ABU Garcia Brake Blocks Adjustment Explained UC 4600C 5500C 5500CS Rocket 6500CS Rocket

This video explains the Different Variations of the Braking Systems found on many of the Round Type ABU Garcia Casting Reels. Feel free to ask questions. Please support the channel and thanks for watching.

[@brendanmassey9356]

Thanks! This was very helpful. My 5500C wasn't casting smoothly, and I fixed it using your video.

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Great to hear!

[@andrewhardcastle7982]

Thanks a lot !

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@quinthiggins5975]

You’re very knowledgeable. Abu reels are the only thing I used to fish with salt water 95% of the time . Round reels to be clear . For the last 40 years . I think you may get more views by showing how penn Shimano diawa and any other reels compared to these round reels of Abu. Also going over gear ratios. Preferably I like to use a low gear ratio not to hall in big fish easier but to actually get them to hit jigs and baits better than the higher gears . By Low I mean 3.8:1 to 4.7:1 that I have seen 70+ lb saltwater fish caught with on a Abu 5000c . I know that the rod has a lot to do with this. Most people don’t realize that low profile reels the majority of them or a lot of them even pricey ones have plastic break plates holding onto the main gear. I believe if more people were aware of what they had in their hand or what they were purchasing to fish with they may think differently about a quality product like a Abu round reel . Now there are other reels out there that are really good quality but they usually cost a heck of a lot more from what I’ve seen. A lot of young people that are getting in the fishing are buying junk. They just don’t know the difference. The 5000c that hauled in the 70+lb fish has no bearings I believe . But people are buying reels advertised with 10+ bearings. I believe you could educate the public and get more views by showing and comparing different reels to each other and they’re how they’re made without any biased. Also showing what reel is made for what type of fishing and what kind of loads these reels continuously handle and what kind of loads would be adding up to repairs.

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Great advice! I was doing reel repair for several years as a hobby and had to stop because it was trying to turn into a business and I worked full time. I do have a Penn 310 and a Shimano TR100 I could start there. The KZbin audience it’s tough. There is so much content it makes it hard for the little guy. I really appreciate the comment. Have a great day.

[@fieldsj66]

I have a 4600 with a sliding brake lever on left with magnets inside. Know where i can find a schematic to disassemble and reassemble?

[@snagrbuster7343]

Oh the other Truly genius designs by the Swedish, are the 2 Speeds, and when adjusted properly, they function like the Automatic Transmission of a vehicle, Very sadly, I lost my owner's manual/instructions, and proper adjustment of the "Wheel" (on top of the "star" ), is crucial for perfect automatic-shifting of the gears!! I'm a professional outdoor writer (fishing, archery hunting, muzzleloading, handgun defense, handloading and Target shooting), and a previous president of ABU Garcia, Mr. Grant gave me all reels to test, and report to him. The two 2-speeds are, ambassadeur 5500-C3, 2 Speed, Ultracast & 6500-C3 2 Speed. I would happily pay for a Copy of the instructions manual, plus I'll formally thank whoever it is, that would help me in an article!! Also "Syncro-Drag" of Garcia, is another very interesting design, but the instructions for using that one, are very Simple.

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

I personally cannot help but I have a Facebook group that has over 2K members and I'm sure someone could help you out. Here is the link. facebook.com/groups/280402990101017/ If that doesn't work search ABU GARCIA MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. You MUST answer ALL the questions and agree to the rules to be approved. I do not filter applications.

[@kabanchan5768]

ever done an abu ambassadeur 500c1 ? or older reels ? how those work ?or are the the same? as the 55?

[@Mikzone-zb6jk]

I bought an older 5000c ultra cast that won't really cast all that far I bet all the brakes are engaging🤔 Thanks bro. New sub here

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Thanks for the sub! You may want to look at the bearings. Check out my video on how to clean and apply new oil. Soak them the apply new oil but only a little. Too much will slow them down.

[@Mikzone-zb6jk]

@@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684 cool. I'll check it out. Thinking about getting some hotrod parts, boca bearings and such lol what's your take on all that?

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Not sure I would do all that. I have some really quick reels with stock parts. If you clean the bearings and put a small drop of oil on them or just buy new stock bearings then turn the brakes off, unless there is something wrong reel it should cast just fine. Good luck let me know how it turns out.

[@Mikzone-zb6jk]

@@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684 thanks buddy I think I'm just gonna leave it stock.. mine has the 2 brake shoe system can I just turn one brake back on? Because now with both off it cast pretty good but backlashes pretty easy..

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

@@Mikzone-zb6jk You can do that or tighten the spool tension knob on the side just a little. I would play with it both ways.

[@snagrbuster7343]

As usual you've done a superb job in this video!!! But I have a question Please, "Is there any way to put 6 Block-Spools in one the older Swedish Abu Garcia models"?!! Thank you very much!! By the way, I've been using the Garcia Baitcasting (made in Sweden), since mid 60s, and haven't one go bad yet!! And since the mid 70s, I've used them on "Hard-fighting" large Pacific Salmon and Steelhead, and 7000C3, filled with Power Pro braid, for White Sturgeon up to 10 ft. long, and we have a bunch of those, within casting distance of our living room, Sliding-door !! I've caught dozens of large King Salmon, in front of our home, as large as 42Lbs, on my little 2500C, and Coho Salmon & Steelhead on my 1500C!! But I must admit that, the 1500C, is too narrow for men's thumbs. I have about 200, Swedish ABU Garcia reels, in my collection, plus other Brands (Very Old, U.S. made, Zebco, Shakespeare, Wright and McGill aka Eagle Claw, Zebco Cardinal Spinning reels (made by Abu Garcia of Sweden). Of all Baitcasting Reels in my collection or any I've ever seen in my life, "The Most impressive Baitcasting of all time, is an ABU Garcia, that was Strictly made for Japan's market in very limited numbers, in the early 2000s?, and when most Garcia could be bought under $200.00 USD, I very happily paid a guy on ebay, $950.00 for a new one!! It's a true Masterpiece, you see the Swedish were trying to make Dang sure, that no fancy Shimano, would have a Chance in heck to compete with it😃

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

I don't believe that is possible. I would have to do some research however, the group I told you about on Facebook can answer any question you have. There is a guy goes by the name of Dag that has a vast amount of knowledge on these reels.

[@mikewalker4563]

Awesome video, I just bought a new Abu c4 6600 should I mess with the brakes ? I’m new to bait caster so been doing a bit of research. What’s the benefit to engaging the brakes or disengaging?

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Two things you need to know when using a bait caster. Backlash typically comes at the beginning of the cast or at the end of the cast. The internal brakes prevent early backlash. If you’re having a problem with that apply more brakes on the inside. If you’re new to it I would apply all the brakes on the inside and then work your way back. The spool tension prevents backlash at the end of the cast. Hold the rod at a 45° angle disengage the spool and adjust the tension knob so that the bait hits the ground without backlash. Hope this helps I do plan to do a video on this very soon. Thanks for watching.

[@sandersjones1577]

Would the spool go totally free upon cast meaning no break? Thanks for sharing

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Yes no brakes if you disengage.

[@quinthiggins5975]

All I’ve ever use her Abu reels for the last 40 years. I use Abu mostly for saltwater fishing. You may get more views by showing other reels and how they compare to Abu like penn Shimano diawa etc. show the difference in gear ratios and what they do for you when you’re fishing what loads the reels can handle adequately every day and what they can’t handle which could cause repairs. putting it out there comparing to this reel or that reel could probably possibly get you more views. . Showing the difference between an Abu round reel and low profile reel is a major difference and can get you a lot of views . How well Abu round reel are made and even some of the penn and Other reels compared to a low profile reel that the main gear is attached to a plastic brake plate on the majority of them would show a lot of people what they’re buying for the same cost or more . Showing some of the China made round Abu reels that have this same set up as the low profile reels with the plastic brake plate and what to look for in a good Abu reel is helpful. I believe you’re very knowledgeable and could do this without biased and increase your views dramatically.

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Great advice! I was doing reel repair for several years as a hobby and had to stop because it was trying to turn into a business and I worked full time. I do have a Penn 310 and a Shimano TR100 I could start there. The KZbin audience it’s tough. There is so much content it makes it hard for the little guy. I really appreciate the comment. Have a great day.

[@robertwatson818]

@@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684 One feature I look for when buying a used ABU is the "boss" where the star drag goes into the gearbox body. Pre 1964 the boss was female. Post 1964 the boss is male..The pins in the frame were tapered at the ends on early reels--then straight on later models. Th longest casting one I own at present is a pre 1964 5000. With a 3/8 ounce plastic weight 40--50 yards is common. But--this taels my getting "set" and throwing for distance!! Casts wile fishing are half that. The only thing done to the reel was I cleaned it thoroughly after getting it. I am appalled at the poor external condition of many of these reels. They will have bent stars, boat rash which almost wears through the reel body, paint scuffed off, bent pins and more. I've noticed locals fishing who will just toss the rod/reel into the bottom of the boat after getting a fish in the boat--and worse. I do not understand this cavalier attitude towards equipment.

[@RoelfGrabie-d2t]

Need a abo 12 reel spool

[@abugarciareelrepairandmain8684]

Not sure what that is.