just wondering as the BCX looks like a decent value and it actually comes in a LH version.

I like using Ambassadeurs when I kayak since they are so easy to clean and maintain.

Well I have one I got at Wally World on clearance for $25. I just had to get it replaced--partially my fault--I had one of the plastic hook keepers on my rod(the one that slides in the reel seat) and as I reeled in line the bottom of the line guide hit the hook keeper and I heard 2 pops. The plastic gear on the left side of the reel that moves the line guide cracked. I guess I should have been watching more but you would think they would be a little tougher to break.

I would never buy an Ambassadeur at Wal Mart. They are built to meet a price point above all else. As far as a model to choose that will have at least decent quality it would be a Record. They are very smooth, supposedly still built in Sweden and should hold up. They also cost more than the C3 or C4 series. I prefer the '70's built models over any of the newer ones. They can be rebuilt to be builtproof and as smooth as anything out there.

The new BCX's are junk. They are made in China not Sweden. They have more plastic parts and a lighter frame. Stick with the Sweden made ABU's and they will last forever with maintenance. I know several folks who bought the 6600 BCX only to get rid of them in a short time.

Almost all of the Abu's now with the exception of the Record are made in Korea China or Taiwan. The BCX is worth about what I paid for it $25 and not a penny more. I took the broke one back to Wally's and got a new one--got bored and took it most of the way apart. Yup alot of plastic in there--As for the ones at Wall Mart being cheaper than the other one -- I don't think that is correct--They sell them at Academy and Cabelas--I looked at the one at Academy and it is an el cheapo too but sells for $64. I'll keep the one I have for a bait reel so if it falls in the lake I wont be too sad.

As for working on the Record there is a good article here.
http://www.tackletour.com/articlereelmaintenanceaburecord.html

If the AB's are sorry now what would anyone recommend using?

It's not all abu's just the BCX which is made in china. I'd never used one, so I was just wanting to see if anyone had and how it compared to the made in Sweden C3.

I think most would agree that any of the made in Sweden Abu's are at worst mediocre performing reels that are powerful and durable, enough so to make them good values.

Well that is just it--Calcuttas are great if you don't mind spending 4 times as much for one as an Abu. I heard that once Pure Fishing bought them out their quality went to poo. Most of the reels now say engineered in sweden(not made in Sweden) now I believe.

It used to be Garcia made reel secially for swilmart but I think they stopped that. The 5500cl3 reels were made for them. When I worked there I saw boxes come in marked Walmart only.

Daiwa used to do the same thing--I had 153HST from Cabelas and saw a 153HST7 at Wally's --thought that they had to be close to the same--not even anywhere near--really bad thing is the Walmart version was only about $10 cheaper and 1/2 the reel. Joe is right I think that the CL3's were made for just walmart and C3's went everywhere else.

KC3 reels are made for K-Mart.
CL3 made for Wal-Mart
CB made for Cabelas.

Good info!

i love the C3, i am just now trying my first BCX. I can already tell taht the reel i have does not cast as well as my c-3's

C3s Rule!!! I have a C3 and I don't know what I would do without it. I also have a few older and old ambasseuders they are also good.

I like the C4's as well...don't know about the BCX, as I've never laid eyes on one.

I agree with the earlier poster who mentioned Calcuttas, but they are WORTH 4 times the cost. But I have scoured eBay and have picked up nice Calcuttas in all sizes for about half the new cost and they are worth every penny. Since I fish left-handed, I have had to look pretty hard at times, but they are out there. Same goes for older Abu Ambassadeurs.

I consider reels to be investments, and the price paid pales in comparison to worry-free days on the water.