The Abu Garcia Zenon MG-X is the best casting reel I’ve ever thrown. Everything about it is first-class, from the materials to the feel to the performance. Last month, I put the Zenon MG-X up against 32 other casting reels to determine the best on the market today. At the end of the test, the MG-X was the clear winner and took home the award for Best Overall casting reel of 2025.
I like this reel so much that it's become my go-to casting reel for almost any situation. The only downside to the Zenon MG-X is its expensive price. But considering the premium materials and performance, it's understandable why this reel costs so much. Is it worth it? That depends on how you fish and what you want out of a casting reel. Sure, other baitcasters can get the job done at half the price, but if you're looking for the absolute best casting reel on the market, the Zenon MG-X is it. Here's everything you need to know about this premium reel.
Zenon MG-X Overview
Specs
Gear Ratios: 6.8:1, 8.3:1
Retrieves: Right and left
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Ball Bearings: 10+1
Pros
Extremely lightweight
Sturdy build
Strong handle with a firm grip
Cons
Expensive
The Abu Garcia Zenon MG-X is practically indestructible. The reel is built on a one-piece X-Mag alloy frame (an Abu Garcia proprietary material) with carbon side plates, making this one of the lightest yet strongest reels available today. Abu advertises the MG-X as being "designed to cast finesse-style baits like a dream," due to the four brake block configuration with an external adjustment. It goes above and beyond that claim, performing not only well with finesse baits but also with power fishing techniques.
Abu equipped the Zenon MG-X with its Carbon Matrix Drag System, which is smooth and strong. This reel can handle any bass you may encounter, whether a double-digit Texas largemouth or an 8-pound Great Lakes bronzeback. The reel also features 10 stainless steel ball bearings that translate to a silky smooth retrieve. The low-profile design and comfortable EVA handles make fishing with this reel a pleasure. A brand-new left-handed retrieve will run you $370, while a new right-handed retrieve costs $470.
On the Water Performance
I’ve had the Zenon MG-X for over a year now, and nothing has been able to top it. I pair it with a Fenwick World Class casting rod, and this setup has become my go-to for both tournaments and everyday fishing. Although the MG-X is designed to cast lightweight baits—which it does extremely well—I've gone the opposite way with it. The big handle and solid frame scream power fishing, so I spooled it up with 40-pound Sufix 832 braid and haven’t looked back.
I love to throw swim jigs and spinnerbaits with this reel, and I don't hesitate to lay into hooksets with it. I've fought, flipped, and landed many 4-plus-pound bass with this reel, and I've been just as impressed with its power fishing abilities as its finesse fishing abilities. It has an excellent drag that can handle big fish and thick vegetation. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to throw all day long. Is it worth $470? For the average bass angler, probably not. But if you're someone who fishes tournaments or just wants the best of the best in their equipment, the Zenon MG-X is for you.
