Well, Ive decided to finally retire my ABU5500c. I actually bought this reel used, at a sporting goods store that took reels and reworked and rebuilt them. Purchased in 1989. Since that time I had the anti reverse pawl repaired once. Cleaned and lubed each year, it's done a great job. I couldn't guess the number of fish brought in with this reel. I've heard and read that the newer round ABU reels are not the same quality? Not sure about this. I've got my eye on a Shimano Calcutta. Round reels seem to work out best for me, and the Shimano seems to be the best one available. I'll be ready this coming season for sure.Any thoughts or recommendations from the round reel users?I know that folks who have these reels speak highly of them.
