Abu Garcia Cardinal 102i

[Murdoch]

Hi guys and girls,

I have been reading on the site for a few months now, and decided I would join up, so this is my first post.

Couldn't find much info on the Abu Garcia Cardinal reels, and was wondering what opinions were of them? Do they hold up? Worth it for the money?

I am looking at getting a 102i from BCF for bream, whiting and flathead, on small baits, and plastics.

Was planning to spool it with 4lb fireline braid, but the bloke there told me it would wreck the reel in no time. Is he right? I am dead keen on some very fine line for the plastics, and baits, and won't get this reel if it can't handle braid.

If this reel doesn't handle braid, then is there an equivelant that does?
I am looking to spend $100 tops for the reel.

Cheers,
Murdoch

[davo]

Mate try a Penn Applause or Affinity for about $80 and $120 plus postage from Mo'"s tackle. The Penn's are a good solid reel and come with a spare alloy spool. The Affinity is the better reel but don't knock the Applause.

[bennykenny]

just had a look up at them, ive never used them before but i cant see why using braid on them would affect them, have a look at the shimano sienna for around the same price is a good budget reel, a mate of mine has 2 of them and they are pretty good, and they have just brought out the new model.and they are fine with braid. cheers BK

[Murdoch]

Cheers guys,

I got antsy and ended up buying a Shimano Slade 2500 for $44, and spooling it with 6lb fireline that I got from Kmart for $21, and fitted it to a rod I got 5 years ago as part of a $19 rod and reel combo:)

Took it out saturday and couldn't believe the difference in casting light weights such as the 1/8th jig heads with Gulp SP's, with the braid over the mono. Landed a nice dusky flathead (my first), and plenty of undersized ones.

Then on Sunday, got an almost legal sized rock cod off the rock wall.

The reel held up nicely, and though I was skeptical about the rod, it did the job fine so can't complain.

With the cheaper outfit, I figure if the braid does damage to the reel over time, it isn't a big thing to replace, or the fit new parts to, as the schematics are pretty similar to a Stradic I have taken apart and serviced. Also, it seems that plenty of guys on here use braid on smaller spin reels, without trouble.

The Penn Applause looks like a good reel, and I am considering it for a bigger outfit.

Cheers,
Murdoch

[shaun_s]

if you get a graphite rod you will be amazed again how much better you can cast/work your lures.
berkley dropshots or something similar in 2-4kg would make the combo really nice to use.
i wouldnt worry about braid damaging your reel, never herd of that one before.