimes for under $200. I think it’s well worth that price.
The current Zenon MG-LTX BFS for $550 just seems over-priced in comparison. Butt I’m sure it’s a fine reel.
The Revo ALC-BF7 casts very long, is exceptionally smooth, has a smooth drag with a satisfying sound, and has that classic black and gold paint scheme. It just keeps making it onto my kayak. It’s my brother-in-law’s favorite reel of mine to borrow. 🙂
Conclusion
The Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7 bait finesse reel offers a blend of traditional design and customizable features that make it a compelling option for serious anglers. Its smooth operation, substantial drag power, and unique braking system set it apart. Othe rthna not being great at casting sub 2 grams so far, it’s hard to beat. With some upgraded bearings and lighter spool, this could be one of the best BFS reels you ever own.
If you’re in the market for a bait finesse reel, the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7 is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Have you tried the Abu Garcia Revo ALC-BF7? Share your experiences in the comments below! And maybe check out all the BFS combos I’m running in 2024.