For many people, Abu Garcia is the end-all-be-all of fishing manufacturers.
Abu Garcia is a fishing reel and equipment company founded in Sweden.
It rapidly began to dominate the market through its creation of affordable reels and rods.
It even manages to steal a good portion of the market from other well-known brands, like Daiwa, through the creation of affordable products suitable for anglers of all experience levels.
It is often said that Abu Garcia completely revamped their low-profile reels a decade ago when they redesigned and reintroduced the vaunted Revo lineup.
The most popular member of the Revo lineup is the Abu Garcia Orra SX, which is marketed as a flexible workhorse for almost every style of fishing.
Does it live up to the hype, though? Let’s find out.
Abu Garcia Orra SX
As mentioned, the Orra SX was first introduced almost 20 years ago but underwent a major redesign in the 2010s to better suit the budget market.
It is a versatile, low-profile reel with a lightweight X-Craftic alloy frame that helps it stand out from the competition.
One of its notable features is the seven ball bearings inside that improve balance and power without reducing function.
Who Is This Product For?
The Orra SX is designed for individuals who want something flexible and accurate on a budget.
Many of the original buyers of this reel were already fans of Abu Garcia, but the reel was able to convert even more people by being simple and easy to use.
This is a great option for an amateur because it allows moderate control.
What’s Included?
When you get this product, you primarily get the reel and its associated pieces.
For best use, it is important to have an appropriate rod and to use the right type of braid or monofilament.
Overview of the Features
When it comes to features, the Abu Garcia Orra SX packs a wallop. There are many different elements worth mentioning.
While none of them stand out on their own, they work together in harmony and create a functional reel suitable for almost every situation.
To begin, the Orra SX uses seven stainless-steel ball bearings with one additional one-roller bearing that provides smooth operation during casting and retrieval.
Unlike with other rods, the steel bearings in the Orra SX do not affect the total weight.
They do not have a negative impact on casting and flexibility, too.
Another excellent feature is the Power Disk drag system, which creates a smoother drag performance.
It works in tandem with the MagTrax brake system, which gives consistent brake pressure throughout the cast and improves overall versatility.
The exterior is made from X-Craftic alloy, which is simple and easy to clean.
The interior boasts Duragear brass gears for extended gear life so that you have to worry less about maintenance and replacement.
The line capacity is 12/145, and there are two retrieval ratios available: 6.4:1 and 7.1:1.
During retrieval, you will be able to get up to 25 inches per crank.
While the reel is rated for a maximum drag of 15 pounds, field tests reveal that anglers can actually get 24 pounds of drag without difficulty.
The Orra SX has sufficient power for most applications but is relatively low compared to other reels in the same price point.
If there is one flaw in the design, it is that the outside is prone to rust because it lacks coating.
Pros:
- Excellent drag
- Great retrieval speeds
- MagTrax brake system
- Power Disk drag system
- Interior Duragear gears
Cons:
- Prone to rust
- Needs oiling more often
How to Install
To properly use a reel that does not come attached to a fishing rod, you need to install it yourself.
If this is your first installation, you should know there are two separate processes.
The first is actually installing the reel to the rod. This can take several minutes, and you should never force the process; otherwise, you can damage both the reel and the rod.
To complete the installation, follow these steps:
Step 1: Loosen the reel seat on your fishing rod.
Step 2: Place the reel foot of the Orra SX reel into the reel seat.
Step 3: Tighten the reel seat. Your reel should not wobble once it is installed. If it does, loosen the seat and try again.
Once you have the reel installed, you need to attach the line so that you can correctly thread it through your rod of choice.
Follow these steps to complete the process:
Step 1: Open the bail and place the line around the reel once so that there are two separate “pieces” still connected.
Step 2: Tie a standard or overhand knot in the line using the two “pieces.”
Step 3: Tie another knot with the pieces of line that develop as a result of the original knot.
You will have a loose piece of line that needs to be cut ¼-inch away from the reel.
Step 4: Close the bail.
Step 5: Hold the line taut at least 12 inches away from the reel to prevent tangles.
Step 6: Turn the reel until you have your desired amount of line.
You can now attach the rest of your line and complete the process.
Alternative
If the Orra SX does not work for you, many people turn to the Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel.
This is another member of the influential Revo line but is prized for its spinning and overall flexibility.
Many people choose this reel because it is less prone to rusting and has a lightweight graphite motor that is durable and easy to utilize.
The downside is that it lacks some of the power of the Orra SX.
Conclusion
The Orra SX is an excellent choice for anglers on a budget who would like something flexible, versatile, and capable of producing excellent drag.
The retrieval on this model is great, and the reel itself is lightweight and easy to install.
While the Orra SX is not as powerful as some other options, it is perfect for inexperienced anglers or those who want something affordable.
Plus, with all the money you save on the reel, you will be able to invest in other fun angling equipment, like an underwater camera.