It looks like a really nice reel,no doubt. When I first started really getting into bluecat fishing about 7 or 8 yrs. ago I spent a lot of money on reels and rods with catfish symbols on them and fancy add ons you don't really need. If you have the money and really want it then get it. Bottom line is its not gonna help you catch fish any better. Youll just have something cool to show your fishing buddies.Lol. Just my honest opinion.

Keep in mind your looking at MSRP in Abu's site.

MSRP on a 6500C3 is $119.00

Also, the power handles usually sell for $20 apiece. I keep buying old abus and spending $50-60 to upgrade them up to what I want.

Correct if you're going to buy a new 6500 Abu and power handle you'll spend the same. They'll be in stores for less than MSRP just like the 6500 C3 is

You can get a 6500c Swedish made abu from catfish connection with a power handle for 99$. It's in the internationals section. Do you really need power handles to catch fish no. They are nice to have though.

Last time I checked, I didn't need most of the stuff that I own. For some reason I just like having it around.

So do we need circle hooks, quality rods, or even abu reels? No, you can catch fish on zebco 33 combos from the clearance section, but the better quality stuff will improve your chances. I agree with you on this catfish reel is basically just a fancy 65 with a power handle, but for someone that wants the handle and up grades it's not a bad deal.

I'm sorry I worded that wrong. That's the point I was trying to make,is that it was just a fancy version of the 6500.

ill be getting the 6500C3 cat version on 9/9/15

Well good

I'll be picking one up on or around 9/9/2030

Theres a lot of choices if your gonna spend that much money on one reel. That's what I was trying to say last night. I have one of these reels I bought about 6 yrs ago. I love it. I wish I could have them on every rod. When I bought mine I paid 110 on catfish connection. Theyre 127 now.

I remember getting my first Abu 6500 it was $89 at Academy. The newer 6500's are just painted with an upgrade or two and they call it a special so and so. Ebay has some of the best prices on the newer model reels though, I picked up a 6500 Striper Special for $135.

+1 on ebay prices