Round Baitcasters Question (Like Abu Ambassadeur)

[Felix77]

I recently purchased an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur SX Casting Reel.  

 

#1 - To try out a round reel

#2 - Because of it's 5x:1 ratio maybe use it for crankbaits (Square and/or deep divers)

 

I got a chance to try it out this past week and with 50lb test I didn't seem to be able to get any distance on the cast.  It made a lot of noise but I am not sure if it's the gears or the line going through the guide.  I was able to loosen the spool control a ton and still not get much distance compared to my other baitcasters.

 

I am a total noob with this type of reel so any tips, advice on what I could be doing wrong.

 

Was it a mistake to buy this rod for this purpose?

[B-Dozer]

I have more round reels than I ever will need. Abu C series and Record are great,

SX isn't one of my favorites, but you should disassemble and make sure it isn't packed with grease.

Chances are it will be

[MassBass]

I would think you should loosen the brake until the lure drops quickly. My old ambassaduer i don't use for casting for bass, i just use it for carp where i take one cast and let it sit.

[roadwarrior]

Sounds like the reel is defective. Take it back.

[aavery2]

Does this reel have a disengaging level wind?  Reading the specs I don't believe that it does.  When you cast a reel with a synchronized level wind the spool momentum also has to move the level wind back a forth and will rob you of some serious casting distance. 

[0119]

It's sad that they put the time honored Ambassadeur name on those S and SX models. At best I'm afraid you will have a short lived model that will most likely need heavy weight to cast. Don't let that model sku your opinion of Ambassadeurs. You really need to get a Swedish made C3 or better in the 4600 size for bass fishing or tossing lures. Maybe relegate the SX to bait fishing or catfishing.

[.RM.]

It's sad that they put the time honored Ambassadeur name on those S and SX models.

The S, SX, BCX, all of the new pure fishing garcia rounds are CRAP!!  

I have a 5601 BCX that is pure junk, I look at my older round reels 5501-83, 6500-83, all with the raised Abu emblem, and engraved side plates. Pure joy to fish heavy baits with. Now a days with the custom upgrading/tweeking we can do, they can on the smaller reels (2500,3500,4500,4600, even some 5000') throw 1/4oz baits...

As stated you would do better getting any of the 4500C3, 4600C3 (narrow spool) for light baits, 6500C4, 7000C4 (wide spool) for heavy baits .

Again the S, SX, BCX all junk...

 

The .02¢ of an old service tech.....

Tight Lines!

[Tywithay]

Did you remove the sideplate and turn off the centrifugal brakes?

[TiNuts]

I agree with RM. You want to try an abu round reel? Hit up ebay. I've bought four 5500Cs (89s) that were in near mint condition for about $40 each. One even came with the original box and sealed tool kit. A good cleaning and a new drag washer and they're freakin awesome.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Ya what others say get a c3 or c4 will last forever and so much cuztomization it will turn into a oppsession

[Felix77]

Thanks for the input all!   I opened her up and there was a TON, and I mean a ton of lube in there.  I cleaned up as much as I could making sure to leave a reasonable amount to keep the gears churning.  I will test this out first.  If it goes beyond this I am going to exchange it for something else.

 

Guess you can't win them all!

[Fishes in trees]

If you really want a good round reel that is built like a tank and will last a long time, stay away from all reels that start with A .  The only two words that you need to know, as far as round reels are concerned are SHIMANO CALCUTTA.  I will concede that there might be a couple of other words to know, but I don't know them.

[0119]

Yeah don't get one that begins with an A. Mine have only lasted over 40 years. Still look and perform as new. Praise the shimano god

[B-Dozer]

Yeah don't get one that begins with an A. Mine have only lasted over 40 years. Still look and perform as new. Praise the shimano god

exactly

[MacP]

If you really want a good round reel that is built like a tank and will last a long time, stay away from all reels that start with A .  The only two words that you need to know, as far as round reels are concerned are SHIMANO CALCUTTA.  I will concede that there might be a couple of other words to know, but I don't know them.

 

Surely, he's just kidding because he wants more Abus for hismelf.  I mean he's gotta be right?  :Idontknow:

 

Get an Abu C3.  Clean out the grease/lube and reapply yourself.  When casting, hold on it's side.  I can cast my 6501 C3 with 80lb test a mile (1 oz. baits minimum helps )

[*Hootie]

I have two red Ambassadeur 5000's that I bought in 1969 that still work perfectly and look as good as the day I bought them.

Hootie

[oldschoolbasser]

I guess Fishes in trees doesn't know that A being the 1st letter in the alphabet, is also the the 1st letter in the best round reels. Granted the newer reels are crap with the exception of the Record,and C4 Series. But my older Ambassadeur round reels have been proven bass catchers for over 40 years,and are still going strong! I can also get parts for these reels if something breaks,but the only 2 parts that have ever worn out are the pawl,and anti-reverse dog. My Ambassadeurs can match the Calcuttas lure for lure. Their designs aren't modern,but they're timeless.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I like calcuttas ...but i can get 4 or 5 used abus for the price of one calcutta used .and like oldschool said easy to get parts not that you need um but nice to know you dont jave to deal with shimano CS