Abu Baitcasters, what are the bottom shelf ones like?

[Barrabundy]

Does anyone here use an Abu Black Max or similar priced baitcaster (low profile)? The seem to be reasonable value for money going by the specs but have never used one or seen one.

I've been using a Shimano Callisto ($75-$95 range) for about 5 years and left it where my garage door could knock the handle off it over the weekend. I'm considering replacing the handle if they are cheap enough but, failing that, would prefer to put the money towards a new reel. I've heard good reports about Abu reels, mainly the round body baitcasters, and am wondering whether they are a bit of an "ugly duckling" reel meaning they are well priced for what they offer in terms of performance a reliability.

Anyone care to comment? How about any other brand baitcaster around the $80-$120 price range? I don't want to spend any more as I'm happy with what I've managed to do with the cheapy Shimano. I've actually entertained the thought of just getting another one and keeping the old one for parts but it seems there are other brands out there that offer more for the same money.

[eric]

The cheaper low profiles, not so good, but better than most others in the price range. The round bodies are pretty good, and there are endless sites for hot rodding them when you feel an upgrade is needed.

[Stippy]

Take a look at the Quantum Energy PTs.. at one time they wanted $200-300 for the reel alone, I got a Quantum Rod and the reel for < $150, can't fault either.

This is the reel here http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Energy_PTs_VI_Saltwater_Casting_Reels/descpage-QEPTSW.html

I reckon if you look around you'll find a similar price in Australia.

[Barrabundy]

Take a look at the Quantum Energy PTs.. at one time they wanted $200-300 for the reel alone, I got a Quantum Rod and the reel for < $150, can't fault either.

This is the reel here http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Energy_PTs_VI_Saltwater_Casting_Reels/descpage-QEPTSW.html

I reckon if you look around you'll find a similar price in Australia.

Yes I have seen those as well but haven't really had a close look as I remember someone on here bagging them, or was it their spinning reels?

[potsy]

i can only comment on the abu 6600, bought mine a couple of years ago for around the $160 mark. Took a little while to get used to it as it was my first overhead but this reel is brilliant, i have a 10ft rod with it on there and i've spent many avo's hurling big chromies and plastics out off the rocks running 20 poud braid with a mono leader (no savage birds nests as yet). they also seem very hard wearing as i'm a shocker when it comes to oiling/rinsing of the reel.
cheers, Potsy

[indiedog]

Con, hit eBay either here or the US site and you'll find some great buys on the Abu reels. The round bodies are not as pretty as many of the others but they are bullet proof. I've caught all sorts of things with my 5600C4 Elite which is now 12 years old and gets offshore with me most trips. I've also got a Revo Premier and I'm in love with it! Amazing casting reel but a bit more pricey. Forget the cheap stuff, for $20 more you'll get something that will last for years.

[Stippy]

Take a look at the Quantum Energy PTs.. at one time they wanted $200-300 for the reel alone, I got a Quantum Rod and the reel for < $150, can't fault either.

This is the reel here http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Energy_PTs_VI_Saltwater_Casting_Reels/descpage-QEPTSW.html

I reckon if you look around you'll find a similar price in Australia.

Yes I have seen those as well but haven't really had a close look as I remember someone on here bagging them, or was it their spinning reels?

Haven't used their spinning reels but I've been very happy with the baitcaster... Quantum is far better established in the States with the Bass scene over there, and all the reviews I've read are positive.

[rino88]

If you want an indestructible baitcaster...then you'll buy a barel style! I've had my 6500 C3 model for just over 10 years and it's the best thing I've ever owned, it's also the only thing that has outlasted all my other reels. I've used this for EVERYTHING, tailor, trevely, bream, jew, flathead, shark.................whatever I throw at this thing it just won't die. Used it in the surf all day whilst the salt water is soaking it and a quick rinse off at the end of the day keeps it going.

They are fairly fool proof to keep clean and maintain, there's a few screws you pop off the end and squirt some Inox in there any you're done. As for casting the beast that's another act in its own, they rely on a magnetic drag system that is set the to the weight of the cast to slow the line speed down at after the maximum velocity has been reached after casting...with all "birds nest" problems it always comes down to the line hitting the desired target but the reel still pumping line out with nowhere to go, if you set your reel up properly for what you intend to use it for at the time you won't have any issues. Just be sure to set aside some time before the big trip out to have a play round and you'll be fine.

Back in the day I picked my unit up for $70.00 Don't bother going to BCF for it, their prices are way too exceeded and no one there has any idea what they are talking about, this leads onto another point in the conversation. Hit up eBay as most American sellers will have it listed for half the price of us in Oz including the cost of shipping it over here!

Abu still make some of the reels in Sweden too, so their is a certain degree of quality you receive when you purchase one of their reels.

I just recently purchased another one too, the 4600 C4, after going to BCF and being told they are "horrible reels" (even though I was standing there waiting to hand over money for something I'd pre-sold myself), I then purchase this on eBay for half the price including shipping $90.00, plus got the exact model I wanted too. A little ripper of a reel, still yet to get it out on the water....if the weather permits this weekend I'll be casting a few lures around Wivenhoe with it.

If you are wanting to save a bit of cash on the purchase but want something that will last a lifetime then look into the C3 series, this is Abu's entry level barel casters (still made in Sweden) that have proven results and will give you a lifetime of fantastic fishing.

[Barrabundy]

Thanks ryanmoken10. I know a lot of guys up here have the round type Abu reels and they really are bullet proof. I've never cast with one and am wondering whether they are heavy or awkward to cast compared to the low profile ones. I should compare the weights should I

[rino88]

I suppose it comes down to what you're looking at doing with it. Their sizes go from 4000, 5000, 6000.... I just recently bought the 4000 size for flicking small light weight lures for targeting bass, and on a 6 foot 4 - 6kg it'll be sweet. My bigger one, the 6000, I've used for s bit heavier stuff and it was great...way too big for small flick lures.

I tend to not notice the weight factor too much as I'm a big lad. Though the reels are made out of steel and not plastic since there is a weight gain comparing to other brands/models.

What are you intending to use it for? Target species? Rod type?

[Barrabundy]

What are you intending to use it for?

Flicking and trolling lures both hb and sp but mainly hb.

Target species?

Barra and Jacks are my main catch.

Rod type?

Currently fibreglass 4-8kg, 1.8m, medium action but will change to graphite similar specs when it breaks.

To be honest, I've just realised that having a single knob broken off the handle isn't going to be a show-stopper. I'm going to just cut the broken side of the handle off and keep fishing with it untill I kill it properly.

[rino88]

If you are still tempted to buy one then I'd be recommending 5500C3 as an entry level for what you're doing -

[rino88]

Or if you wanted to spend a little more cash then go for a 5600C4, this is the model type I just purchase. Very niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiccccccccccccccceeeeeeeeee

[flyonline]

Thanks ryanmoken10. I know a lot of guys up here have the round type Abu reels and they really are bullet proof. I've never cast with one and am wondering whether they are heavy or awkward to cast compared to the low profile ones. I should compare the weights should I

Personally, I do prefer casting the low profile ones for extended periods but for everday fishing after work or trolling either is fine. Casting the Abu for long periods at snags etc. does give me a bit of a thumb cramp.

I've got a 4601C which I've had for the best part of ten years and it's still going strong. It's mostly done freshwater work, but I've also thrown some metal around for inshore speedies (sambos etc). My usual reel is a low profile Tica Sculptor which is only a little younger but has done a lot more work, and both have held up very well to use and abuse. I do prefer the inside of the Abu to the Tica (and the Quantum I've got but never use) as it's very simple to pull apart and clean though neither have given a minute of trouble.

The Abu does feel better in the quality stakes, and I have a feeling I'll probably be throwing the Tica out long before the Abu.

Steve

[Evoids]

Hey barrabundy

I purchased a black max about 2 years ago and it seemed like a lovely little reel. Unfortunately I think because they are made for the american bass circuit they dont take salt very well. The reel was smooth for quite a while and I made sure to wash down after every trip but after a while of fishing only estuaries the reel died. It was never dunked and only exposed to a little spray every now any then. It was the bearings on either end of the spool that eventually siezed up. If you were to replace those bearings, and you can for quite cheap, then the reel would be great I reckon.

I ended up getting a shimano caenan for $130 and she is a little beauty, no complaints and its still going strong.

Just my 2 cents,

Cheers.