Which Abu 7000

[TReX300]

I'm looking for a new big blade reel and cant spend a ton son I'm thinking about an ABU 7000 as I have several 6500's and done well with them. Only thing is I'm not sure which 7000 is the right one. I've done some searching and seen plenty of "get a 7000" posts but none saying which model. There's the 7000i, the 7000i C3, the 7000i CS and the narrower 7000i HSN. The first three are aa 4.1:1 and the last is 5.3:1. I do alright with my 6500's at 5.3:1 and a power handle but would like something a little better suited. I mainly throw dbl #10's a few dbl #13's and some double #8's. Any USEFUL input is appreciated.

Thanks
Tim

[went522]

I've been putting some hours on the IC3. From sturgeon to skis and some catfish. It's main purpose is skis. The clicker is a must have if you troll or fish sturgeon and cats. I'll be matching the reel up for use on my Salmon trip coming up the second week of July...that will be a true test! So far I'm very pleased.

It casts very well, smooth retrieve and drag. I can sling a double 13 way further than I need. The 4-1 ratio it's perfect for double 10's and 13's, makes them a breeze to pull in. They also make the IC3 in a HS(high speed). But you don't want that for double 10's anyway.

I'd stay away from the standard 7000i (big game) and HSN which is a washer drag...they wear out, and the HSN is 5-1.

For sure you want the 4-1 ratio. The synchro model allows for reversing the handle to reduce the drag to 25% if needed. I find that model intriguing but I wonder about how that feature would hold up over time?? Sometimes the more "features", the more problems and I didn't want that.

I'd look into the IC3 or ICS, both are 4-1 ratio, have the carbon matrix drag, synchronized level-wind(don't confuse this with the "synchro" model), good shielded bearings, etc. Both good reels.

The IC3 has worked well for me, I enjoy it.

Good Luck.

BIRDDOG

[Todd M]

Alopt of guys use the HSN with a 4 to 1 conversion. Rollie and Helens sells it. That is the black narrow reel. You could probably have one of your 6500's converted to 3.8 to 1, I am pretty sure you can still get the winch gears. ASny of the 4 to 1 7000's will work.

[dcraven]

I've got about three different 7000's - they last forever and are workhorses. I don't even know which ones are which, but I do have an "i" and one that was called a "7000 - Red" - I think that was made for two years. One of them makes weird sounds but after 20 years it just keeps on tickin'. They seem to be indestructable... My buddy, Rob Kimm has one of those narrow models and loves it. Kudos to the 7000's

dc

[wallymn99]

Which abu? NONE... except the Revo Toro perhaps. But if you are looking for a good reel for the same price, check out the Shimano Cardiff. I think its better made for $109 than the 5600's etc.... also can look at the Okuma Akena for $99.. Again, better made.

[went522]

I could be mistaken but doesn't the Cardiff only come in 5.8 and 5.2-1? And I believe the Akena only comes in 5.1-1...these aren't the reels/ratios a guy wants for Dbl. 10's and 13's.

The folks that are using lower priced, high geared reels for the baits mentioned are often burning them up, regardless of make.

Don't get me wrong, my Cardiff was a great reel...until I started burning double 10's. To much work with the gear ratio and it burned up. Same can be said for my 5600 and Abu record. The high gears can't handle hard pulling baits.

I've never held a Akena but I can't imagine it's going to hold up the baits he's throwing.

I don't get the abu bash? They are the most widely used muskie reels ever made. The 7000's and the winch are widely becoming some of the most recommended reels for large bladed baits...and for good reason.

BIRDDOG

[brendar7639]

Hello !
I am also a new member. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guy !

[wallymn99]

Went... i have used Abu's for many years when i first started fishing for muskies. Those reels, compared to others are not as good. Again, this is MY opinion, but for under $100, there are better choices. And truthfully, if you want a cheap reel to pull dbl 10's, there isn't such a thing to begin with. THERE isn't a "cheap" reel that is going to last.

If you are serious about casting dbl 10's, 13's, they you need a **** good reel. Calcutta 400TE, or Revo Winch, salist, toruim... But not a everyday abu garcia. My old Abu's couldn't even hold up to 45 days a year on the water without repair and replace. I have a box full of them. And yes, i have tried the 7000's and they are not even close to as smooth as other price point reels in that category.

I currently use the Abu Revo Toro Winch, also the REVO standard 5:1, and St Croix AC300's for big blades. All are premium reels but they all go over $200 which isn't what i would consider cheap. The 7000 is about $160. for $60 m ore you can get a St croix or Winch.

[bigdipper]

for those of you who are fans of the Shimano Trinidad 16N (narrow spool) for double 10's, etc... check out Avet Reels at www.AvetReels.com and look at the MXJ 5.8 M.C. reel (1 reel crank = 38 inches of line pickup) and the JX 6 M.C. reel (1 reel crank = 46 inches of line pickup)

these reels do not have a levelwind, but they do have magnetic cast control (hence the M.C. in the name) are built like a tank AND best of all - come in left hand retrieves as well!!! (unlike Shimano's Trinidad) The reels listed above approach 20 ounces.

I just ordered 2 of the above reels in the silver color (you can also get blue, red, etc.) and have yet to get them out on the water - but they are nothing if not solid. i ordered them from www.Charkbait.com which was recommended to me by the manufacturer. The quality construction of these reels are mighty evident as soon as you hold them in your hand... the price tag is much friendlier than the corresponding Shimano products and they are machined and assembled in the USA.

These reels are made for the salt and should last a lifetime.

[AllenW]

I could be mistaken but doesn't the Cardiff only come in 5.8 and 5.2-1? And I believe the Akena only comes in 5.1-1...these aren't the reels/ratios a guy wants for Dbl. 10's and 13's.

The folks that are using lower priced, high geared reels for the baits mentioned are often burning them up, regardless of make.

Don't get me wrong, my Cardiff was a great reel...until I started burning double 10's. To much work with the gear ratio and it burned up. Same can be said for my 5600 and Abu record. The high gears can't handle hard pulling baits.

I've never held a Akena but I can't imagine it's going to hold up the baits he's throwing.

I don't get the abu bash? They are the most widely used muskie reels ever made. The 7000's and the winch are widely becoming some of the most recommended reels for large bladed baits...and for good reason.

BIRDDOG

The bashing comes, from I believe the reels not being made by abu in Sweden anymore and being made in china (?) I think.

It's to bad as I have several 6500 and 6600 reels of loder vintage and they have proved to be very good reels.

To replace them, I'm buying the Cardiff's now, but I'm not sure how they work for what he needs.


Al

[TReX300]

Thanks for the replies guys. The 6500, Cardiff and similar reels are among the bunch I already own and they just dont do it for big blades. They work as in they reel them in but dont do it like I want them to. I know I'm going to have to go into something larger and geared different to get the job done and thought the 7000 might be a decent place to start. After a very crappy divorce I'm really having to watch every penny I spend right now. That extra $60-$75 on a reel can make the difference between fishing that month or not.

Thanks
Tim

[wallymn99]

There lies the problem however, the cheaper reels just won't last pulling large blades. Just gotta make due.