I don't want a coffee grinder !

[springwell]

Hi All,

I cannot get on with fixed spools aka cofee grinders ~#.

There is a lot of reasonably priced small baitcasting multipliers around at the moment from Penn, Shimano, Okuma etc.

Does anyone have any experience of them ?


I have never used anything other than Ambassadeurs.

Thanks

Bill :)

[fredaevans]

The one thing you don't get with a 'bait casting' reel is a lot of line twist, which is very much the case with spinning reel. Once you get the spool tension set up (to prevent/reduce) 'spool over run' at the end of a cast you'll find they're very easy to use.

Just start with short casts, then work your way out to longer ones.

[Teifi-Terrorist]

The Abu one's are superb Bill, but I've never tried the smaller 'river' versions. Fantastic bit of engineering, and hold their value very well.

TT.

[woodcockandsewin]

I have 5501, 6501 and 7501...they are all knocking on, badly treated and still perform to perfection. I like to fish right handed, so wind in left handed.

They have brought Coalies up from right down there, inc Irish record at one time, conger, sharks, marlin, dorado, pargo, roosters, pike, catfish, sturgeon and salmon.

Unless really on a budget, why go anywhere else?

W&S

[springwell]

Hi all,

I was using ABU Ambassadeurs before you were born Steff:> :>

5000c, 6000c and 7000C.

I have hammered them and they work, they don't like saltwater on their sideplates though ::

One of the first 7000C (1976)that came into the UK was mine, it was thrashed in the salt for tope and cod.

No choice really, might try one of their new fangled reasonably priced baitcasters Abu max black, or silver and give it a hammering., clip it to a baitcaster rod, should be interesting with a flying C ~#

Bill :)

[fredaevans]

Hi all,

I was using ABU Ambassadeurs before you were born Steff:> :>

5000c, 6000c and 7000C.

I have hammered them and they work, they don't like saltwater on their sideplates though ::

One of the first 7000C (1976)that came into the UK was mine, it was thrashed in the salt for tope and cod.


Bill :)

I still have my 2500 and 3000 models; still work like a clock.|\

[springwell]

Hi Fred,

How much did you say it would cost to ship the 2500 to the UK :> :> :>

Bill:)

[fredaevans]

No chance Bill, no chance.;)

[ACW]

Bill ,
worth checking the second hand market ,fawcetts,norris ,Ted Carter and there must be others yes turners and anglers rendevous ,no promises but might find a 2500 there!

[fredaevans]

Andy, if Bill finds one (in any kind of shape) it's likely to be at an 'estate sale.' Think the 2500 went out of production somewhere in the late '70's. If he did, it would be a real find. (PS: the 2500 is a total free spool reel, no drag save for spool 'over run.')

Fred

[springwell]

Hi Andy and Fred,

I've trawled the usual good secondhand suppliers.

Fawcetts have a 2500 but its £195 ::/

Might buy a Revo instead :)

Bill :)

[fredaevans]

Hi Andy and Fred,

I've trawled the usual good secondhand suppliers.

Fawcetts have a 2500 but its £195 ::/

Might buy a Revo instead :)

Bill :)

I hope the things 'gold plated' for that kind of money.:: Brand new (back in the day) they only cost about $30 USD.

[springwell]

Hi Fred,

These are better, and they are gold plated :} :}

http://www.foxons.co.uk/prodtype.asp?PT_ID=225&strPageHistory=cat

Bill :)

[fredaevans]

Hi Fred,

These are better, and they are gold plated :} :}

http://www.foxons.co.uk/prodtype.asp?PT_ID=225&strPageHistory=cat

Bill :)

Spare me from flying BS. Orig's sides were/are a darkish red plastic plate. These buggers have more gold than I have in tooth capping's.::/

So much for "Tradition." :?(Fiddler on the roof.)

[Beanzy]

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/youngs_purist2_centrepin.jpg

[Tyke]

I think you should pick up a 2500C, which is not the original 2500 Fred is talking about, but is like a mini 5000c. Ive got one & it will comfotably cast a 7 gram Droppen [remember those] or Toby if you use a light line. Probably still be quite pricey though.

Out of interest, anyone remember the old 2100 Record reel made by ABU, they used to make an aftermarket magnesium spool for these for competition casting - I bet you dried that one out a long ,loooong way from the fire !

I still have my first, red, 6000 which was bought, secondhand, as a 13th birthday present for me, over 35years ago, It has been hammered over the years but still works! I wonder if the current far eastern sourced reels will do as well?

I'm also a big fan of the early Swedish made Cardinal fixed spool reels, & still use some of these also. Yes, ABU certainly made a quality product, I wish they were still available to this spec, although, to be fair, some of the top end Ambassadeurs still seem pretty good.

I never tried one of their triangular shaped 'Delta' fly reels though, anyone still use one of these?

Regards, Tyke.

[fredaevans]

I think you should pick up a 2500C, which is not the original 2500 Fred is talking about, but is like a mini 5000c. Ive got one & it will comfotably cast a 7 gram Droppen [remember those] or Toby if you use a light line. Probably still be quite pricey though.

I never tried one of their triangular shaped 'Delta' fly reels though, anyone still use one of these?

Regards, Tyke.

Think your right on the 'which reel' in PP 1 above. Have cast a rod with the Delta reel (friends) and it feels very odd in the hand.:?

[springwell]

Well,

This is what I bought, its an Abu Promax, may not be up to the standard of the old Ambassadeurs, but it can cast small lures a hell of a distance and it was less than £33 |\

I'm quite impressed with this little one.

Lets see how long it lasts{;



http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/springwell_2006/IMG_0031.jpg?t=1216072257

Bill :)

[Teifi-Terrorist]

Looks the biz, nice one Bill. Hope you get to try it out on something long and silver soon - no, not a Toby! :@

TT.

[springwell]

Hi Steff,

In fairness, its very well made, no plastic gears, these baitcasters are small and my hands are err well large, but I coped with it and really enjoyed seeing how far I could cast a flying C down the Teifi :>

Big house move this weekend, out of the town and into the rural pastures, within walking distance of the lovely little Gwendraeth Fach, need to pay a farmer a visit then watch out you little brownies :>


Bill :)

[fredaevans]

Bill, you'll find that 99.999% of all bait casting reels are actually very well made; not like 'back in the good old days.' The major difference in "price" is the number of/type of bearings used. The more, the 'smoother' the line will come off the reel.

That said, I still can't figure out (short of you're a tackle tart with more money than brains) why anyone would consider paying upwards of $500 USD for any of this type of reel.

[springwell]

Totally agree Fred,

This little one in your land must be only about $50.

Its got 8 bearings, magnetic brake, anti reverse and a paddle switch.

What more do you need (or want ~:. )


Bill:) (not a tackle tart )

[fredaevans]

Totally agree Fred,

This little one in your land must be only about $50.

Its got 8 bearings, magnetic brake, anti reverse and a paddle switch.

What more do you need (or want ~:. )


Bill:) (not a tackle tart )
(:,

For that kind of 'moola,' that's a heck of a good deal for a "bait caster."