anyone have used this reel?

[Red]

ny opinions on this reel would be much appreciated

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0036112120606a&navCount=13&podId=0036112&parentId=cat20333&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20333&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20333&hasJS=true

[roadwarrior]

You can probaly get a Shimano Symetre on sale for the same price.

[Red]

ok well being an AG fan for years now...i guess i would need some convincing to switch over....can you help me out there rw?   ;D

Cliff

[Raul]

ok well being an AG fan for years now...i guess i would need some convincing to switch over....can you help me out there rw? ;D

Cliff

Just trust him; I concur with his recomendation, a Daiwa Theory is also a good option ( TW has them on sale plus free shipping ).

[roadwarrior]

ok well being an AG fan for years now...i guess i would need some convincing to switch over....can you help me out there rw? ;D

Cliff

My first Shimano reels were Symetre 500 and 1000 bought around 1996 or 97. Although I gave them away a few years ago my friends are still using both of them. I had them serviced once when I owned them, but I'm sure my friends haven't. These reels are not nearly as nice as the newer modesl, but they are just as smooth and strong as they were the day I bought them.

As I have posted many times before, the Stradic is what I consider the "best value" in the Shimano line-up, but several other members of the Posse have argued that they like the Symetre BETTER! So, at the pricing point you have in mind, that is the better fit. You will find these reels to be strong, smooth, silent and reliant. If you service this reel occasionally, it might last a lifetime, but it will certainly be "like new" five or ten years from now.

[Ballpark Frank]

I have 2 of the Cardinal 3's and love them. I've been an AG only nut since I started fishing 30 years ago, when my Granpaw gave me an original Cardinal 3 and a 5000 Red. I also have a 500 and an 800, I actually like them a little better than the 3's. The rear drag is a little hard to get used to on the 3. If you are an Abu fan, you will be happy with it.

[Red]

well i just dont know...first off i wont be buying anything anytime soon, hopefully by next spring.....i was about to consider the shimano untill basspaddler came along and encouraged my about AG...guess i will just have to wait till the time is right and make the decision

thanks for the input, keep it coming

Cliff

[Guest the_muddy_man]

My friend Dan uses a couple of these and he really likes em. He fishes for smallies on the Susqy., Im going out with him for smallies soon I will ask him, I never used them myself.

PS here we go again A guy asking about a reel and we go right on the Shimano Train  GEEZZZ!

[Micro]

I've heard mixed reviews (mostly good though).  I have used the AG Cardinal 500ABL and liked it very much.   It's a little less expensive, it's got a conventional drag, and the guts of the reel appear to be substantially strong.

The 800 seems to be the one to get though.  

Viva Abu Garcia!

[Red]

yeah i kinda started that muddy...i am 99% sure i will go with a AG again, but i figured i would hear what everyone had to say to convince me to try a shimano....i have owned 3 cardinals and 3 ambassaduers...they have all been good to me, and will be even better now that i have a reel mech to take them to....anyway if anyone does have info on this reel, i would appreciate the feedback'

thanks

Cliff

[roadwarrior]

PS here we go again A guy asking about a reel and we go right on the Shimano Train GEEZZZ!

Well, I see what you mean...ask about a reel and get a Shimano reply...You're right.

[cart7t]

My son has 2 very similar spinning reels. Not sure what the model is but they're AG's.  I've fished with them, nice reels.

[BassPonder72]

I have 2 of the Cardinal 502s and I love them.  They are plenty strong enough to handle big bass too.  Ive hauled in several 5-6lb fish with no problems.  Yes they are a little cheaper than the 3 you are looking at.  so, another vote for AG!

[MALTESE FALCON]

Abu Garcia............"For Life"

That says it all.

Falcon

[kybassangler]

I like this one have had one for 3 yrs. Very smooth reliable, and its cheaper.

Tackle Warehouse got 'em $41.95

Muddy would be proud! ;D

[budhastalin]

I use this reel several times per week.  It is very smooth and overall I am pretty pleased with it.  I have used an old cardinal from the 70's for most of my life and I really like that it is a bit of a throwback to the original.  The most important feature is the rear drag, it is very smooth and easy to adjust, it also never seems to budge the way some rear drags sort of "drift" from getting handled.  The only thing about the reel that I have had an issue with is that it has developed a strange "shake" for lack of a better word when the spool oscillates down.  I believe that it will be easy to rectify however with a little oil.  I primarily fish for trout and salmon with this reel, and it is great to use with a 6' rod and 6# test or with my big 8'6" rod and 12# test.  It also performs well retrieving bass gear.  I don't know if I would pay $65 for it, I got mine for 39.99 on sale.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I like this one have had one for 3 yrs. Very smooth reliable, and its cheaper.

Tackle Warehouse got 'em $41.95

Muddy would be proud! ;D

Nah, I wouldn't . I try to focus on what the guy is asking. If it's a blind suggestion, then i suggest what I know and use. If it's about a specfic product a guy is thinking about buying, suggesting something else doesn't help him for what he is asking!

[Red]

thanks guys, i appreciate it, like i said i am not buying anything soon, just trying to get some info, i plan to upgrade next spring...especially my rods, but i got them picked out i think...so all i have left is a spinning reel, appreciate all the info

Cliff

[FishTank]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ABU-Cardinal-3-new-box-etc-NIB_W0QQitemZ180156158366QQihZ008QQcategoryZ11728QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The new Cardinal 3 looks cool but when I saw this it brought back some good memories.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Abu Garcia............"For Life"

That says it all.

Falcon

YUP stick with what u know them 3,s been around longer then any shimano WILL think about being around .Too me 10 yrs is still a baby for a reel when u hit 20 30 yrs and can hand it down to your greatgrandkids THEN and only then is it worthy of bein considered reliable,tough,great buy  etc etc ......................ABU ...FOR LIFE who coulda thought of a better headline for there reels only a reel company thats been in business 50 yrs or more and STILLL GOING strong

[Maxximus Redneckus]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ABU-Cardinal-3-new-box-etc-NIB_W0QQitemZ180156158366QQihZ008QQcategoryZ11728QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The new Cardinal 3 looks cool but when I saw this it brought back some good memories.

 You gonna grab it???????

[Red]

well i went to academy to get a couple things tonight...while i was there i had to check out the reels, i was hoping to see an AG C3 spinning, but they dont carry them....but i did put my hands on a symetre(sp)....it was $74...i have to admit, that is a nice reel...but....he then introduced me to another reel i have never used....i dont know which model it was but it was an okuma....it was $78.....if i had to choose, i would go with the okuma....that is a nice reel, it felt great, very smooth....anyway, if i decide to make the switch to another brand besides AG, it just might be okuma....anyone have anything to say about those?

Cliff

[Red]

just looked it up, the okuma reel i was checking out was the inspira