Abu 5500 C3 Reel

[DON1937]

I did a search and came up with nothing. I bought 2 of these reels yesterday thinking they had "centrifugal" brakes which forum members seem to think is better than the magnetic type. That's what it says on the box but the owners manual says it has a 6 way magnetic brake. May not be a big difference in casting but I'm wondering why the box says one thing and the manual says another. Anyone who owns this reel feel free to comment. TIA

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There may be a translation issue or misprint in the manual. There are 6 cent brake shoes on the spool facing the crank side.

[DON1937]

Thanks. I e-mailed ABU before I received your answer.

[Crestliner2008]

I've bought Ambassadeurs since the early 70's and still have my original one - which one of my grandkids now uses. Still works fine after all the years and all the bass, pike and catfish! The last one I bought was about 10 years ago; it did not have a magnetic brake. To my knowledge, none of Abu's "round" reels do. For the money, those reels just can't be beat. I think I've got a half dozen of them now!

[slonezp]

Best reel for the money hands down. Built to last forever. Still have 2 in my arsenal. Both are close to 20 years old.

[Basswhippa]

Very reliable reel. I read on a forum a long time ago that if you bought 4600's you wouldn't ever have to worry about any other reels. Truer words have never been spoken. You might be outfancied, but you will never be "outreeled". It is the 5500's narrower brother.

[mikeeasttn]

I have two of the old Black 5000's from the 60's that I purchased at an estatesale. I still use them occasionaly and they still cast and retreve as good as my new reels. The ones made in Sweden will last forever and you will never be "outgunned" on the water.

[Senkoman12]

the ambassduer C3 are the 4x4 of the reel world

[QUIENYO]

My first casting reel was a 5501. I bought it about 15 years ago and still use it regularly.

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I have been having an issue with mine recently. Sometimes, after I've made my cast the reel does not "engage" when I begin to reel in the line. The handle spins, but there is no click and I'm not able to retrieve any line. Usually, when this happens I need to manually pull more line from the reel before the reel engages from turning the handle.

Any ideas? I'm running 14# Yo Zuri. Thanks.

[DON1937]

A good cleaning may help. There is a small brass gear that shifts the reel back in gear when you turn the crank. You'll have to remove the two small screws from the crank side of the reel to see the mechanism that may need cleaning.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Yup, a good deep cleaning is the prescription for sticky clutch syndrome. At that age the whole reel would certainly benefit.

[QUIENYO]

Thanks fellas. I'll see what I can handle on my own. If it gets too deep for me I may have to send it east to DVT.

[DON1937]

It's very easy to do yourself. I took my first 5000 apart the day I bought it. I put an old white sheet on a table and took it apart. There is nothing that will "spring" apart. Just pay attention to the way you take it apart. Now that phones have cameras just take pictures of each step and it'll be a cinch. DON"T over lube the innards.........I use a very light grease in very light doses.

[oldschoolbasser]

I currently have over 70 Ambassadeur round reels,most of them are from the"70's",but a few early 80's" models thrown in also. The beauty of these reels is that they can be upgraded with newer parts like bearing supported cog wheels,and dual bearing worm gears. They can also be Customized",and converted to make completely unique reels. I have 2 4500D direct drive reels,and a dozen reels with 10 bearing upgrades, carbon fiber drags,and a few of the reels now have light weight spools from Japan. These reels are so easy to work on,and parts are easily available. BTW,the C5 Mag,and the D6 Series reels have magnetic brakes.

[Capt.Bob]

The 5500 C3 has two centrifugal rollers on the pinion side of the spool, if it has Mag's, it aint a 5500 C3.

As far as lube goes I stripped mine of grease, as the level wind runs 100 % free spool or not, and if not upgraded is pretty crude. Every thing that spins in grease acts as a brake, I use Mobil 1 for everything except the spool bearings, on them I use yellow rocket fuel. My 5500's don't thow good with lighter than 1/4 oz but 3/8 and over it comes close to other reels, the trade of is noise, the grease not only slows the reel down but helps quiet it also. I say let her howl!! I still have 3 over 20 years old, all I use with the grand kids for Cat's and Carp in the rivers

[Maxximus Redneckus]

By far the best reels on earth ,,i own a LOT love um .its all i use and buy anymore

[zwhiten12]

What kind of lures do you mostly throw?

[Teal]

Its got to be one of the best reels ever made. I have a few that i striper and catfish with. I used a couple of mine for cranking for a long time till i bought "crankin reels" never had a bit of trouble out of mine.

[Sherlock 60]

I don't have any C3's but I have two C4's and they are built like tanks and will last forever.

 

The 5500 C4 is used for large swimbaits and smaller musky bucktails. The 6600 handles larger musky lures with ease.

 

Absolutely great reels that cast a mile!

[retiredbosn]

What kind of lures do you mostly throw?

With the 5500 size I stick to anything 3/8 or larger. They are well built, easy to work on and maintain. I don't know if its possible to wear one out.