Just curious, I use 3 ambassadeurs that I've modified along with my other high end lowprofile reels.

How come they aren't still mentioned when someone brings up a "good value" reel (particularly the 4600) in the $80 range. I can't think of another reel I'd rather pay $80 (comparing full retail here, I know you can get xyz reel off ebay for $80 as well) for if I want a reel that will last and continue to perform like it did when I purchased.

Also, no reel is easier to find parts for, whether you're tinkering with it or fixing something (usually a pawl).

Great reels, I still have 3 or 4, very easy to service

I have two of the circa 1969 5000As that have been used continuously since 1969 and they are still going strong. No problems. New price in 1969 was $39.99.

I bought a Garcia low profile about 1996, don't know the model, but have already worn it out. I like the low profile reels for their light weight. May have to try another Garcia.

Great reels for the money. My second favorite reel behind my Ardents

I have 2 4600C4 Abu's, and I love them. I'm going to get another at BPS with the reel trade-in in a few weeks. I'm not as crazy about the C3's since they have very little price difference from the C4's, but they're not bad either.

I have always answered folks that were looking for a 70-80 buck reel to buy the C3 in whatever size they want. They are still the best value for under 100 bucks and are more versatile, have a better drag system and will outcast most reels for more years. They are the only thing that Pure Fishing owns that I would have. In fact, I just bought a 5600WS C4 back in the fall for redfish.

Just got to try out my first upgraded 5501C3...

the dual bearing levelwind and bearing supported cog make a bigger difference on it than my 4601C3 I think.

This reel is awesome....can't wait to go out with it after my Record spool comes in for it as well.

Ive got 2 new records for sale cheap guys if anyones interested, right above the price of a new c3 . . pm me

Actually Jarden now owns Pure fishing, who DID have a majority interest in ABU Garcia -

Jarden is screwing up a whole lot of outdoor brands by out-sourcing manufacturing and fabrication to China

I repair a lot of the NEW Labeled ABU Junk - if you want quality ABU, you can still get one if you know someone in Sweden, who can get one still built at the Svangsta factory

Really pixxes me off what has happened to the BEST reel line in the world !!

I still have and use a 5600c on a M/l action Castaway that casts a topwater a mile in the surf. Also a 4600 I use for spinner baits when bass fishing. I also still use a 70's model red 6000 with heavier line on a heavy action Ugly Stick for bulls and black 5500 on a med action Castaway. They get a tune up every now and then and work like a charm. They are built like a tank.

Yes every ABU Garcia pre- Pure Fishing buyouts WERE the best out there for the money - I collect and repair ABU reels, I wish someone who cared about the brand would take it away from Jarden

Check out RealsReels.com

Tony,

What do you know about an Late 70's ABU 5500 Striper Series ? I have one, I got it when I was twelve, so its from around 79 maybe 1980. I am wondering if there is a reliable place to get parts for it if you know of one.

So are the 4600C4 reels not made in Sweden anymore? They still say Sweden on the side.

Is there an easy way to tell which ones were made in Sweden (like if I was looking at them on ebay)?

Honestly if the reels were manufactured before 1994, there were Svangsta factory reels to my knowledge still made and assembled in Sweden -- you can look at the six to eight digits numbers stamped into you ABU reels foot to see where they might possibly be made and date -- the 4600, 5600, 6600,thumbar and 7700 lever release series reels were either Svangsta or Korean ABU's depending again on manufacture date -

Some where I have a decoder for the serial #s I will see if I can find it and post --

As far as the Striper Series ABU, if it from that date , put it on a shelf, and polish it up -- gonna be worth more than was originally paid for it very soon, parts are still available for it though -- easier to get Svangsta parts than it is to get Korean or Taiwan made ABU parts.

in the smaller reels (4000-6000) the Kalex and BCX are the only reels that don't say Made in Sweden (they're actually made in China). The C3's and C4's currently are made in Sweden and are still a snap to get parts for.