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Posts: 763
| Wow, just read an article that Pure Fishing is shutting down the Abu factory in Sweden. From what the article stated, distribution is moving to a location in Poland?? Either way, it truly is an end to an era, especially for long time Ambassaduer reel users. Soon, I would imagine that the c3's and 4's will have Made in China written on the reels. Watch the asking price of the used models on ebay that were made in Sweden skyrocket. Times change and nothing lasts forever, but if a Swedish Abu employee reads this, just want to say thanks for manufacturing quality fishing reels , at least for me that I have been using the last 50 years. Kdawg |
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Posts: 346
| Amen. |
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Posts: 1438
Location: Brighton CO. | I still have my grandmas 1970's (maybe 60's) Red Abu 5000 and a 5500C from 1979 along with two 1990's 7000C's all made in Sweden, I bought a 6500C3 and 6000C in the early 90's without the dual side control knob and wore them out in no time. In the 1970's one of my fishing hero's from across the lake had a black 6000C with the dual side knobs I wanted one of these reals in the worst way. (I was in high school and could not afford one.) In the early 80's my dad's cousin had a rig with 6000C (like I wanted) on a Hedden Musky Special rod but would not break the set so I passed on it again I didn't have the money in my College days. The reels I use today are way better I do have soft spot for those old reels. Yes DickP I started using 7000's after watching you on In-Fisherman. |
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Posts: 331
Location: In the slop! | Still have several 7000's including a red one new in box. Also still have a 5000 I bought when I was in junior high school. The evolution of the fishing reel in our lifetime has been incredible. |
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| I remember back in the 1970s, seeing my first ABU. After using the cheap knuckle busters I could afford back then, I was very jealous. But, makes sense they would not continue to manufacture in Sweden. Very high wage country. |
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Posts: 8793
| Par for the course I guess. I've had a bunch in my rotation over the years - 6500 C3, 6500 C4, 7000, 2 records, 2 Revo Toros, 2 Winches and a Beast. The thing I like about all of them is when they break you can order parts for a few bucks and have them up and running again in no time. |
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Posts: 159
Location: West Central WI | I have an ABU Record 61 left-handed reel. I keep it for left-handed guests in my boat who aren't equipped for muskie fishing. That thing is rock solid. |
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Posts: 1729
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | as sad as it is that production in Sweden is closing, look at the market share of where their reels are made that people actually want to fish with. Revo reels come from Korea, other rounds reels from China, and some of the low profile reels from China as well. The majority of walleye and bass fishermen are not using the C series of reels any longer, and Sweden has not adapted to produce the more desirable low profile reels. This lack of adaptation and outsourcing is likely a contributor to the closing of the facilities in Sweden. I don't like it anymore than you do as the Swedish reels carry a legacy and history we all enjoy, but we must face the reality that many of us are not buying them compared to other offerings. |
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