Garcia linecounters Battery ? & R U happy?

[JCarp]

Hi,

I want a couple for nite trolling and can't find much info. Cabela's catalog has more info than Abu-Garcia's web site. I have to order them so can't check one out.

1. Any ideas on battery life with light on?

2. Can you turn the light off and on or just on with an auto shut off?

2. Can you replace the batteries yourself? type of battery? (Penn's you send the reel in).

3. Initial responses sounded promising, everyone still satisfied?


All input will be appreciated.

Thanks,
jc

[perchjerker]

Yes you can replace the batteries yourself.

Yes you can turn the backlight on and off.

Yes I like mine so far.

No, dont know how long the battery lasts.

Dont know exactly what kind of battery it is other than it said its a common watch battery.

I hear ya on the Penns. I have one. No problem with the battery. Very nice reel also.

[JCarp]

Thanks PJ,

I really appreciate it. That's everything I was wondering about.

I like the Penn's especially the 875LC, 500+ hrs on a 855 and a 875 and the batteries are still going... I want the light on the Garcia's. The automatic mode seems nifty too.

jc

[perchjerker]

There are a new nice features on the Abu. Just take the instructions out on the boat with you at first!

Good to hear about the Penns. I have a 855. You dont hear much about them.

[Chevy4sur]

I have installed two of the linecounters on 6500 reels and I am very happy... so far. They are very easy to install. I ordered mine through Cabels earlier this spring. I now noticed that Gander Mountain carries them also for $39.99 (!!!!!!)or $10 less than Cabelas.

While I'm happy with the counters, I have not yet used them for evening fishing and back light useage.

Yes, the batteries are easily changeable and readily available. I purchased extra batteries and carry them in my supplies box. And, I have removed the battery while in the boat.

I did have a situation last Saturday during daylight hours while fishing for browns on Lake Michigan where the display went blank on the one reel...that's frustrating in the middle of a fishing day! I took it apart in the boat, keeping a towel beneath the reel to catch any cap screws that might drop. I figured out that the battery was ok but the contacts needed cleaning/adjustment and it worked like a charm for the rest of the day.

Yes, do take the instructions out with you in the boat. One needs to remember the sequences needed to re-set the program...3 buttons, plus double presses plus single press plus scroll down options, etc. - reading instructions saves time! I know...I didn't have the instructions with me the first time I went out.

I also have two Penn 855s and have been very pleased with the accuracy and simplicity of their operation. I have not used them at night.

As I mentioned, I have added the line counters to two of my 6500C3 reels. I'm happy with the line counter; however, it has made what was a comfortable hand-fitted reel (6500) seem bulkly. I am planning to add a line counter to one of my 5500C3 reels in the believe that adding the line counter to it will make it just a hair bigger than a 6500. The line capacity of the 5500C3 is well over 200 yards of Sensithin/Sensation 12 lb test line which is plenty for my fishing.

Having added the line counter to reels where I use to measure line out by the number of "passes x feet" has increased my confidence as to the accuracy of the amount of line out. Whether that increased confidence is based on fact and will result in catching more fish -- I'm looking forward to finding out!

Jack.