Closed face reel advice

[bromley]

Hi there

 

My old Abu 501 has finally given up the ghost and I'm after a new closed face reel. I thought of the Abu 704 but I've read some negative reviews, particularly with regard to to the pick up pins not engaging properly. The only alternative is the Daiwa 125M.

 

Which would be the better reel? - or I am better off looking on ebay for a second hand Abu 501

 

Advice appreciated lads.

[chesters1]

yup a second hand one will be your best bet but abu's dont give up the ghost unless the case breaks what happened?

[bromley]

Wish it could be fixed! Problem is that the reel was (accidently) run over by a lorry and its not much use for anything other than a paperweight!

[Andrew Boyd]

Hi Bromley

 

I had an ABU ( 503 I think ) for 33 years and updated it a few months or so ago, I ordered the Daiwa but it did not work, thankfully the supplier were very good about it and allowed me to change to the ABU. The reason, apart from the Daiwa not working, was there were to many flimsy plastic parts. The ABU's built to last and I expect to have it for the next 20+ years.

 

There a few on Ebay etc, but be careful, if see plenty of gear selling at near new when the P & P is added !!

[Guest tigger]

I'd get a replacement 501 off the bay as IMO there the best closed faced reel ever made.

[BoldBear]

I have an ABU 506 and it too is still going strong after approx 35 years of use. I would buy an abu closed face.

heres a few of ABU 506M's on ebay

[Dick Dastardly]

Yup a second hand 501 or 506M off Fleabay would be my preference as well.Like Tigger says never been a better closed face reel made.

[wunnus]

Good idea to go for one from ebay.

 

The daiwa reels have also lasted pretty well, need to keep up on maintainance tho.

 

I found the dam a bit hard to keep in good condition, line snags etc but it was a car boot job.

 

Abu very rugged.

much more fun that all those other reels.