ABU 7000 - Red

[dudley]

My mate wants to start using overhead reels for the first time. The abu 7000 seems like the best one for a newbie.
They are scarce here in melb. Does anyone know where he can get one at a good price? He doesn't have a lot of cash as do most of us . The best i have seen is $180 + delivery.
Thanks in advance,
Peter

[Benben86]

They seem to be quite cheap from the uk. Wait for a good exchange rate. The Penns are not that bad either.

[Daintreeboy]

I'd actually suggest a Shimano Charter Special over the 7000. If you want a level wind these are a good reel around the same price. They are basically a TLD 15 with a level wind so you will get a quality reel.

[dudley]

Thanks guys. He is a newbie and the abu seems the easiest to learn. When he gets better he can get something better.

[Jeremy]

Why does he want an overhead reel if he is a newbie? Takes alot of practice to cast well. Might be better with a spin reel. Can get something decent (newbie decent) for under $100.

If he doesn't need to cast, then definitely get a TLD15 or charter special. Much better reels for similar money.

[dudley]

sorry guys. a newbie to casting overheads. has been fishing for about 25 yrs and quite experienced.He wants levelwind, hence the abu's.

[Benben86]

Picked up a Penn 320gti today (thanks Mickthe) and value for money they are not bad.

[metaloid]

Hi Peter,

I did exactly the same thing as your mate, got an Abu 6500 to learn casting an OH. That was 10 years ago now... so since then I've been "accumulating" a bit more bling: Shimano Curado, Daiwa 7HT, Penn Torque. But the Abu is definitely the best reel to start learning imo.

Best place to start shopping for a good deal is eBay. You should be able to get a second hand 6500/7000 delivered for under AUD 120.

[sprat]

Great reels - Abu 7000. Have been using them for over 20 years and can't fault them.. tough as.

If you're fishing where there are lots of rocks, the 5.3;1 retrieve Abu 7200 is a better bet but they are a bit scarcer.

Flebay is your best bet, as I've picked up some good value there.

[hangar]

the 6500 is a better choice for casting off the surf for salmon and tailer try the c3.but if you want to drag in gummys and rays you need at least 7000.i have both but the 6500 is the reel i use most.as well ebay is your best bet to get one cheaper

[Pridey]

I learnt to flick an overhead with a 5600, awesome little reel, covers a lot of bases for target species as well.

Make sure its the model with the swedish crest.. they seem to be made better.

[hangar]

all reels under 7000 are still made in sweeden,7000 and above are now made asia, tiawan i believe.you can still pick up some nice ones on the ebay.i dont know how good the asian reels are but i hate the thought of owning a good sweedish reel made in asia.or anything else thats been sold out for economic gain versus reliability.

[Benben86]

I get my abu's from an eBay shop. Real good prices and you always get some soft plastics in the box. 2 weeks for postage. I got a 6500c3 for $70 including postage. Bargain

[Pridey]

That really is a bargin, well done mate. Mind letting me know which seller/shop ?

[dudley]

Thanks guys for your input.
He ended up with a 7000I pro rocket. Apparently a very good long cast reel with the carbontex drag conversion thrown in.

[Pridey]

all reels under 7000 are still made in sweeden,7000 and above are now made asia, tiawan i believe.you can still pick up some nice ones on the ebay.i dont know how good the asian reels are but i hate the thought of owning a good sweedish reel made in asia.or anything else thats been sold out for economic gain versus reliability.

A mate went an bought an ambassador a few months ago, same size, and it is rather different to mine when it comes to operating it. My ratchet is very different, and everything else seems to be of better construction. (I have the crest, he doesnt, definatley Abu though) Any Ideas?

[Fatenhappy]

Thanks guys for your input.
He ended up with a 7000I pro rocket. Apparently a very good long cast reel with the carbontex drag conversion thrown in.

Nice choice Dudley ... Good luck .....

Perhaps food for thought since you said old mate was just starting out with 'em .... I still go back to dry land casting occassionally with just a sinker and nothing else now and again when I've been away from them for a while..... Just helps get the timing right and saves grief in a hurried situation helping to prevent birds nests !!!

[dudley]

Thanks fatenhappy.
Got it yesterday and put some 30lb suffix on it. I stripped it and got rid of the excess grease especially around the level wind cog . then oiled it all with light machine oil. Spins incredibly quickly now. The plan is to engage all 4 brake blocks and go to the local oval tomorrow with a variety of sinkers and let him loose.
Cheers,
Peter

[bentleyd]

Thanks fatenhappy.
Got it yesterday and put some 30lb suffix on it. I stripped it and got rid of the excess grease especially around the level wind cog . then oiled it all with light machine oil. Spins incredibly quickly now. The plan is to engage all 4 brake blocks and go to the local oval tomorrow with a variety of sinkers and let him loose.
Cheers,
Peter

Better than sinkers on the turf is a plastic burley bomb, doesn't bury itself and saves a lot of walking out to find it and dig it up.
Good luck, definetly worth the effort to learn.

[hangar]

if you want some distance from the 7000 you need to hot it up.bearings /is the first thing.and brakes are the second try just two brakes and get some heavier oil on the bearings.they tend to fade at the end of a cast due to overbraking with the blocks.and dont,DONTtouch the spool during the cast.i live in bonbeach and can give some advice,just pm me.peter