Abu 1601C12 IAR

[Vidar6]

With a bit of TLC, this is what can be done to an Ambassadeur

 

Ambassadeur 1601C12 IAR, by UT Reel Technology

 

 

Ambassadeur 1500C was at its introduction 1977 one of the most successful ABU reels ever made, well built and specially engineered for ultra-light fishing. The spool bearings and the centrifugal breaking systems were both tailored to match the characteristics of that era’s monofilament line, vastly different from the braided lines typically used by today’s ultra-light anglers. The introduction of braided lines have completely changed the reels operating conditions, causing substantially more wear and tear on internal components, requiring a much more accurate spool control to avoid horrifying backlashes.

The drag system, with its large washer diameter, was at the time considered extraordinary, but with today’s high expectations and use of braided lines it doesn’t really compare.

 

UT Reel Technology have completely disassembled the original reel and modified its construction, not only to address its known original weaknesses, but also in order to create a reel with true world-class performance characteristics, vastly exceeding what’s available in the market. This reel is specially tailored to be used in conjunction with braided lines, whilst being engineered and built to give its owner a life long trouble free angling experience and maximum pleasure.

 

Modifications:

 

The High-speed system (spool, spool bearings and levelwind system):

 

1) The frame is blue printed to an angular accuracy at about 30 seconds of arc in three dimensions.

2) The spool is a super lightweight aluminum spool from Avail in Japan, where the spool shaft has been carefully measured for straightness.

3) Three spool bearings (ceramic hybrids with metal parts of stainless steel and balls made out of Silicon Nitride) are installed to eliminate all power throbbing vibrations in the spool shaft. The bearing tolerances are optimized for use with lures in the 5 - 40 grams range and treated with Yellow Rocket Oil.

4) The Centrifugal breaking system is installed with one break-block in size 1844, which can be considered an excellent starting point. However, a mixed set of break blocks of different sizes and weights are supplied, for a true optimization to the owner’s rod, casting technique and intended use.

5) The idler gear is weight reduced and has two; tolerance matched ceramic hybrid bearings added for minimum friction and inertia whilst casting.

6) The original worm gear bushings are exchanged with tolerance matched ceramic hybrid bearings, lubricated with Yellow Rocket Oil.

 

The low speed system (crank, power train and drag system):

 

1) The original drag washers are exchanged to CarbonTex washers. The metal washer is ground flat with 600 grit and all surfaces are treated with a smallish amount of Cal’s 2speed reel grease before assembly, giving an ultra smooth, rugged, extremely capable, moisture and temperature independent drag system.

2) The IAR-bearing is cleaned and treated with a special lubrication to keep out water and moisture, securing max functionality over the widest possible temperature range and minimizing the risk for corrosion.

3) The reel is fitted with a 80mm long dual paddle handle, made out of chromed brass, with two roller bearings installed in each knob.

[Ken L]

Why ?

Just go out and buy a Calcutta 151 and put the ABU in a case and look at it.

[Vidar6]

Why ?

Just go out and buy a Calcutta 151 and put the ABU in a case and look at it.

 

Why not???....

 

How incredible boring life would be if we always just kept buying and using run off the mill products with little soul or personality. Considerable amount of punters like to own a Morgan sports car because of its classic looks, but it also has ultra modern high performance properties.

 

You can't even begin to compare the casting performance this reel has, with lures in the ¼ - 1oz range, to any available Shimano Calcutta reel, with the possible exception of the DC version. I can tell you one thing; this Abu reel will work perfectly, years and years after the digital computer circuit fitted in the DC reel has given up.

 

Fact is, modestly customised Ambassadeur 2500C reels fitted with Avail lightweight aluminium spools holds almost every long distance baitcasting record in the world, talking about the 5/8oz class, inducing the British record.

 

By the way, the British record currently stands at 116.98 meters

 

Oh well, every one to their own

Edited April 10, 2006 by Vidar6