Q'n about the Abu 5501c3

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:41 am

Picked this reel up for 60 dollars, brand new, no tax, at the new Bills Bait in Hamilton Yesterday.

is this a close out reel or? Its brand new, and was given to the shop by a distributer to sell....

I opened the reel up, and everything is brand new, and original.

Good deal or are these things discontinued?

(was going in to buy another Regal X, but they were out...anyone seen any Diawa Regal X's for sale anywhere?)

Post by **FLOATFISHIN** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:51 am

Awsome deal for that reel, if its brand new, aint nothin to shake a stick at for 60$ the normaly retail for upwards of 125 to 150 pending on the store.

F.F

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:54 am

best i can tell, its brand new.

no dirt and build up anywhere where you'd expect to see it, and when i opened it, the gears looked like they've never been used.

kid claimed he got it for free, used it, didn't like the left hand model, and put it in his show case to sell...

it was strange seeing all these bargain basement cheapo's (which is what sells in that shop!), then the abu...

the diamond in the rough!

Post by **FLOATFISHIN** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:59 am

Steve, I can see someone not likeing the 01 model"Left hand" some do think it will be easier, but then realize its not for them.

If you use a left hand retieve, Id say diamond in the ruff for sure

Did it come with the Abu gear oil? and little tool to take the screws off?

If not lemme know, or contact abu directly, for the "Abu Oil" is best for those reels.

F.F

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:04 am

nope, it unfortunately came with just the reel, as is.

BUT, my fishing partner bought the same reel, brand new (well, mine has a little push button to cast, his has the thumb bar rest for the push button), and should be able to give me some lube.

think if i call or email abu, and explain how i bought it, they'd send me the tool and lube?

also, i noticed the handle seemed a little shorter on the reel, and was wondering if they make a little bigger handle...

it feels funny reeling with a short handle.

Post by **FLOATFISHIN** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:37 am

Steve, I think the handels are all pretty much the same unless you get the "Muskie Collection" reel in the 6500 series.I may be wrong, but pretty sure.

Your buddy got the one with the thumb bar its probably a "C4"No diff in my books other than the extra bering, and the thumb bar.

If you contact Abu im sure they will send you the oil, and tool, and if noot Ive got a few spares here, and I'll mail one to ya no probs.

But Abu is really good to their customers, and Im sure they will help ya out too

F.F

Post by **Scum Frog** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:15 pm

I have the 6501 C3 and luv it. I use it for all sorts of applications.

Post by **big stick** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:37 pm

I have a 6500 c3 w/ the digital line counter and I have the smaller 5501 c3 and love the left hand retieve. The 6500 I had to get in the right to get the line counter. I love both these reels and use them for all kinds of fishin.

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:06 pm

Steve, if it ain't working out for ya, I'll take it off your hands for what ya paid for it.

The 5501C3 was the first baitcaster I bought 3 years ago. I have since bought a Quantum ACS which I like a little better cause it is a low profile.

With that being said, the 5501 was a great trainer, and still is a great reel for me.

As for the 5501 (5500) C3 going end of life? I have my doubts. They have been around for a million years.

M.T. Livewell

Post by RJ » Mon Mar 28, 2005 8:20 pm

Abu's are outstanding reels......I got a lemon 2 years ago (6500)....I've had it rebuilt once....if it acts up again this year.....she's goin back to Abu....they are great to deal with!

RJ