Abu Garcia in name only? Details to avoid buying Chinese "Abus" & how they're inferior.

I show you a quick comparison between a few of the differences between a quality Swedish made company and a Chinese knock off made by Pure Fishing Corporation that has the Abu Garcia name on it.

[@hokanut]

Thank you for the heads up. Another thing some folks, like myself, may not know is that only the 6500 C3 models have the clicker function. I didn't research this enough when buying a C4 for catfishing. The C4 is made in Sweden and is a solid reel, just no clicker and a bit more compact, narrower, one more bearing on the leveler with a faster retrieve at 6:1 vs 5:1 on the C3. Bought a C3 6501 but won't be returning the C4. They're both keepers.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I have five C4 reels which all have clickers so it is not something lacking on all C4 reels.

[@LunkerFishing]

Allen, I have that same original 6501C3 and several other of their models from that era. The part I find interesting is that you did not mention that it is a left hand reel. I am right handed and almost exclusively use left hand reels. It makes no sense that you cast with your right hand and switch hands to then reel with your right hand. My very first bait caster, that is now well over 40 years old, was purchased mail order through Bass Pro Shops. Since I am a right hander I purchased a right hand reel. Within two weeks I returned that reel for a left hand of that same model. I still have that reel. Good video! Gerry

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

Thanks for the kind words. I have always found it odd we are the outliers and most choose to spend time switching hands when they could be fishing!

[@Jacob-oj1ob]

Do the real ones need to have a manufacturing date?

[@christopherwelch9438]

My first Abu Garcia was a Black Max. I had heard Abu was the best reel so that's what I bought because it was my first baitcaster and I didn't want to spend a lot until I was really ready to invest in something good. The internal parts of the crank broke on about the 40th cast. It just free spun. Since then EVERYONE complains about the Chinese-made Abu's. They and you are right... they're garbage. I just ordered a C3 made in Sweden. Lesson learned- spend the money on something good.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I'm sorry you had to learn things the hard way too. I bought junk first too before I learned my lesson. The C3 and C4 are all great and stand the test of time so well I don't think twice about buying them used as well as new.

[@christopherwelch9438]

@@allenbmooresharinginformation I have a Pflueger President XT baitcaster that is the exception to the rule. I've been pushing it for 3 years now and it works without fail. Hopefully the C3 will be the last reel I ever buy.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@christopherwelch9438 I'm confident you will be well pleased with the C3. Tight lines my friend.

[@peteranddorothybowles5428]

Well said All spot on matey I collect old ABU reels The old red 9000 is my fav I have got a never used one and you put it up against any reel today The paint job is the dogs mate What you said about the made in China new models Being crap I agree turds they are Take care matey have subbed and enjoyed your film

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I'm glad you enjoyed and thanks for the sub.

[@terrymcclendon2277]

yes I bought a 6500 s and it was total garbage! great vid and info to the people!

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way too but better figuring it out after one purchase than several. I only goofed getting one low-quality round traditional reel, but I have several low profiles with the Abu label that are made in China. Disgusting marketing practices of Pure Fishing.

[@warpedweirdo]

I think your judgement of the back-play in the Chinese reel is unfair unless you also call out the older Swedish Ambassadeurs too. I'm also not convinced by your complaints about the plastic line guide. Just because you somehow broke a Shimano doesn't mean you'll break everybody else's plastic line guides. I understand your complaint from a preference point of view, as I can easily imagine a loop of line wrapping around the line guide during a sloppy, hard cast; but as a ding on quality? I need more data. I don't like crappy drags either but, if that was the only problem with this reel, replacing the crappy drag washers with something better would be considerably cheaper than just buying a Swedish-produced version of the reel (unless you're paying someone to do the swap for you). I think the issues with the Chinese Ambassadeurs lie elsewhere, in things you didn't mention. I've seen complaints about the gears wearing out quickly, threads stripping, rapid corrosion, and I don't remember what else. I'll stick with buying and refurbishing Swedish-made modes; Pure Fishing is using the Ambassadeur name to make money off of unsuspecting consumers, selling bottom-dollar junk at a premium using a well-known brand name with a reputation for reliability and quality. If I want a Chinese "Ambassadeur" reel, I think I'll take my chances on a knockoff / clone from KastKing, Piscifun, or... ?

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I can agree on some issues you share. The internals are definitely the biggest area of concern as far as parts go. My sharing was to help people avoid the initial purchase without having to learn all those additional problems. The line guide of the China design may work initially, but I do perceive it to be an inferior design prone to more problems. I did try a Kast King in past and was not impressed, but the price is far better than a China labeled Abu reel that also failed to impress me.

[@Jacob-oj1ob]

Is there not supposed to be an S on the end of 6501?

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

The S might stand for socialist, it's a Chinese manufactured reel. The C3 and C4 reels are Swedish manufactured reels. Pure Fishing can slap the Abu Garcia label on anything manufactured with no quality control standards.

[@blackdeath5026]

Abu sold out years ago, i own 50 or more of the sweden made reels

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

The C3 & C4s are still made in Sweden, but I do feel more confident about the older classics I own as well.

[@joeaguilar196]

I wonder if that goes for the c3 7000s .

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

6501 is large as I have needed for my fishing. I'm confident the quality transfers over to that model as well. All the C3 and C4s made in Sweden are quality works. You can also replace parts when you use them for decades.