Abu Garcia ZATA/Roxani Baitcaster Combo Review

In today's video I'm reviewing the Abu Garcia Roxani/Zata combo. I'll discuss the features, my on the water impressions, and how it compares to similar reels. I'll finish up by letting you know what I think the major pros and cons of the reel are!
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[@stevethirtyacre6287]

I like this reel and rod combo. Didn’t cast as far as I wanted. But made some brake adjustments , now it’s gained a lot of length. Happy with this combo.

[@RTB108]

What changes did you make? I am currently having the same problems with casting distance right now

[@jurepeternelj]

@@RTB108 less magnets in brake?

[@evanpressley8362]

Finally I can find a decent review from a good fishing KZbin for the my roxani that I got for a sorta new baitcasting fisherman

[@3thingsfishing427]

I’ve fished revo x for years it’s good Also can get slx combo for 200

[@tdeeb6359]

Great review!! Very easy to follow and educational! Thank you. And I’m digging the haircut!!!!

[@badwolffishing]

Thanks debo I think you just saved me a lot of money I had some questions about that rod and reel combo but that video answered all of them thanks again

[@jramsouer]

Very thorough review. I was wondering about it. Thanks for all the good info

[@paulgiannetto5317]

Excellent review. Learnt a lot on the features needed in a baitcaster versus applications\techniques. Well done

[@markdavis394]

Awesome video man. I like reel reviews to see what else is out there. I just bought a revo x and I'm liking it alot so far. Keep up the good work man!

[@brianmetzger745]

Excellent review! I was looking at that combo and I respect your review probably going with the RevoX thanks Debo! Keep up the awesome videos! 👊🏻👍🏻

[@TAStormChasing]

Im really liking the Winn grips lately. Thanks for videos.

[@live2fishofficial]

Great review! That’s a pet peeve for me too - if you’re going to have internal brake adjustments necessary, have the access door on a hinge/swivel attached to the reel so that I don’t accidentally launch it off into the water on the bank!

[@its_not_me999]

Good, honest review. You hit all the points I would ask about. I just bought the Revo X for $80 and the Veritas rod for $100. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but, based on this review, I think I got a better combo for the same price. Please do the Revo X review soon and tell more about the loose screw so I know what to look for.

[@marioochavez]

the background actually looks sick!

[@DEBOSFishing]

Cool, I can use that more 👍

[@cesargarcia9759]

Great info on this review brother 👍gives me better sense of what to look for in a combo

[@petefasel]

Thanks for the review debo. Good to get some honest opinion on gear.

[@brianlee9074]

Great review. I agree with you. The cons outweigh the pros for that setup. I just got the Revo X for $80, like you saw, and the Veritas rod is obviously a better rod. I appreciate the info man. 🎣👍

[@andrewterhaar1517]

How would you compare the Veritas to the Vengeance or Vendetta? Assuming you might have tried them?

[@legionssb777]

@@andrewterhaar1517 the vengeance is honestly one of the best rods in its price range, along with the Diawa arid x and the shimano sellus rods

[@ship4427]

I got the fuego after watching your review on reels at that price point. I love it you we're spot on about it being bomb proof at that price.

[@pacman_17]

Debo I came to the same conclusion. Very honest and complete review. New anglers should do some research put together better combos than that Roxani/Zata. So hard to beat the value of the base SLX at $100. I'm hoping the Daiwa Tatula casting reels will get their 15 minutes of fame on your channel soon. I appreciate the all the content.

[@thebacklasher8426]

Completely agree with your review Debo. I’ve been looking at Abu reels lately but I just cant justify getting them. The specs and reviews don’t compare to other reels.

[@stevendennis2129]

I have the zata love it no problems with it

[@IceInNE]

Another great video, thanks Debo!

[@garrettmccoy6863]

Thanks for the review! Great info. I have the Veritas and like it very much. I agree it’s probably a better rod.

[@willjunkin732]

That my friend is why you have almost 100k in subs. A+ review. I agree don't think that should be a $200 combo. 👍🏻

[@victorsimonsen921]

thanks for the honest review i agree that the zata lacks the most important feature of a quality casting reel. thanks for sharing

[@jggutierrez9]

Great honest review. I to think it would be far better to put your own combo together. I just got a shimano slx dc brand new plus a new googan go to rod for $230. Shop around fishing friends!

[@killroom121]

You have helped me a lot man, thanks so much!

[@84neilbone]

I still have a black max combo going strong from Abu. They make good stuff. I've always like Abu Garcia

[@garylawlor2288]

I still have my promax combo, it was the first baitcast I purchased. Although I have nicer setups now I still use it for medium light pike lures and heavy perch lures. No bass here I am afraid except Atlantic sea bass

[@chrislnflorida5192]

I'm new to this Bass Fishing and started with the Black Max Combo, still using it 👍👍

[@av5420]

I still have an Ambassadeur 521 XLT Plus from the 90's and its going strong!! Also a Revo SX and Orra Winch, all great reels.

[@goodoleboykentucky7941]

I have the 7.0ft mh black max combo from academy.......I find myself picking it up all the time. It's never let me down ever.....

[@lexxb6386]

I purchased the zata spinning combo and it is pretty good. But I couldn't buy the baitcaster as I didn't feel it was worth it. I did pick up the combo for $150. Great review!!!

[@pikepursuer1808]

After comparing the Roxani to Revo SX RKT, I'll stay with the Revo. Abu Garcia REVO SX RKT Baitcaster - Bearings: 9 + 1, Gear Ratio: 9.0:1, Drag: 18 Pds, Anti-Reverse: Continuous, Line Speed: 37 IPT, Material: Aluminum frame/sideplate, Braided: 20 Pds/190 Yds, Retrieve: Right-Hand, Weight: 8.2 oz. Abu Garcia Roxani Baitcaster - Bearings: 10 + 1, Gear Ratio: 7.1:1, Drag: 20 Pds, Anti-Reverse: Continuous, Line Speed: 29 IPT, Material: Graphite frame/sideplate, Braided: 20 Pds/145 Yds, Retrieve: Right-Hand, Weight: 9.5 oz. Thanks for the very good review nonetheless.

[@FishAnything]

I must say I’m a sucker for that tan color lol Also you’re gear review videos are next level man. The knowledge of the small details is something I wish I had more of 😹

[@DEBOSFishing]

Thanks man, I try to include everything. Yeah, the matte tan is cool

[@gregorypricesr.-vh4yb]

Helpful & Informative, thank you

[@hawk-eye_procurement2997]

Made a trip to Bass Pro earlier this week. I saw this Tan Roxani next to the Blue & Red one. It reminded me of the Mach 2 & Crush as well.. Ive always wanted one but with this being an FDE Abu Garcia I popped on it and bought it. Went home with it that day. I haven't even put line on it yet.

[@jimholliman2822]

Thanks for pointing out the shortcomings in this combo. By the way, your beard looks very good in this video.

[@johnpate7665]

Your Right I Just Drop My Revo Side Plate In the Lake A Month Ago. Used It Only Twice.

[@twiggsherman3641]

I don't know. For the price you're better off saving just a tiny bit more and picking up a Dobyns Fury with an SLX.

[@user-jj9hd5ke2e]

I agree That is an amazing combo

[@rayeb6816]

I got the zata combo for a buck60 from a local tackle shop, ( the owner gave me a bday deal ). Ended up shelveing the reel and throwing a Zillion on the rod, now i love it for flipping thru heavy cover and froging. Also the only rod i trust for my larger 2oz and less swimbaits.

[@johnhancock517]

It's just your opinion but I value it and it definitely means something. 👍

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Great review! I tend to pass on all pre-packaged combo's.

[@chrisrus53]

I picked up a Revo X combo from Scheels last year for around $120. Its been great and helped me get used to a baitcaster. I feel like this should be around the $150 mark tops.

[@fry9000]

Your opinion is good as gold to me friend 👊

[@braydenclick577]

Hey Debo I know this will be off topic from the video but for awhile now I have been debating on whether to get the Revo STX. Will you please do a review on that reel. I have watched alot of your reel review videos there very helpful.

[@smackingbass498]

Awesome looking combos man!

[@DEBOSFishing]

Thank you brother 👊

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

American legacy has slx xt combo with slx rod for 179! May be worth exploring!

[@ParabellumFishing]

That’s a decent deal. I bought the reel and rod separately for $200 a while back. IMO it’s a pretty good combo.

[@DEBOSFishing]

Dang, that's a good deal!

[@casualmemesurfer2754]

You helped me a lot bro. I was really actually considering buying the green one. They have them at Dicks for $180. And lime you said for that price I can get a bett combo buying them separately. I think I'm gonna get the SLX

[@bradymcgregor2098]

Good shimano is way better I bought a shimano and sold my other stuff

[@Mcgriddles90210]

You should check out the Kistler Series 1 reel. Just came out last month. Got one and I love it

[@andrewterhaar1517]

I’m a die hard Revo X reel guy. Absolutely love them. Most are paired with that $49 Vengeance rod you mentioned but I’m considering getting a MH 7” Veritas rod soon. Looked at the Zatas but just wasn’t feelin’ it.

[@DEBOSFishing]

Revo x is a solid reel.

[@Oldbasshole]

Used to love Abu but Lews reels won me over . Have you done a review on the Lews KVD reels and rods ?

[@josephnywayfarer1345]

Another mystery graphite reel over $100 I agree I am looking for aluminum in that price range

[@DEBOSFishing]

Yep, agreed!

[@oldschoolbassman4590]

Yep, I checked it out, I passed because of the price, and graphite frame. Just doesn't make sense for 175 dollars. There's better reels for less out there. Nothing against Abu garcia. I love my revo x reels, I have several. Just a better reel for less, in my opinion. Great review as usual.

[@ParabellumFishing]

Agree completely 👊🏻

[@williamtomlin192]

Thanks for the info

[@fatguybassin8046]

Appreciate the honesty seems like you’re not getting your money’s worth with that combo 🔥🔥🎣🎣

[@wolfgsooner5058]

It's crazy how similar the lews combos look just like Abu! My lews hack attack has similar features and comes in at $159.99

[@adamhatty426]

Good review 🍻

[@bradensmith3696]

I agree overall, combo looks cool but my Revo X has also performed well

[@treepounder1749]

Nice review.. trying to get a user opinion do you adjust the no adjustment spool tension on the daiwa tatula ? Thanks

[@DEBOSFishing]

On the zero adjust, I left them as-is

[@DiamondHead2010]

I like the desert camo look

[@noahmccaffery1342]

Love it bro !!

[@mattharvey968]

I do like the different color, was it Kastking that had all those different colors on one of their bait caster models??

[@johngill9071]

Nice review

[@stevesmith7164]

Good review

[@SneakersAnonymousMatt]

I love my Abu Garcia revo 4 sx thing cast like a bullet an can do really light lures no problem an even pretty big lures an has some mean drag an I put some reel butter an oiled up bearing with special oil an it became even better so I have no complaints from Abu Garcia an they did a good job on the reel never got there rods but heard decent things an u don't have to turn ur reel handle to put casting knob back into position u can just click it back up before u reel in.

[@legionssb777]

The abu vengeance rods are definitely some of the best bang for ur buck rods, light and sensitive for the price and I like the features, fits my specs perfectly, much better than most of the lews rods, i don’t care about the company or whatever, just the product itself and every company has their star product, that’s the one to buy. And yeah, the specs on that reel were kinda garbage... at least an aluminum frame woulda been nice. That’s kinda why I like the thirteen reels, super solid and they’ve got those awesome beetle wing sideplates

[@kilroywashere9343]

Love the color

[@sk8ervader]

I like the green/red colors of the regular Zata better. To me this combo seems overpriced like the Mach Crush. You’re spot on there. I bought the green Zata and ended up taking it back after fishing with it once. It felt kinda cheap in hand. I think it’s the graphite.

[@marioochavez]

bro the reel and goods should be in your p.o. box either today or tmr 😏🙌🏽

[@ParabellumFishing]

I got excited about this when it was introduced. Great review. Appreciate your honesty. Think I’ll pass on this one.

[@richbarto6409]

I agree with you I believe you can get a lot more for the buck I don't know what kind of marketing plan that was but I don't think they're going to do anything with it maybe they'll sell it to somebody because of the color

[@ParabellumFishing]

@@richbarto6409 It is hard to hate the color combo on the zata 😂 but yeah, for that price point, there are several better options out there. I figured as much but was really waiting for his review to make the decision. Too bad. I like Abu overall.

[@patrickbajier9915]

I got the zata on Amazon for a good deal. Love how smoothly it casts and reels, but there's a space between the spool and the sides of the reel that the line keeps getting caught in that drives me nuts. Lost my favorite war eagle finesse spinnerbait because it pinched my line.

[@fiyang9636]

Abu Garcia pretty nervous right now after people finished watching this review. 😂

[@DEBOSFishing]

Nah, they could care less about my vids 💁‍♂️🤣

[@stevendennis2129]

I roll with the revo exd. Paired with the megabass p5 super destroyer

[@richbarto6409]

What kind of lures do you throw with that and what is the weight rating of that rod just asking

[@frankh2213]

The $200 price point really is where you start to notice a difference. I've never handled or used that combo but it really seems that if you do a little bit of homework you'll be able to get a considerable amount more for your money.

[@DustyTheDog]

I got me a Duckett Paradigm casting reel for Christmas, as well as a Duckett 320 series earlier this year, and they are incredible. I was using a Lews Mach Speed Spool(model MS1SH) and Custom Speed Spool (model CG1XH) and I couldn't believe the difference between the Duckett 320($150) and the Lew's(M:$100 & C:$180). There is even a noticeable difference between the Duckett 320 and the Duckett Paradigm($250). That Paradigm casting reel is like silk. Solid in every way, too. Research is well worth it. I look into everything now. I as a bit of a fanboy for Lew's, hahaha. Not any longer!(though now maybe a bit for Duckett)

[@frankh2213]

@@DustyTheDog I've looked at their stuff before and it looks really good. I feel like they're a bit of a 'sleeper' brand because they're not as well known as brands like Shimano or Lew's. I never understood the stigma behind being a 'fanboy' either, you like what you like. I have a hard time buying anything other than shimano anymore so I think a lot of us are guilty of that.

[@killingyouwithlogic5808]

@@DustyTheDog Duckett has great Rods not a fan of there reels and Lews stuff is my fav. but the Mach is a good mid tier combo but Lews top tier reels are untouched there amazing the Pro-ti and the Lew's Hyper Mag's are amazing and by far my Fav's

[@DustyTheDog]

@@killingyouwithlogic5808 The Duckett rods are fantastic. I have the Triad paired with my Paradigm spinning and casting reels. Together my casting combo weights less than a pound. Just weighed it on my kitchen scale and it comes to 12.2 ounces WITH 30lb Angry Fish purple braid and my 1/2 oz handmade lure.

[@efrainsandoval6480]

I disagree. I just got into fishing in August after 3 years away from the Hobbie. I went crazy buying new gear and tried my luck with 2 daiwa $250 reels. The first one had to be warrantied after 8 sessions. The second backlashes on every 3rd cast. Take my old abu reels out and without tuning I go from casting 2oz swimbaits to 3/8 oz lures no issue. While my revos were $250 when new the newer daiwas did not perform as well for a modern the at the same price point. I bought the zata combo for $162 and put the reel on a different rod and adjusted it once and I threw jointed lures, pointer 110, and 1 oz dark sleepers again with no issue. Price does not dictate performance or quality.

[@CarolinaBassHunter]

Hey man did you hear about 6th Sense doing away with the detailed scale pattern? The new ones are way more smooth. I really like the old ones better.

[@Eddie-sy9nq]

thanks good job... Question does the line minder move when the spool is letting line out?

[@DEBOSFishing]

No, the line guide only moves when you reel the handle.

[@comalcade8890]

Can you please review a Enigma rod and reel I want to see how you like it I love mine

[@jurepeternelj]

The centrifugal brake is White for weak and Blue for strong. Have similar reel, looks nicer than this kaki zata - jdm roxani powershooter. And it's Xcraftic alloy frame with graphite sideplates. I use it for jigging for bluefish,leerfish with smaller jigs up to 40g and never had problems with it.

[@gowrestle160]

My Tranx and lexas don't have attached side plates. Both were 300 bucks. I had to tie them on with spectra so I don't drop them in the ocean As for the small baitcasters the revo x is a kick ass reel and can not be beat for 100 bucks IMO

[@sernorrec3892]

Kinda questioning myself here.. I picked up the Zata reel for quite the steal ($130 for the combo) and threw it on a heavy rod specifically as my frog setup. Now I'm worried that with the graphite construction this is a bad idea.. would you agree?

[@blackbirdrc8348]

I LOVE the way the Zata reel looks. Abu reallllllly dropped the ball with the frame not being aluminum for the price they're asking. 170+ FOR GRAPHITE?!?! No way. The new Veritas combo they announced is coming in at 280ish dollars "comes with a white zata reel" STILL with a graphite frame....... I hope they expand on the Zata line and start offering some aluminum frame options. This is the best looking reel they offer IMO. I love the way the frame and side plates look. Looks like a sick stealth bomber. Hopefully they start coming out with more models. Zata X, Zata SX and so on. Fingers crossed. I've been chatting with Abu on instagram and I've been voicing the same things to them. Of course all I really got in response is "thank you for your feedback, stay tuned" so we shall see.

[@blackbirdrc8348]

Also, as far as the rod goes I actually really like the extra bend the lower end 24Ton blanks have. I have one of the Revo S LTD combos in my arsenal and just love the way the rod feels with spinner and chatter baits. The triggers they use are also my favorite style. Love how they're rounded compared to other rod triggers that have more of a straight profile to them.

[@Marcus_Federico]

Debo like you said the revo X has the 5 areas to add more magnetic breaks does that A do anything better for the reel? And B where would I buy them (after market) or on abu, and is it worth it to add them to it because they have the 5 slots for them

[@DEBOSFishing]

I didn't have any issues casting the revo x. I wouldn't worry about extra magnets.

[@Marcus_Federico]

@@DEBOSFishing thanks for the replies love your videos

[@marcrussell8485]

Any take on the fact it has 10 bearings, which seems alot more than many other reels in ABUs line?

[@michaelstake7440]

Another informative review. I feel like you it’s over priced for what you get.

[@Vel_200]

nice

[@ajkriha]

Looking for a frog and combo. Primarily from kayak I’m shorter so I’m thinking 7 foot would be the most for me. Any recommendations budget friendly?

[@DEBOSFishing]

7' heavy...I like a softer fast action rod.

[@ajkriha]

@@DEBOSFishing Thanks thinking veritas 7' with Lews LFS 8:3

[@brandon34344]

I still don’t understand what you mean by the side plate can come right off . They both seemed to come off similar with the release lever?

[@JessiesFarmArt]

He means you could lose it. Like your gas cap on your car has a piece of plastic attaching the cap to the car to prevent dropping the cap and losing it - some reels have that to prevent losing the side plate when you open it, but the Zata doesn’t. I don’t think he means it comes off too easy, just that it would be easy to drop it off the side of the boat when you’re accessing the internal brakes.

[@RTB108]

Hi I have this combo but for some reason I cannot cast any sort of far distance with it. I cast way farther with a weightless senko on my spinning combo. Anyone have suggestions? There has to be some setting or something I can change to achieve the full potential of this combo

[@msquared9605]

Revo X is my favorite $100 or less reel. I saw the Zata at dicks the other day that army green makes for a slick looking setup

[@werftv4580]

windblown point, new rod and reel.. can't go wrong..

[@kentonparsons1034]

i have this combo and the only complaints I have is its button is kinda weird but it works fine, and there button on the side that opens the inside is in a really inconvenient spot and you end up hitting it open a lot

[@Marcus_Federico]

REVO X BAITCASTER REEL REVIEW PLS 😭

[@DEBOSFishing]

I know...I'm way overdue on that!

[@Thargon10cookie]

Really great review. The combo might look really cool (yes I love that tan and standard OD green), but somehow the "tacticool" colors don't make up for for the fact that ya pay $200 for what seems to be a meh combo. Feels like for that money ya should be getting more. Specially when the reel is $175 of the $200.

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Got the combo for 168 at dicks

[@OscarHernandez-lu1ze]

Yo DEBO GET IT👊😎

[@whiteyxj8367]

Based off this I would pass on it I have my eye on the SLXdc thinking about getting as a birthday gift to my self lol just curious what the ol' DEBO has to say about it

[@garyeplinglll]

Lovelovelove my slxDC

[@renevillalva6150]

Can you do a review on Zebco bullet

[@rocko112camaro]

Q: which is better the Abu Garcia Black Max or the new Black Max X? Casting? Etc???

[@Narrahd]

What's better the revo x or the zata?

[@mcbiggyy]

The roxani combo is on sale for 100 at bass pro, is it a good value at that price?

[@Jacob-nb2xd]

Hopefully! I just bought one today as my first baitcaster. You can also save an extra 10 bucks if you have Sam's Club. They have the $100 Bass Pro Gift card for $89.99, that's what I did.

[@corey01851]

What the best baitcaster combo you can get??

[@ILhunter23]

I’ve had 3 abu Garcia reels, in my opinion I think their tension and brakes aren’t the best. You have to really crank them both in order to dial it in. I like lews and shimano better

[@efrainsandoval6480]

I have 5 and just ordered two more. I set the tension adjustment once every few years and good as gold. With my zata I set the adjustment once and I can go from .25-1 oz no problem. I just ordered 2 al-f reels. Also, I started fishing in August after three years away from the Hobbie and took my revo inshores out and without tuning anything went from casting 2 oz swimbaits to 3/8 oz trigs. Maybe I am just lucky.

[@omarhill7345]

I've had graphite reels i used for punching and flipping and never had a issue and here in Louisiana you get to fish some really thick stuff ( and you can snag a alligator by accident from time to time lol). And I've used graphite swimbait reels and never noticed any issues on the reel. My line has broken but that was my fault. But i definitely agree the combo is overpriced.

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Same. I used the shimano caenan for years fishing saltwater bass and halibut in Socal. Never felt the frame bend even when pulling in 10lb fish on shit shimano drag

[@bicalijd_pierfishing9652]

Debo you should paint this bait caster reel

[@goodoleboykentucky7941]

So the roxani is basically a zata with different paint?

[@pacman_17]

I hope someone will release a new revolutionary braking system at this year's icast. Abu Garcia needs to make their IVCB-6L brake system more affordable. These boring Doyo linear magnetic and 4 pin bakes should only be on sub $100 reels.