Ambassadeur 5000 upgrade

[Billme]

I'm curious if anyone has changed the gearing on a older 5000? and if so is it cost effective?

I believe I read somewhere that the gearing is 3.7/1.

The reel is in good shape and I could probably find a use for it but would like to speed it up a little.

[bear7625]

They used to sell what they called "buzz gears" for the Ambassadeur 5000. I still own a few old Ambassadeur reels and even have a couple sets of buzz gears laying around. If I can find them, I will get back to you.

There is also a guy I know that repairs only Ambassadeur reels.

Chuck Brod

The Sportsman's Repair Shop

Mosinee, WI

1-715-693-6634

he also has a web site

[Billme]

Thanks Bear, that gives me something to start with.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What ratio are you trying to acheive?

[Kowen117]

If you up the gear ratio you lose some torque to pull fish out of heavy cover right if im wrong correct me

[oldschoolbasser]

I've converted a couple of 5000's,and 5000C's to 4.7:1 gears,and they work great.Parts are getting harder to find,but a guy on Ebay has a few sets for sale.

[Steve1357]

jmho, use it for worming or jigging, get on ebay and pick you up a "newer" 5000 with 4.7 or 5.3 retrieve. I'm thinking it won't cost much more than the parts needed to speed up your older 5000.

Mike's may have it or more ideas:

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/

His forums are pretty good too.

[Billme]

Thanks all. I'll follow up with your suggestions.

I was thinking of using it for a backup crankin' setup or if I could step up the ratio higher as a backup flipping setup. Depends on what I find.

I just like the simplicity of the reel.