ABU Garcia 5600AB reel

[djjoe]

Is anyone using this anti-backlash reel who would share their opinion of it? Or what would be a better choice? Thanks. Joe

[Jeff_IN]

Thumbs down on this one. However, they have a reel called the 5600C4 MAG that is essentially the same reel without the pop-up AB thing. It's even the same color (that light blue\silver finish). It has a selector on it that almost looks like a bait clicker but, is actually a magnetic cast control feature. It has the brake settings marked on the reel. I think it is relatively new because I haven't seen many of them. I bought two at a local Wal Mart and they said they came in with this year's shipment of new goods. They run about $10.00 less than the AB and you don't sacrifice casting distance and have that annoying flip-up, prone to break thing on the reel. Jeff

[Bar]

I own the reel and its not a bad rell at all,everyone talks trash about it but i think its a fine reel u can use it as a regular baitcast reel without the backlash or with it on so u get the best of both worlds. If i dont use the backlash i just thread the line through the line guide and not the anit backlash system and its just like the abu c3 but it has the abs.

[Jeff_IN]

That is pretty much my point. If you bypass the anti backlash, it works like a dream. It looks good, feels good, runs smooth, and casts well. However, if you are bypassing the anti backlash, you essentially have the 5600C4 Mag (with an extra bearing on the MAG I think) right down to an identical appearance. The MAG has a magnetic brake as well to handle the anti backlash duty. I have both of these reels on St. Croix Premier 7' M action PC70MF rods. With the same line (Stren MagnaThin) the AB using the flip up doesn't come close to the casting distance of the MAG. My angle isn't to 'trash' the reel, it is to provide feedback on an option that is $10.00 cheaper and performs the same (when not using the AB).

[djjoe]

Thanks guys,I'm getting one of each. Have to find that C4MAG. Joe

[djjoe]

Hi again guys, Getting a 5600AB was no problem, but the 5600C4 MAG appears to be an elusive target. The 2000 catalog from Pure Fishing refers to two MAG reels available in the Asian and European markets: 6500CS MAG (Asia);6500C3CT MAG
(Europe). They're touted as longcasters and are priced at $150. Phil, you've got a nice reel there and I'm going to have some fun finding one for myself. Thanks for the tip.Joe

[Jeff_IN]

That's unusual. I know the C4 Mag doesn't show up in catalogs but, Walmart stores in my are (Central, IN) all have them. They sell for $89.95 and are on the display right next to the AB. If you were to pass by them without looking real close they look the same. I bought two of them a couple of months ago. Let me know if you want to work out some arrangement to get one from here..Jeff

[djjoe]

Hi Jeff, I emailed Walmart and will wait on them and also give my local store another look. BTW, that European model I mentioned is for distance contests which are popular over there. Spool speeds of 30,000rpm and 5 oz. lure casting up to 800' !! I also looked at Ebay which has a lot of ABU Garcia reels at auction. That place is really "buyer beware". I'll let you know how I make out and thanks for the quick reply. Ice is long gone over here in Erie,PA and they're killing the Steelhead right now. Goodfishin'...Joe