Are all of the new Abu's made in China now? Or are some models still made in Sweden?

The C3's and C4's are still made in sweden, while the Revo SX and above are made in Korea. The Revo S and below are made in China.

The Ambassadeur Kalex and BCX are both round reels that are made in China. Only reels in the bunch that I'd call junk.

Yea I really want a 6600 C3 but I will have to get one in time. My uncle is giving me his 6600 bcx because he doesn't like the way it casts. I just wanted to make sure the 6600 c3's and c4's were still being made like they used to. Thanks for the info man!

Yeah, I don't like calling anything "junk" but Gander in CS had about 10 BCX combos when they first came out, and almost all had something wrong with them sitting new in the store.

Ranging from bent handles (abuse, but still notable on a store display) to drags that didn't work.

I really like the newer C3's and C4's, the drag is more resistant to debri, the handles are more comfortable, and the centrifugal brakes can actually be adjusted. The parts are still pretty much the same from a durability standpoint to all the Ambassadeurs made since I believe '92. The only thing that changed is the centrifugal brake added 4 pins and the pinion gear now has 4 slots instead of 2.

Thanks for the info man. I was just at Academy about a hour ago and I saw one of the 6600 c4's I believe it was an ultra cast or some upgrade from the regular c4, can't remember. It was a weird blue or light purple color, and it took every bit of self control in me not to buy it. It was beautiful. One day soon though...

I use 2 5600 C4 reels river fishing and the only thing wrong with them is the nut on the handles strip and allow the handles to loosen.
One of them landed a 6ft 125# alligator gar with 30# test line a couple months ago ..... wobbly handle and all!

Daaaaamn! That's durability right there!

Just stay away from the BCX Series. I WILL call them junk. I have a box full in the shop that folks get the handles back and chunk them.

I am embarrased that Abu Garcia even made them Round and Red and called them an Ambassadeur. Best part on them is the handle and the rest is garbage right off the line.

There are many huge Snapper caught on the 6500 series down here along with many a bull Red. They can handle the abuse and keep on ticking for a lifetime with proper service.

I have a Garcia that has no markings other than Abu Garcia on the handle side and ambassadeur on the other side. It does have the "Smart Mag Brake" also. A friend gave it to me and said it was new. He only used it twice and had problems with it. I actually took it to BPS and they exchanged it for a new one. It lasted three weeks. It sold for $99. Another piece of junk!

If you got a new abu Garcia c3 or c4 and it lasted only 3 weeks, either, it was a rare defect, or you did something and didn't realize it. They are one of the most durable reels ever made. I have some that are probably 10-15 yrs old. And I know guys with 30yr old models. Take it back and get another one. If you got a bcx, well, that's much more common.

After googling, it looks like that is a D series reel, and I know nothing about them. But if it isn't stamped made it Sweden, it probably isn't.

I will not buy a chineez made reel!

Swedish, U.S, or Korean made reel reel will last!

I have Swedish made ambasseduers some 40 + year old and some 1980's vintage reels.

Abu Garcia has a life time warenty on these 80's reels!

The Swedish reels are bullet proof!

I still use a Ambassadeur 4500, that was made in 1978, to cast small crankbaits and spinnerbaits 1/4 oz and smaller with both distance and accuracy.

The only Quality Swiss made Round Reels distributed by Garcia and Pure fishing are:

The Record 40,50 and 60 sizes (The best reel in the line up) the 4000,5000 and 6000 size "C" Reels whether it is a C3 or C4 and that is it, Period.

The BCX,the Kalex (Both Junk) and all of the plus 6000 sizes (All Conventionals) are made in China. All of the Low Profiles and the Spinning reels are made in China or South Korea.

I read all of the negative comments on the BCX and I would never buy one, but I'm curious. What is it that consistantly fails on these reels, and if they are as bad as everyone says, why wouldn't Garcia try to improve them or just get them off the market? I wouldn't think it would be in their best interest to continue to market a sub-standard product.