|
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | I was at gander today looking at the new record and was impressed. I was also looking at the 6600 C4. I think it's the blue model. The record was 129.99 and the 6600 was 89.00 Does anyone have experience with these 2? Looking to make a wise purchase. I bought 2 6500 C3's last year, and i'm kicking myself for not purchasing a model with a thumb bar.
Thanks,
Scott
Edited by Magruter 3/13/2006 8:41 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 578
Location: Sheboygan Falls, WI | First off, here are some specs on the reels you are looking at and have.
The $129.99 Record would be the Record 50; this has a 6.3:1 gear ratio, but is smaller than the Record 60. Both have thumb bars.
The 6600C4 is also a 6.3:1 gear ratio, but it is larger than the Record 50; same size as the Record 60. Both the C4 and the Records have thumb bars.
The 6500C3's you purchased have a 5.3:1 gear ratio with a push button, but they are the same size as the Record 60 and the 6600C4.
Now, with all that said, you will need to answer a few questions before a good answer/recomendation can be given.
1) What gear ratio do you want, 5.3:1 or 6.3:1? Before you answer this though, what are you going to be using it for? Bucktails-stick with 5.3:1. Jerks, glides, twitch and top water only-the 6.3:1 will be a good choice.
2) What size reel do you want to go with? The "6" size (like your 6500's) or the "5" size like the 5600SSC3, 5500C3, 5600C4 and the Record 50.
3) Push button or thumb bar? Sounds like you prefer the thumb bar.
4) Do you want to reel with your right hand or your left hand? Your 6500C3's you reel with your right hand.
If you would answer these questions, I would be more than happy to share any and all info regarding what model Abu reels you may want to consider. Without these questions answered, there are many different scenarios that would have to be played out.
I look forward to helping you out with this.
Chuck
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 136
| In my opinion, take the time and locate the Ambassadeur 6500C gray reel, from the 1970s. They are available on the major auction sites, usually in EX condition for around $100. You can also buy the the newer 6500CS or Rocket, they are almost as good. In my opinion, the newer Ambassadeurs with the writing on the rims, donot compare. I have 4 of the 6000C black Ambassadeurs from the 1970s, three have the gears replaced with high speed gears , and the fourth I left alone to cast cranks. I have done nothing but oil them, they have been flawless for the last nine years, and they have been fished hard. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | First i am alittle tentative on buying abu reels. One of my 6500's from last season needs a repair already - I only used it for 1/2 a season. Everytime i go to set the hook the reel wants to back free spool, which kinda scares me. But i still have confidence in Abu Garcia.
1) What gear ratio do you want, 5.3:1 or 6.3:1? Before you answer this though, what are you going to be using it for? Bucktails-stick with 5.3:1. Jerks, glides, twitch and top water only-the 6.3:1 will be a good choice.
-probably 6.3:1 since my 6500's are already 5.3:1
2) What size reel do you want to go with? The "6" size (like your 6500's) or the "5" size like the 5600SSC3, 5500C3, 5600C4 and the Record 50.
-The 6 size i like the larger spool. More room for higher strength line
3) Push button or thumb bar? Sounds like you prefer the thumb bar.
-Thumb
4) Do you want to reel with your right hand or your left hand? Your 6500C3's you reel with your right hand.
-Right handed.
Thanks for the reply Chuck
Edited by Magruter 3/14/2006 5:34 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 578
Location: Sheboygan Falls, WI | As far as your 6500 goes, many times it is just that there is too much grease in the anti-reverse bearings. This is very easy to take care of. If it is not the grease, then just return it to the factory and they will take care of it.
Not sure why BenR was charged, but it does not sound like how things are normally handled. As far as BenR's problems go, I have no clue what the problem(s) was/were. These reels do hold up for casting. These reels do hold up for trolling.
If you want the 6.3:1, "6" size, thumbar, right hand retrieve, then it is the 6600C4 that you want. The Record 60 is a 5.3:1 gear ratio, although the high speed gears can be dropped into it to make it a high speed reel.
There are some things that may go wrong with a reel if they are not properly maintained. But, I am not here to judge who does and does not maintain their reels. I just know what ANY reel needs to keep going strong.
So, the most simple and straight forward answer to what you are looking for? The Abu Garcia 6600C4; blue and gold with a thumb bar.
Hope this helps.
Chuck
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2112
Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | We have 3 Abu's that are going into their tenth season, and have yet to have a problem with them.
Reel Maintenance is the key. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | Scott,
Over the course of the last 10 or so years, I have had about 15 ABU reels of one form or another. I gave one away as a gift, 13 are currently in my posession and still going strong, and one is w/ Chuck for some 'diagnostics'. It (the one Chuck has) has been the only ABU reel that has broken on me. And for all I know, it may have been my own fault. I think any reel is only as good as the care it receives when not being used. I'm certainly not fastidious about reel care, but I'm not normally abusive either. ABUs just happen to be simple enough for me to work on by myself. I do take care to put grease where grease should go and oil where oil should go - and not too much of either. ABUs, in my opinion, have gotten a bit of a bad rap due mainly due to over lubrication - I'd rather use less oil/grease and have to re-apply when needed than have it goo all over the inside of the reel and get to places it shouldn't have gone. Excess lube often gets into drag washers and then a perfectly good drag system gets bashed for not being relaible, same w/ grease and excess oil on anti-reverse bearings. Excess lubrication is also a dirt magnet, and dirt is a pretty effective abrasive causing premature wear on many important parts.
As far as ABU service - I've personally had nothing but positive experiences w/ them. Any worn parts have been replaced w/o question and w/o charge. Each time, the reel has been back in my posession after service within the week. I have no explanation for the problems other have had. Are there better reels out there than the C3/C4 series? Yeah, probably; but as it has been pointed out, probably not for under $100. Better reels than the Record? Who knows, but for the money, they look like one of the best deals on a 'high end' reel out there.
I am in no way financially affiliated w/ ABU or any other Pure Fishing product other than being a customer. This information is all derived from personal experience and opinion, so take it for what it's worth. And no, I'm not sending you a free reel! 
Sorno |
|
| |
|
Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | I to have been using my Abu's for up to ten years for some of them and have had no problems. Pat |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | Did someone say free reel! I here giving reels away is GREAT MOJO!! I'm leaning towards the 6600 c4, looks like a nice reel plus alittle cheaper than the record! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74091&hvar...
Just found this i'm gonna grab a 6600c4 and get the free tackle box (minus the 11$ for S/H)
BPS sells the 6600c4 but other baits shops sell the 6500c4 is there a difference between the 6500c4 and 6600c4??
Edited by Magruter 3/29/2006 2:26 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1438
| 6500c4 - push button
6600c4 - thumb bar
And I too have had nothing but good experience with Abu's. I've still got one c from the late 80's that I keep for a backup. I've got 2 or 3 6500c3's and 2 6600SSC3 from 2 years ago, bought a 5600c4 for the wife last year too (hasn't been on a rod yet).
The only thing I've done to them outside of cleaning/lubing is Smoothies in the 6500's and Gator Grips on 3. Those upgrades are for my own comfort.
Scott |
|
| |
|
Posts: 207
Location: Mpls, MN | I got that tackle box last year when I bought an ultra light setup for some crappie fishing. It's a nice soft side with lots of containers but I do not remember it having much room for muskie stuff, if any at all. Not 100% sure. I gave mine to a friend who is a ice fishing, bass, panfish freak. Bait fish! Haha. But either way if you have a use for it, who would complain about free, it is a nice box. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | Can anyone shed some light on the difference between the record rcn60 and the rcn60hc. HC=High capacity? Does it come with the power handle? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | HC does come w/ a power handle. It holds more line too (about the same as the 6500 c3 series I think)
S. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | Cool thanks sorno!! Just put the order through BPS!! Only place i could find them still in stock.. Cabelas was backordered
Edited by Magruter 3/31/2006 12:38 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | I'll be getting the lefty RCN61. After checking out the Abu site, it looks like the rate of line retrieve is the same for the 40, 50, and 60 even though the gear ratios differ. The 60HC actually has a lower line retrieve... but all this is assuming equally filled spools. I have an extra power handle to put on the 61. Hopefully one of the few good lefty reels out there!
http://www.abugarcia.com/AbuGarciaPreview2006.htm
|
|
| |
