I seem to be a Abu collector and personally Abu repairman and customizer. Your Chrome Rocket has the same parts as a C3. With a rocket you can center the spool and rockets usually have bearings in the side plates and spool. Yours might also have bearings on the worm gear. I also think the chrome Rocket is brass side plates covered with chrome plating. Possibly same on the frame but I’m not sure about the frame. This would explain the weight. Abu is the worst about advertising what makes each reel better. Some are built exactly the same and cost more money and some are built like a tank and can reel in a whale but Abu doesn’t explain what makes each one great. I have a few that will pull a truck.
Yes! Got some Penn reels I've had since I was a small boy.(I'm 70) The quality of reels made 30+ years ago compared to today's manufacturing is of course like night and day.
Nice video Dieter! Another thing about the higher quality abu garcia reels is they actually have a loud, audible clicker. That big gear on the side of the spool is key. I have a 6500 c3 catfish special and a catmaxx 3000c that i actually found on the bank and repaired (stripped gears, drag washers worn out, stripped tension knob, obviously abused but now it works fine) but the gear for the clicker is MUCH smaller than the abu and if its loud out there from wind or whatever, you may not even hear it go off. I know a lot of guys and gals don't use clickers but i do occasionally, they're nice to have sometimes.
The Rocket is nice, but I LOVE the 7000 series. Sense most of your guys have small hands😂, I have these bear paws which is more comfortable TO ME. The 7000s are right abt $150-180, so I see no need to pay twice the price for comparatively the same reel. Great video, sir!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I have a couple of 5500c abu reels that I love. I have taken them apart and cleaned them when I got them. Only had one problem on the second one with the anti reverse but, I sent it to River Rats Reel repair and Jarret got it fixed up right. I bought both used and they are both older reels and work like new ones. Great video Dieter.
I collect old American made Penn reels. For the price I’d leave that on the shelf. Great videos by the way. I’m an old NY / Northeast surfcaster who had to move to NC recently and your videos have really taught an old dog a lot of new tricks.
Hey there, I have collected Penn reels in my life… love them..! But there's nothing like casting an ABU 10000c conventional reel…they’re all potential rocket launchers if they're tuned..👍👍
Is that the reel that you had on your boat once last Summer? You cast it, and it seemed like it went across 3 counties. Heck of a reel. I'll never be able to afford one of them.
Yes, ... You too can own an ABU…. The Bay of Evil has so many of them... you need to know what you want and where to look…. I found a few great deals and pulled the trigger... If you don't… you lose that deal. because you're not the only one looking.…. Just sayin…..😊
Great video sir. I just inherited one of this from my late grandfater, but problem is, I dont know what type of rod and line should I use. Can you give some suggestion? Thank you
Do you have an opinion on the abu garcia catfish special c3 7000? Just got one the other day and I'm loving it so far! Got it paired up with a hellcat. Love the content brotha 🤘
Appreciate your videos. I am looking for where i can send a couple old abu reels to have serviced and probably having a worm gear replaced. And i think there are a couple cover screws missing. And probably just a general tune up. Who's dependable? Thx in advance
Don't get me wrong , I love ABU , but , my guess is the additional weight is added more for marketing and sales ( heavier is interpreted by many as a sign of higher quality ) than for performance and durability reasons . The " typical " amounts of plastic does tend to bear that out , IMO . Combined with the slick shiny finishes and special model hype , they can easily double the price for a few extra dollars in production costs . Not that I blame them for trying to make money , but , my name ain't Gates or Musk . I will happily use the regular models , which I typically pick up at garage sales and flea markets for cheap , then rebuild / repair them . For a few bucks and an hour of my time or less , I get a practically new reel that will still last for decades . The fish don't seem to care what it looks like , IME . I have old Tru Temper reels I still fish with and they still put fish in the cooler , just like my old ABUs . I have no problem fishing with antiques , and most of them are in better shape than I am after 50+ years .
I have an Abu Garcia 6501 C3, but the only thing that I don't care for about Abu Garcia is that with these other models they only offer them in right hand retrieve
Your reel has frame and sideplates of brass(reason for the extra weight), instead og alu like the on C4 etc. Also your reel has a pin installed, for an anti reverse dog, if you would need a back up anti reverse. The nylon bar and yoke, is standard post 90'th Ambassaduer, a bomb proven and simple system, that do not rely on a lot of springs. But as written below, ABU did a pretty bad job, in telling the differences between the different models. IMO the real strengh of the ABU classics, is that you can basically upgrade any model, to any situation your fishing requires.
Good video review, but it is hard to get excited when everything that is mentioned is characterized as “typical build”, or “nothing all that crazy". Typical, typical, typical, etc. Heavy was the only stated difference and inference to metallurgy and typical plastic parts, lots of plastic. So, what justifies the price tag? Maybe my perspective and interpretation were other than intended. My comparison was to other Ambassador reels, not clones. The Chrome Rocket has been around for a while. Abu seems to be focusing on color and fish species, rather than what's inside.
Don't get me wrong, all but two of my round reels are Abu Garcia Ambassadors - 6 are 6600 C4s with Power Handles. The first two Ambassadors I ever bought were Record 6600s HC. Now, there was a fine reel! Outside, it was attractive gunmetal gray, with no fish image or name painted on it as the “Special” reels. It came out of the box with a Power Handle. What set this reel apart were the nine bearings inside and the 4.7:1 gear ratio. That was probably the undoing of this reel. They were costly to manufacture, and the gears didn’t have the speed for buzz baits, BUT OH WHAT A CATFISHING REEL!! When the Records HCs were discontinued, (I still fish with mine) so went my enthusiasm for the latest of what Abu has to offer. Color and “Fish Specials” don’t do anything for me. This really isn’t a bashing comment. I like my Ambassador 6600 C4s. What Abu has going for them is an affordable functionally satisfactory reel that gets the job done and most of all - a network of parts and repair facilities that will keep these reels going for the rest of your life. When you are going to select a reel that you intend to purchase 8 or more of, the company better have the logistics to support that investment. I don’t even consider off-brand clones. Yeah, they’ll reel in a fish, but they aren’t the real reel. I used to invest in Penn products (Made in the USA) - no more. I can’t get parts for the old reels. As long as Abu makes and supports the 6600 C4 at no less the quality of today’s reels, I’ll keep them on my boat. But Abu, if you are listening (reading), I do test other brands. If someone is going to consider the price of a Chrome Rocket and do something more than put it in a display case, they may want to consider a Daiwa Saltist. That reel functions so effortlessly it seems unreel and it is indestructible. I have never had one come apart on me. You do need a trained thumb (no level wind), but that allows it to cast your terminal rig into orbit. Shimano has some great offerings as well. I hope Abu continues the “Made in Sweden” line and will consider looking for innovation and increased durability inside the reel (material enhancements for clickers, gears, and bearings with the same form, fit, and function). I’ll pay for quality. In my way of thinking, a design team that focuses too long on cosmetic innovation has lost its course. HOLD THE LINE!
If i half to pay 350.00 and do up grades and I've fished with Abu over 40 years in last 10 year's or so I've noticed a big difference in there product not for the better used to be ABU for life nowadays it's part's and that is it .just my opinion .
The most notable feature of the chrome model is the frame, brakeplate and sideplates are made of chrome plated brass NOT aluminum,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hence the extra weight,,,,,,,Very nice reel but over priced,,,,,you can buy the reel and a 6 bearing supertune kit for around $280 (NEW)
the levelwind gear is plastic , so it tears up before the rest of the reel does, if the user gets over zealous trying to got out of a snag. A bush fix for a lost brake pad is a small piece cut off the spray tube on wd 40 or other brand
I seem to be a Abu collector and personally Abu repairman and customizer. Your Chrome Rocket has the same parts as a C3. With a rocket you can center the spool and rockets usually have bearings in the side plates and spool. Yours might also have bearings on the worm gear. I also think the chrome Rocket is brass side plates covered with chrome plating. Possibly same on the frame but I’m not sure about the frame. This would explain the weight. Abu is the worst about advertising what makes each reel better. Some are built exactly the same and cost more money and some are built like a tank and can reel in a whale but Abu doesn’t explain what makes each one great. I have a few that will pull a truck.
I’ve got a Abu Garcia 500 I’ve had it for 30 years and still works like new thanks for the break down
Yes! Got some Penn reels I've had since I was a small boy.(I'm 70) The quality of reels made 30+ years ago compared to today's manufacturing is of course like night and day.
Nice video Dieter! Another thing about the higher quality abu garcia reels is they actually have a loud, audible clicker. That big gear on the side of the spool is key. I have a 6500 c3 catfish special and a catmaxx 3000c that i actually found on the bank and repaired (stripped gears, drag washers worn out, stripped tension knob, obviously abused but now it works fine) but the gear for the clicker is MUCH smaller than the abu and if its loud out there from wind or whatever, you may not even hear it go off. I know a lot of guys and gals don't use clickers but i do occasionally, they're nice to have sometimes.
I have nothing but 6500 cc or 6500 rockets and absolutely love them, only down side is I can’t stand the power handles so they got switched out
The Rocket is nice, but I LOVE the 7000 series. Sense most of your guys have small hands😂, I have these bear paws which is more comfortable TO ME. The 7000s are right abt $150-180, so I see no need to pay twice the price for comparatively the same reel. Great video, sir!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@@williamwoodsii367 umm the 7000s I see are 200 bucks bud, I get my stuff from catfish connection and the max I’ve paid for one is 180
I have a couple of 5500c abu reels that I love. I have taken them apart and cleaned them when I got them. Only had one problem on the second one with the anti reverse but, I sent it to River Rats Reel repair and Jarret got it fixed up right. I bought both used and they are both older reels and work like new ones. Great video Dieter.
Agreed it's the best for what we do! It's the 1911 of reels! Been around forever, parts are easy to get and always goes BOOM!
Great anology!
Best reels since day 1
Simple maintenance keeps these reels alive and well for a long long time…!
All of the round abu’s reign supreme..👍😎👌
I got about 20 of those Dieter that’s all I’ve ran I got one just like that chrome one but it’s a PMR Pretty nice
Abu Garcia reels are tanks. Love your videos.
Thanks for watching!!
I collect old American made Penn reels. For the price I’d leave that on the shelf. Great videos by the way. I’m an old NY / Northeast surfcaster who had to move to NC recently and your videos have really taught an old dog a lot of new tricks.
Hey there, I have collected Penn reels in my life… love them..! But there's nothing like casting an ABU 10000c conventional reel…they’re all potential rocket launchers if they're tuned..👍👍
Is that the reel that you had on your boat once last Summer?
You cast it, and it seemed like it went across 3 counties.
Heck of a reel.
I'll never be able to afford one of them.
Yes sir, that’s it.
It get limited use….special occasions…..LOL!!!
Yes, ... You too can own an ABU…. The Bay of Evil has so many of them... you need to know what you want and where to look…. I found a few great deals and pulled the trigger... If you don't… you lose that deal. because you're not the only one looking.…. Just sayin…..😊
Great video sir. I just inherited one of this from my late grandfater, but problem is, I dont know what type of rod and line should I use. Can you give some suggestion? Thank you
LOVE the Abu Garcia baitcasters.
Git a couple 5500s one 6500.
The one 5500 has got to be 20 yrs old, works like new tho.
I can’t bring myself to pay that much money for a reel when there’s reels a lost cheaper out that that are just as good if not better.
Do you have an opinion on the abu garcia catfish special c3 7000? Just got one the other day and I'm loving it so far! Got it paired up with a hellcat. Love the content brotha 🤘
Appreciate your videos. I am looking for where i can send a couple old abu reels to have serviced and probably having a worm gear replaced. And i think there are a couple cover screws missing. And probably just a general tune up. Who's dependable?
Thx in advance
Look up Vern’s Reel Repair on Facebook…you’ll be impressed.
Don't get me wrong , I love ABU , but , my guess is the additional weight is added more for marketing and sales ( heavier is interpreted by many as a sign of higher quality ) than for performance and durability reasons .
The " typical " amounts of plastic does tend to bear that out , IMO .
Combined with the slick shiny finishes and special model hype , they can easily double the price for a few extra dollars in production costs .
Not that I blame them for trying to make money , but , my name ain't Gates or Musk .
I will happily use the regular models , which I typically pick up at garage sales and flea markets for cheap , then rebuild / repair them .
For a few bucks and an hour of my time or less , I get a practically new reel that will still last for decades .
The fish don't seem to care what it looks like , IME .
I have old Tru Temper reels I still fish with and they still put fish in the cooler , just like my old ABUs .
I have no problem fishing with antiques , and most of them are in better shape than I am after 50+ years .
I have an Abu Garcia 6501 C3, but the only thing that I don't care for about Abu Garcia is that with these other models they only offer them in right hand retrieve
Im still new to catfishing i haven't switched to bait casting reels yet
Your reel has frame and sideplates of brass(reason for the extra weight), instead og alu like the on C4 etc. Also your reel has a pin installed, for an anti reverse dog, if you would need a back up anti reverse. The nylon bar and yoke, is standard post 90'th Ambassaduer, a bomb proven and simple system, that do not rely on a lot of springs. But as written below, ABU did a pretty bad job, in telling the differences between the different models. IMO the real strengh of the ABU classics, is that you can basically upgrade any model, to any situation your fishing requires.
Need to get me one of these reels
They are really pretty!!
I love my Abu Garcia 7000 reels
I’ve got some, but they’re just too big for catfishing…..
Good video review, but it is hard to get excited when everything that is mentioned is characterized as “typical build”, or “nothing all that crazy". Typical, typical, typical, etc. Heavy was the only stated difference and inference to metallurgy and typical plastic parts, lots of plastic. So, what justifies the price tag? Maybe my perspective and interpretation were other than intended. My comparison was to other Ambassador reels, not clones. The Chrome Rocket has been around for a while. Abu seems to be focusing on color and fish species, rather than what's inside.
Don't get me wrong, all but two of my round reels are Abu Garcia Ambassadors - 6 are 6600 C4s with Power Handles. The first two Ambassadors I ever bought were Record 6600s HC. Now, there was a fine reel! Outside, it was attractive gunmetal gray, with no fish image or name painted on it as the “Special” reels. It came out of the box with a Power Handle. What set this reel apart were the nine bearings inside and the 4.7:1 gear ratio. That was probably the undoing of this reel. They were costly to manufacture, and the gears didn’t have the speed for buzz baits, BUT OH WHAT A CATFISHING REEL!! When the Records HCs were discontinued, (I still fish with mine) so went my enthusiasm for the latest of what Abu has to offer. Color and “Fish Specials” don’t do anything for me.
This really isn’t a bashing comment. I like my Ambassador 6600 C4s. What Abu has going for them is an affordable functionally satisfactory reel that gets the job done and most of all - a network of parts and repair facilities that will keep these reels going for the rest of your life. When you are going to select a reel that you intend to purchase 8 or more of, the company better have the logistics to support that investment. I don’t even consider off-brand clones. Yeah, they’ll reel in a fish, but they aren’t the real reel. I used to invest in Penn products (Made in the USA) - no more. I can’t get parts for the old reels. As long as Abu makes and supports the 6600 C4 at no less the quality of today’s reels, I’ll keep them on my boat.
But Abu, if you are listening (reading), I do test other brands. If someone is going to consider the price of a Chrome Rocket and do something more than put it in a display case, they may want to consider a Daiwa Saltist. That reel functions so effortlessly it seems unreel and it is indestructible. I have never had one come apart on me. You do need a trained thumb (no level wind), but that allows it to cast your terminal rig into orbit. Shimano has some great offerings as well.
I hope Abu continues the “Made in Sweden” line and will consider looking for innovation and increased durability inside the reel (material enhancements for clickers, gears, and bearings with the same form, fit, and function). I’ll pay for quality. In my way of thinking, a design team that focuses too long on cosmetic innovation has lost its course. HOLD THE LINE!
What about the abu garcia morrum reels
There's really no comparison. Abu is the gold standard that every cheaper reel company copies.
If i half to pay 350.00 and do up grades and I've fished with Abu over 40 years in last 10 year's or so I've noticed a big difference in there product not for the better used to be ABU for life nowadays it's part's and that is it .just my opinion .
I’m surprised by the plastic gears, with such good cast zinc alloys there’s no excuse really
I challenge anyone with one of these to get your hands on the original Pfluger Rocket 1355,1365 or the 1375 and tell me you still prefer the Abu.
Not bashing but I’ll stick with my Piscufun for that price
The most notable feature of the chrome model is the frame, brakeplate and sideplates are made of chrome plated brass NOT aluminum,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hence the extra weight,,,,,,,Very nice reel but over priced,,,,,you can buy the reel and a 6 bearing supertune kit for around $280 (NEW)
350 bucks and all that plastic? no thank you. I’ll stick to 6500 c3 amd such
C3 will not hit the same distance. The plastic part will not be put under any pressure, so it should be OK
the levelwind gear is plastic , so it tears up before the rest of the reel does, if the user gets over zealous trying to got out of a snag. A bush fix for a lost brake pad is a small piece cut off the spray tube on wd 40 or other brand
Good info…
found this on ebay
Abu Ambassadeur 7500 C3 HS Reel, CT Conversion Bar Fitted-CHROME. SERVICED. VGC. what are your thoughts on that im kinda interested