Abu 6500 S - The Shocking Truth

[@johntard333]

This review is amazing. As an ABU angler my whole life this is sad for two reasons. 1. Made in China 2. Why the hell did they insult us by calling it a 6500 ?? I figured out what the S stands for ....... Shit !!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

6500C3 is the only reel you should buy in my opinion. Made in Sweden, and around $100. Plus upgraded bearings and the like aren't too pricey, but it comes like a bad ass winch straight outta the box anyways...

[@jeffyoung2089]

I hate seeing a great company putting out junk reels!

[@beardsnbeers4779]

Excellent breakdown! Thank you for sharing this information with us.

[@elimartinez665]

Thank you sir! I was about to buy one of those, purchased a used c3 from the pawn shop for $30. Was all gummed up & stuck, a cleaning & some corrosion x later casts great. You saved me from making an atrocious purchase :)

[@HOTexasCatfish]

Great Vid and I agree 100% about the quality of the 6500s. They should have shut them down when they made the BCX

[@connergrant7113]

you bought their cheapest round baitcaster what do you expect they are going to make a super quality reel for that price keep In mind you get what you pay for

[@c.shearin5814]

Well, unfortunately, since my laptop speakers are blown, I wasn't able to enjoy the audio on your excellent tutorial on what I can only assume most be the shockingly good build quality of these Swedish made powerhouses. I loved how you broke it down and pointed out all of the quality materials and beefed up reinforced areas of these beauties! I figured there'll probably be hard to find after your review, so I rushed out and scooped me up 3 of these babies before the price goes up! Gonna want you to mag 'em out and install ceramics soon. Also gonna' need a Zebco 33 pimped out as well...Guess I better let you get back to hustling and bustling, Pimp Daddy...Take care, your pal 'Pimp C.'

[@TheBoczq]

First view on 'made in ...' and i knew the rest story... Thanks for film! Really usefull!

[@cseegran]

stick to c3, c4, record, If it is made is sweden it will have stamped on the side plate on the retrieve sides.

[@glocknessy7374]

Note this is the 6500s not the 6500c3. You can still buy the nice one that is made in Sweden.

[@Geordieboy83]

jesus what a mess! its such a shame when you remember how stupidly well made the old swedish models were:-(

[@tebbem]

Rubbish is too kind! My boyfriend used this reel ONCE, and the gears stripped on the first salmon! Luckily, our local Bi-Mart store refunded his $. Love your videos; always learn a lot! Thank you for your videos.

[@melinamobley2030]

very useful video. thank you for uploading this.

[@sjeverett75]

I bought one of these new for $30USD. It's on a dedicated catfish rod and it casts just as well as my 1995 5000-C ultracast. It's held up for more than 10min. Is it as nice as my other Ambassadeurs? No, but at the $30 price point, I have no complaints.

[@artofabandon2337]

Think the family should start from scratch called Abu Sweden or something, Abu's used to be desirable precision engineered things, Inheritance tax buy out etc , sad what's happened to their firm.

[@kingklabe]

The new one is a vast improvement. I'm speaking for the 5500c3 model. It is made in Sweden. Only the handles are plastic. I haven't used it enough to call it the best reel I ever had but likewise I haven't had it fuck up on me yet either. I will say I like the feel and look of it.

[@davidleasure9138]

Great job Jamie in exposing the new 6500 S. makes me cry to see how cheaply it is made compared to earlier reels. New reels should have innovations and improvements. This one is headed to the trash pile. What a shame for the Ambassaduer lovers. David

[@patasaurusrex2492]

Don't know why so many dislikes or hate in the comments. Your review is spot on. This coming from an Abu fan. I use about a half a dozen Abu rod and rebels. But the fact stands this is a cheap version of the 6500 that retails for half the price as other 6500s. You can find plenty of the 6500S on eBay being sold for parts already.

[@roosterdoc9958]

I also meant to say thankyou to Jamie for highlighting this tat...If this is the direction Pure Fishing intend to take ths Abu brand, i agree with Humberto, and will not be parting with my money on new Abu's, only the older 'Made In Sweden' ones.

[@PimpMyReel]

For all those who are calling this reel a fake/knock off I bought it direct from an official UK Abu dealer and I sent it back directly to the same official UK Abu dealer...........

[@thehilariousdarius8446]

Off subject, but is it possible to strip the paint from a ABU Reel and polish the aluminum to shine?

[@raymondjones1866]

I own so many Swedish made ABUs parts are a issue in the states got 2 7000 big game HSN problems with stainless pinion gears seizing up on stainless spool shaft

[@lesliecrowther2763]

To the person who said, it clearly states made in China !!! Stop complaining! !!!!! The fact that it is made in China is not the point of this excersise, the problem is that the reel is so poorly made and also rubbish materials have been used. Obviously made to ABU'S specifications ??? In comparison to all the original ABU'S it's a disgrace to even call this reel an Abu.

[@asamitchell7948]

leslie crowther it's pure fishing who designed this reel and slapped the abu name on it so they could flog a cheap reel to a good customer Base the guys at abu would be horrified at this reel

[@wambolt1212]

this is made to pure fishing's specs....not abu garcia

[@seniorLu48]

Nice videos in which you place a bit of time in improving abu Ambassadeurs. Question?... I own a couple of older Abu ambassador's and thinking of adding to my collection but I really don't know much of what makes one reel better than the other. What recommendations can you give me ? My main use will be for bass and a little light saltwater trolling, and this would be in USA waters

[@PoisonOkie911]

That's crazy. I guess they heard you because I won an SX on eBay for $37 and dismantled it to replace the terrible rubber drag washers with $9 carbontex and it looked a lot nicer. I know it's a step up and presumably a new gen model, but it has a roller clutch at least, and a better braking assembly. It's not nearly as crude internally, and it casts and retrieves just fine. It stacks line on the left side of the spool slightly, but hey, it cost me all of $45 and I just use it for catfish, anyway. Don't get me wrong, it's a cheap ass reel for which I'd never pay retail, but one could do worse and it's certainly better than that abomination in the video.

[@dkat1108]

Why is it some folks have new Abu's and theirs are built better more like older ones and yours is not why is this? Also what would be the best price reel you would suggest?

[@handicapitation3250]

What would you recommend as a good budget rod and reel for big catfish? I was about to buy this until I saw your video. I fish several times a week so I need something that is going to last.

[@PimpMyReel]

Have a look at a Kastking 80 or 90. Very good budget reels!

[@bobscruggs8886]

Back in the 1970s Abu Garcia dominated the Bass baitcaster world I had owned 3 all made in Sweden they just worked. I think I paid $ 22.00 for a 4000 and $25.00 for a 5000.

[@ianwilliams487]

Had a 7000,from 1978,still have it,the only mod made was brass to double row ball bearings,,easy mod,,need to shave 0.25mm from OD of shaft,,both ends, and drop 2 of the cast throw out bushes,, Screams,run it on extremely light oil,Now have brought some of the Chinese reels,for the price ya buy 2 and throw them away when done,

[@cajunrider7101]

What is a better reel for the same money ?

[@steelerfaninerie]

I understand your disappointment with the reel. But-keep-your-comments-about-the-U-S-A-out-of-it. The product manager of Pure Fishing is from the UK.

[@taylorfugate5170]

Will you do the Abu Garcia beast 6500?

[@HarveyJohnWillmott]

Hi, Pardon my ignorance but what is pure fishing? Also what are your opinions on The Rocket Reel Company Reels vs Akios? Thanks.

[@PimpMyReel]

Pure Fishing is the American Company that bought Abu, Penn, Berkley, Mitchell, Shakespeare etc, and the list goes on. They also own K2 snowboards which was a subsidiary of Shakespeare. Akios v The Reel Rocket company is a no brainer. The reel rocket company reels are pants.... When you take an F1 apart you will find that the brake plate, clutch and gears are from a standard Abu 5500/6500 (Now made in China)

[@HarveyJohnWillmott]

PimpMyReel Thanks for the reply! I'm new to fishing and assumed because the Rockets are £340 they would be amazing. I have a Scora 80 btw.

[@cajanify]

PimpMyReel K2 is not owned by Pure Fishing, as the name says we are dealing with pure fishing stuff :) K2 is owned by Jarden Co, who also ownes Pure Fishing. Abu Garcia is now making some low priced round Ambassadeur reels made in China, it's the 5000S,SX & STX. All other round Ambassadeur reels from size 6000 and smaller are made in Svängsta, Sweden. //Lars Cajander, Swedish Sales Team/Pure Fishing

[@PimpMyReel]

Lasse Cajander So who paid you to say that ????? Nearly all Abu reels are now made in china at a factory called Global which started making Abu parts and reel in 2006. Previously to that most Abu parts were made at the Omoto factory in Taiwan which is where Akios reels are made. That's why Akios is a better quality reel The new blue yonder series reels are made at Global in China. The TSR was never made in Sweden, it was made first in Korea because that's where the TSR one piece cage was made. but now has also been moved to Global in China. The made in china give-away is the clicker button position on the side plate being at 6 o'clock instead of 3 o'clock. There is also a rumour that Pure Fishing (Jarden Co) will be stopping all Abu manufacturing in Sweden by 2016 Please do not embarrass yourself further One last thing; Pure Fishing/Jarden Co destroy everything they touch !!! I have a 2012 & 2013 K2 Slayblade snowboards. They have fantastic flat line tech but from 2014 the basic design was changed by the Jarden Co for cheaper manufacturing costs; NOW THE 2014 & 2015 K2 SLAYBLADE'S ARE RUBBISH. This year I bought a Jones Full Carbon instead and its fantastic.........

[@cajanify]

About the Swedish factory check KZbin for "For Life - The Story of Abu Garcia"

[@joelcartujano1707]

Is there a same reel that is Swedish made?

[@alexaskaroff]

It proves the old saying that you get what you pay for and if you pay for a cheaper reel are you really that surprised...ABU are stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to compete with all the cheap reels but somehow keeping their great name. Nothing lasts like quality, buy cheap buy twice.

[@tompalmer334]

Wow I have been an ambassador user for at least 50 years my home was broken in to had at the time 33 years worth of fishing equipment stolen all of my reels were gone! I have three daughters all gave me a new rod or reel for gifts they all knew the name so I had almost every real they ever made during those years fast forward my insurance payed on my claim had to prove the loss I did thru photos and statements I just checked all my reels and they are all the real ones from Sweden lucky me thanks for the warning

[@spoolnaround]

You get what you pay for bud. buy one of their better lines and you will be happy (well probably not you seem to have your mind made up about them). I have an old Ambassador that broke so I sent it back, when it was about 4 years old and they sent me a brand new reel! Now thats customer service. I am starting to upgrade all my older spinning gear and am ordering a couple of decent reels of theirs.

[@richardsheldon8403]

i bought a abu 6500c syncro how do i know its not made in china because its looks and feel good quality i think it could be old version (hopefully)

[@richardsheldon8403]

bought it for 20 quid second hand

[@Evergreen7557]

Thanks for saving me money by showing us this review. I have found the best levelwind reel in the $70 price range, is the Shimano Corvalus 400. A lot a Reel for that amount of money. I love it for Catfishing, and Surf Fishing of the beach in Florida. It's internals are basically exactly the same as the $120 Shimano Cardiff 400. The only difference is the plastic star for adjusting the drag, which I have never had a problem with, and the exterior is different aesthetically. But still an all Aluminum frame.

[@dkat1108]

Here is the kicker: If it isn't stamped made it Sweden, it probably isn't.

[@adamjordan957]

I got this reel at Walmart here in Texas, it was in the wrong spot so I paid 10.97$ for it. And it's about the right price for it. I fish every weekend with it here in matagorda Texas and with out Literally breaking it down like shown in this video, it will not function properly. I've caught great fish on them. But it's just the every day kind of stuff that gets to me.

[@PhongVuocTran]

It's really interesting watching you open these. Opened my eyes for awareness about "Made in China" reels from Abu.

[@humbertocastro8588]

Great video, I couldn't agree more! Made in China......what a joke! The only Abu's I buy are the older ones that only say "Abu" and actually made in Sweden.

[@YAKMANONT]

well done

[@joelcartujano1707]

Why does companies like Abu and Penn let the Chinese manufacture these pieces with their names on it?

[@bobscruggs8886]

In the 1960 t0 1970's Abu dominated the Bass circuit I used them for years without a problem Made in Sweden now just a mass market piece of junk.

[@Countryboy85tn]

I use this 6500S I have not had a problem out of the 3 I catfish and striper fish with daily for just a little over a year and a half yes I agree there are a few things I would like to see different on them like how he brakes everything down just like a of my other reels I am sure before its all said and done I will cuss at it and everything thing else I don't really care if yall like my comment or not so instead of going on someone else a opinion try it out for youre self

[@steppbrooEFT]

as far as I know aluminium does not corrode in seawater, so the non-finished frame won't corrode but it is indeed very low quality, for 80 pounds made in China they could've well afford to give the insides a better finish tho

[@PimpMyReel]

Think you will find aluminium DOES corrode in salt water.....a lot !

[@PimpMyReel]

You might want to Google what happens to aluminium in sea water...Especially unprotected aluminium.....

[@mahtoosacks]

I bought this from walmart a few days ago, but now i will be returning it asap. thank you

[@ukfrosty]

S for shit? I first got a 6500 Chrome rocket in 2008. Incredible reel, which I've had in pieces more times than I can remember to service and tune it. I once bought a surecatch cmd300 which is very similar to this but was about £15 or £20. Got the abu cos the cmd300 couldn't cast far. The bcx actually isnt bad as the parts can be modded. Standard abu parts like the others and I think it was about £60? Great review. You'll help a lot of people with this. They should be ashamed!

[@ukfrosty]

I now have an Akios 555 Lsi to test out on some Thai fish next week. Stunning reel.

[@vissen33]

Thnx for this warning. What a piece of junk. Could you please also review the Abu Garcia 5601 JB?

[@salvlicata9899]

Was just about to buy a second hand new one off eBay, thanks for this

[@TheMooseracer96]

I LOVE MINE I'VE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT HAS DONE JUST AS GOOD AS THE TWO I HAVE THAT'S MADE IN SWEDEN .

[@HOTexasCatfish]

They still make the swedish versions and they're black edition reel is a nice piece of work. I am unsure as to why they even have China made versions of the reels. I guess as times change we all do what we must to survive but it does look like the Abu is a dying breed.

[@PimpMyReel]

I hate to say this bit ALL Abu reels are now made in China or Taiwan curtacy of Pure Fishing

[@glocknessy7374]

They make both versions, Swedish and Chinese. You chose to purchase the S model. It is made in China. I just purchased the C3 model that still says made in Sweden. Note yours doesn't.

[@PimpMyReel]

Glock Nessy And you still believe what you read.... Really? Hate to burst your bubble but there are only a handful of very expensive reels that Abu (Pure Fishing) still make in Sweden, they only have one automated factory there! And most of those are fresh water fixed spool reels. The only 6500 size multiplier is the Morrum ZX series and even that model is also made in Malaysia and will put a dent in your pocket to the tune of $550+.

[@Rascallucci]

PimpMyReel Glock is right, the C3 does say "Made in Sweden". If you are saying it is not true, then this can become a huge legal issue for Abu. I just can't imagine they would do such a thing.

[@ImDembe]

PimpMyReel I got napp och nytt 2015 in front of me, 11 models are made in Sweden for the Scandinavian market, Mörrum ZX, Record, C4, C3, CS rocket (pro), De Luxe (golden reel), JB, TGC, Jerk, Predator and Classic line that is the cheapest "made in Sweden" reel, it's about 130$ i guess. The Ambassadeur S/SX/STX are all made in China.

[@wmr122]

This is soo sad.

[@LinkHylia763]

I am not sure what Abu is doing with this disconcerting lump of metal and plastic. This seems to be an attempt to produce something that resembels the Asian reel designs. Abu needs to stick to what it does best and put their money into their C3's and up. The C3 is the standard, and is their most popular reel, by far. IF it says "Made in China" beware...

[@snowysam1]

Got one of these in a job lot of gear I bought and it was absolutely rubbish . Not being an Abu fan I gave it to a mate to use and it packed up after about half hour of jerkbaiting

[@fishingmasterawesome]

You remind me of gordan Ramsay when he reviews food on kitchen nightmares

[@lesliecrowther2763]

O'Yes, great vid, having watched this, i have to say i to would be 100% appauled, at the quality of this reel, compared to the old ABU's, i do not know how they can call this an ABU, just in name only,as theres nothing else going for it. not for me thankyou, are we about to see the demise of ABU as we new it?? i will keep using my old ABU's,but i have recently become a big Akios fan, and currently am using three of them, so if this is the best ABU can do they've lost my custom, ( O' by the way, i have been using ABU's since around 1973 / 4 ) so from me, very BIG sorry to ABU, but youv'e burst my bubble, and will certainly never be purchasing any more abu's, shame realy as i have always sung the praises of your swedish quality reels. :-( but alas no more.

[@riley7796]

The abu garcia ambassaduer S series(59.99$)( like in this vid) are built like this. the others arent

[@gmonkman]

My opinion has from direct experience is that all 6500's are overrated. Penn 5x5s variants all the way for me. But this is an absolutely superb teardown and review.

[@marcelomallo5339]

Un fenomeno sos los ingenierios de abu hacen flor de reel vos lo modificas y anda mejor que sos uruguayo hablando en ingles?

[@handyallaround5776]

i agree this is garbage,,, im shocked at how i wasted my money on it , very good vid , warning people of the truth

[@Warndog9]

I can't believe I almost bought this reel. had it in my cart and everything. I ended up getting a used 6500C3 (early 90s model) for a tad bit cheaper. I wasn't sure if I made the right decision at the time but now I know I did. Seems like abu gave up on their whole "for life" philosophy in the name of easy profit from cheap china assembled parts/materials. This is very sad... Abu used to mean something. They still have some great Swedish reels available but it seems like they've sold out. This is not a "for life" product.

[@ImDembe]

Warndog C3 is great, it's the step in model in the "made in Sweden" models but one of Abus most sold models ever and that says alot about it.

[@Warndog9]

Yea I've been using mine for about a year now and I still love it. Was difficult learning to cast with one since I'm used to a spin but I have no regrets.

[@JoeyMeyers]

Easy solution buy the one made in Sweden! Not the one made in China

[@BadLilNinja]

You expected more from a $60 reel? Lol!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Disgusting piece of crap. I love Abu reels and have a new 6500 PH and a 7500 Blue Yonder both made in Sweden. I would like more but would not buy a Chinese made one. The old reels are probably the best bet. They look nicer too. Great video and it should warn people to stay clear of that reel.

[@nichwan]

Is the 7500 blue yonder made in Sweden?

[@PimpMyReel]

Nicholas Lancaster No, China

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Mine is Sweden.

[@PimpMyReel]

Nicholas Lancaster The 2015 Abu 6500 & 7500 Blue Yonder are made at Globo Sino factory in CHINA

[@ImDembe]

KRAZEEIZATION This is in the S/SX/STX line and they are not made in Sweden, not even the STX that is a 100£ reel. Cheapest made in Sweden model is the Classic "red" and it's about 110£ if i convert Swedish kronor to sterling. I was looking at a STX, they had a sale on them but after this i made the right thing to pick a C3 or a CS rocket instead.

[@ejterhune84]

my soul just got crushed as soon as you opened the box.

[@PimpMyReel]

Best reply ever 👍

[@julieshields6660]

i agree things maid in china are made cheap to keep the cost down than they jak up the price for cheap parts

[@mauricecrimm6953]

I do agree this is the worst ABU reel on the market, along with STX and SX series baitcast. However many of them will work better with a bearing upgrade. Dadsoletackle Has a much better Japan Made Ceramic Hybrid or Stainless Steel Bearing quieter stronger faster than all the China Made Bearings Satisfaction Guaranteed

[@bobgrobe5022]

I am perplexed by this video. From what I see you got a fake Abu Garcia 6500 C3. I own 5 5501 C3s, two are the old model three are the newer. I just bought a 6501 C3 in November 2015 and it looks nothing like the one in this video. It's still the same as the 3 newer model 5501 C3s that I bought in 2007-2008. All 6 of my C3s have made in Sweden stamped right into the side plate. none of the levelwind is plastic, it's all metal. the side plates are not the thin flimsy ones like what you're showing in this video. I have no bare metal. All the spindles are a separate piece and it can be removed from the spool. the spools are all heavy duty black anodized aluminum. Mine all have anti reverse. the centrifugal brake systems are all metal with the plastic sliding assemblies for the brake. Mine are all 5.3:1. this is for all of them including the brand new one I bout in November. These reels are only used for musky fishing and they all put up with the punishment that a musky can dish out. Nothing about my reels look like the cheap POS you're reviewing here. When taken apart there is no bare metal whatsoever.

[@PeriodWoodworker]

I would just cry but the tears might corrode the pitiful castings.

[@Blitz4000]

Blame it all in the economy and the rising inequality amongst people. Bringing back the strong middle class will drive products to higher quality and will ultimately bring back the kind of quality products that we all once have.

[@julieshields6660]

every thing is maid in china theas days

[@roosterdoc9958]

What a poor quality reel. Shame on Pure fishing for producing this rubbish on the back of a once well loved and respected brand..ABU. Made in China, where the quality control can be as good as anywhere, but to the standard dictated by Pure Fishing.

[@dennisharrison4744]

I don't buy new ones of got around 14 all from 69 to 90s

[@krayziejk]

I bought 3 of them and used em 2 times and the worm gear broke. I didn't even land a fish on the reel the 2 times I had fished. I am trying to get my money back and replace these pieces of junk. They are poorly made and a total disappointment.

[@larryguevara3350]

Just buy a good used one ebay cheep around 50..

[@dkat1108]

We all might as well buy KastKing reels for 1/2 the price of this China bs that are charging twice as much...

[@PimpMyReel]

Just reviewed a Kastking Rover 40R, its a fantastic reel for the price !!!

[@leonardh3299]

i mean its ttrash but u could say actually u get what u pay for

[@juansanchez5245]

That reel is fake dont buy reel or another stuff in ebay someone who really know the abu garcia reel recognize the reel u have is 100 % fake

[@jaynolan7526]

This reel is an absolute dumpster fire...The only good things is to buy it....rob it for expensive parts such as the drag system...reassemble it and take it back to the store and say it's garbage. Lol the bail actually uses a pin with snap ring...holy fuck ABU. I only stick with the ones made in Sweden. Fuck even their revo line has gone downhill.

[@nergrohombre]

What is Abu thinking with this junk? Their 7000 are now made in China. Makes me re-think the whole brand..

[@handyallaround5776]

this is a great vid on the reel i can do the same vid,, its garbage,, just wished my 3 months havent expired at walmart of it woudl go back,,, i feel scammed by this reel,, and it should be illegal for abu to even have their name on it ,, it should say chines abu,,, authorized by abu,, (but shouldnt have been)

[@CincinnatiWiLL]

Dont buy anyAbu Garcia unless the stamp "Made in Sweden" is on the side plate. Most reels not made in Sweden are cheaper and while they might hold a small fish they wont hold up to anything with decent size. Learned the hard way. You can google Abu Garcia reels made in Sweden to find a list of the models they still make. The rest are out sourced garbage.

[@bignoah808]

I just got one of these on sale for around $45 USD. oops?

[@bosshogindog]

This reel is a knock off

[@yakoobjunior9631]

Abu fishing reels were once beautifully made from Sweden. Now, they are all a piece of shit crap from China. Shame on Abu, you've lost my deep respect

[@D5DRIFT]

I'd say that's a fake. Even genuine dealers get fake stock every now and then. My abu's still come as they have for years. Even the ones in the shop are all sweet and as they used to be. This is a fake.

[@thelmaviaduct]

Slosh 20 or nothing.

[@dennisharrison4744]

Kastking rover actuly better lol

[@kountrytiger1999]

junk i assume the s stands for sh _ _ thanks for the review.

[@edwardtomlin8592]

It's a fake ....

[@derekguidry9032]

Chinese suck at quality.Thats why I buy all old Sweden ones and rebuild them.My favorite reel,but I would not buy one of those cheap ones even if I was only vhoing to use it once and throw it away.

[@alexmejia18]

This reel is made in china. Just like the box reels. I will never own one of these things. If it doesn't say made in Sweden stay away

[@Pepesilvia750]

The only shocking truth here is that you paid 80 GBP for it. Its worth 70 CAN $ I first thought the store you bought it from scammed you. I check on ebay.co.uk and it was selling for 60 GBP I own a C3 6500, bought it at bankruptcy sale but it IS WORTH 160 CAN $ and doesn't look ANYTHING like the piece of crap you're holding in your hands. The real C3 6500 is about 110 GBP on ebay.co.uk which makes much more sense considering the conversion rate. Id say you could blame abu garcia for making a chinese piece of crap like this but the price you paid doesnt reflect the price its sold anywhere else around the world Abu ambassador S serie C3 6500s. gear ratio 5:1:1 2 ball bearings (Ive seen that model not even sold in a box) on ebay: UK: 60 GBP CAN: 70$ US: 50$ Abu ambassador C3 6500 gear ratio 5:3:1 3 ball bearings (note that you can also upgrade this model to a C4) on ebay: UK: 110GBP CAN: 160 $ US: 120$ Shop your product before buying!

[@PimpMyReel]

I bought the reel in November 2013 and uploaded this video in December 2013. You looked at prices in April 2016 !! I think you are the one having the Homer Simpson moment! The price drop over a 3 year period reflects how bad the reel is....I did my product search due diligence before making the video!!

[@lbalistreri]

these are cheap reels 60 bucks at walmart and made in china just like the other two entery level round reels abu offers. I bought the one above this and broke the bait clicker on the first night on a fish run because the clicker design was dif than the c3 reel and this reel. The chineese made ones are terrible and yea its a buisness decision knowing that there are a lot of catfisherman in the states that want to spend zero money on gear and look the part but not really do the part and will buy it at walmart. The c3 is a little over twice as much but well worth it and anyone that really catfishes in the states uses the higher end models such as the 7000s.

[@jparryprodeal]

no Doubt, Fully agree, absolutely a Fxxking piece of Shit, I won't even want it for free. I ahem collect Abu reels since the late 70 when I could afford a Abu reel n rods from Sweden, Now I don't even want to touch a Abu rod.

[@TehUberGethKill3r]

I was about to buy this reel today... Thank you for this video. I will not be buying this, I'll save up for a proper 6500 not this Chinesium BS.