Bait casters are definitely something you have to get a feel for, especially if you've been using a spinning rod. IMO, you get better control & accuracy out of a baitcaster. In some cases you can get longer casts too compared to spinning.
However, for real light lures, 1/8 oz or less a spinner is still a better choice, as there are only a few bait casters produced specifically for light lures & they're very expensive.
The Revo S is a very good reel, the SX is a better model. I have 2 of the STX high speed, which are great reels, but for the price I paid, and the posts made by others about the SX, it's probably only just a little better than the SX mechanically, and probably about the same casting wise. (The STX has a titanium coated line guide.)
The Ambassadeur's have been produced in many models. I was told the current BCX models are not real good compared to other models, but I can't say first hand. The C3 or C4 series are real good models if you like the round type reels. The D5 reels that were produced a couple of years ago are fine reels, but not as good as the C series. I have a couple of the D series & C series. My favorites are C5 or C6 MAG versions, 5600 or 6600 series which I use for both LM Bass & Striper fishing. These reels are harder to find, but they also show up on Ebay sometimes & can be purchased for under $75 most of the time. I also have a couple of the 4600 size reels, which are great for bass fishing. You may also see 4500, 5500, 6500 series reels. These have a line release button on the reel frame. The "600" series indicates a thumb bar release, which is what I prefer. What you choose is a matter of personal choice.
Some of the new Ambassadeurs are being produced in the USA, some in China. Many of the older ones were produced in Sweden, which is where most avid ABU users feel the better made reels came from.
The MAX series reels, (ProMax, SilverMax, BlackMax) are fine reels also. I have 3 of the Silver Max, and used one of them a few weeks ago side by side with one of my Revo's in saltwater. I consistently got longer casts from the Revo. Both reels were on the same model BPS 7' extreme rod, and both reels were spooled with 20lb Power Pro braid. I was casting 1/4 oz bucktails with a 4" grub trailer. Both reels performed well & are smooth casting. The Revo is IMO smoother casting. Still the Silver Max is a fine reel for the price. I see them on Ebay for under $45. For some reason the Black Max sells for about the same price as the Silver, but is not supposed to be as good.(less bearings) The Pro version sells higher & is supposed to be the top version in this series.
I hope this helps you!
