Why Are The Old "round" Baitcasters Still Popular?

[Oldbritguy]

Being somewhat new to this forum, I'm a bit curious as to why the old "round"  baitcasting reels, (like my old 1978 ABU Ambassadeur ) are still popular, and some are also quite expensive?  When there are so many of the newer 'low profile' models available, that seem to be much more suitable for casting.   

 

What is it about the older style 'round' reels that they are still selling, and some at such high prices?  Can they do some things the newer designs can not do?

 

Really interested to hear your opinions. . .

 

[WdyCrankbait]

Those old Abu's just flat out work!  They are the tanks of baitcasting reels!  I would love for them to do an arbor type round casting reel.  There is a lot of material that could be trimmed away to save weight.

[5fishlimit]

Newer isn't always better.

I picked up a round reel this winter as I felt it was a better choice for using with swimbaits because of more line capacity.

[John G]

The round reels are classic designs and IMHO, they will never look dated and there is nothing about a Shimano Calcutta that makes it not suitable for casting. Pricing for a quality round reel has been in line with what you would pay for a quality low profile reel. 

[Jrob78]

A lot of the newer round reels have the same features and technology as the low pros.  Just because they're round doesn't mean they're outdated or antiquated.  

[Goose52]

Agree with all the folks above. As John said, they are classics, and they are FUN to fish with.  Would I fish exclusively with round reels? Not necessarily; there are lots of tools in the box to enjoy, both low-profile and round BC reels,...but I DO have a fondness for the round reels.

 

Now, if only a 50 or 100 size round reel had an IPT of around 26 to 28"...I could fish with round reels only...

 

[ColdSVT]

My first was a calcutta...i love that reel!

Bought it in 2002 and i still use it quite often!

[new2BC4bass]

My cheap 1600 Black Max reels are excellent casting reels that handle light weights and strong winds better than some of my low profile reels.  My 1600 size Morrums are extremely well built and casting machines as well.  Both can be palmed rather easily.

 

I like my low profile reels too well to ever give them up, but neither do I plan on selling my round reels.

 

Nice looking collection, Goose! 

[BobP]

A lot of guys learned baitcasting on round reels back in the day.  Plus some of the best ones like the Calcutta, Morrum, or the old round Promax were built with components that just refuse to die.  They tend to be mechanically simpler but heavier and less handy to palm than the latest low profile baitcasters but if you are used to throwing them, or if you need a reel with more line capacity, they are bullet-proof work horses.  I prefer the handiness and balance of a light low profile reel but still use some round reels for heavy duty lures like C-rigs, heavy jigs, and umbrella rigs.    

[aquaholic]

I dont think id like them for bass fishing, but i do enjoy them for cats 

[The Rooster]

I used Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels for bass fishing for about 10 years. I loved their looks, loved their strength and solid feel, but didn't care for their bulk and weight. When I got my first low profile of today's sizes I sold my old round reels since all I do is bass fish. Now I'd get another round reel in a minute if I went back to cat fishing or needed a lot of line capacity for something. As far as bass fishing them again, I know more now than I did then so that would never happen again.

[Goose52]

Yep - Ambassadeurs can be a handful in the larger sizes.  The 5000 in my photo isn't as much fun to use as a low-profile reel for sure. I like using the 1500 (silver Abu in the photo) - much nicer to palm but it still doesn't have a recessed reel foot so it's bigger than an LP.  However - Calcuttas are a whole 'nother story.  The deeply recessed reel foot makes them much easier to palm.  In my hands, my 50-series Calcuttas & Conquests palm about the same as any of my LP reels.

 

Heavy weight?  The Calcuttas I use the most - 50 and 100 sizes - weigh between 6.6 and 9.5 ounces - not bad.

 

Use the equipment that you enjoy the most...but if your only experience with round reels is with old-school Ambassadeurs, then you haven't had the complete round reel experience...

[dinneronastring]

I purposely bought a large round reel for heavier line and more of it and heavier drag because I'm going for the record catfish in Maryland this year. 

[Catt]

All I own are Calcutta & Cardiff because they are solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of ChannelLocks, & dependable as a 30/30!

[Maico1]

Technology has moved right along including Round Reels,thus making them fun to fish with.They palm very easily and probably are a little deceptive when you look at them from that aspect. With a recessed reel foot they do lay down real sweet onto the rod making them very comfortable to cast with. From the 50 up to the 300 they all have a home in my quiver....I would suggest you try one and see for yourself...The Round Ones minus a few.

[0119]

My 4500 size Ambassadeurs are narrower than most low profiles and as easy to palm.  My 2500/1500's are easier to palm than modern reels.  Parts are still available, something that cannot be said for many low profiles that are only a few years old.  There is nothing to maintaining them and I never need to send them to an 'expert'.  Tons of customizing and super tuning parts are available and it offers me just another aspect of the sport to enjoy.  The exteriors are much more durable and they look like new decades after being bought.

[roadwarrior]

If anyone is interested I have a CTE200GT I would sell for $275.

9/10 cosmetically, 10/10 mechanically.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The round reels are durable, powerful, capable of high line capacity and are just plain fishing machines. Some every bit as refined as their low profile brothers. 

[.ghoti.]

I used to have three four Daiwa Millionaires; three 103s and a 253. I added outer pinion bearings, driveshaft bearings, levelwind bearings, carbontex drags, four bearing TD-Z handles and SS abec7 spool bearings to all four. Plus a full internal polishing. They were shweeet.

 

I still kick myself for selling them.

[Rangerjoe]

I have several Morrum 3600M, SX3600Mag, SX1600, SX3600Ferrell and a couple of Black Max and Pro Max 1600. I love the round reels.

[tholmes]

I use, almost exclusively, the round, Swedish-built Ambassadeurs. Like others have said, they're strong, reliable workhorse reels that are every bit as good quality as most low-profile reels. Plus, they're easy to work on and parts are readily available, even for reels that are decades old. I bought my first Ambassadeur in 1968 and I've not yet found a compelling reason to switch.

 

In my case, the round reels just feel better in my hand. I have hands about the size of coal shovels and have no difficulty at all palming them, even the 5000 size. 

 

Tom

[A-Jay]

The round reels are durable, powerful, capable of high line capacity and are just plain fishing machines. Some every bit as refined as their low profile brothers. 

 

~ X2~

 

For Sure.

 

A-Jay

 

[Felix77]

I just bought my 1st round reel ... I was extremely curious about them and decided to invest in an Abu Ambassadeur.  Can't wait to try it.

[WIGuide]

They generally offer more power and have a higher line capacity. As you can see here, many people still use them for bass fishing, but they seem to rule in the musky and northern niches.

[Hyrule Bass]

i only have two baitcasters and both are round reels and both abu ambassadeurs. i love them. one i use for catfish and striper, the other i use for bass and catfish.

 

pretty much though, i have very little interest in low profile baitcasters. maybe one day, just not now...