Abu Garcia anti-backlash reel

BigFish · 03-27-2001, 12:28 PM

Been thinking about getting a set of these with the buy 1 get 1 free offer. I would get the 6600 for salmon and the 5600 for steelies.

I would like to know how they work from anyone that has used them, casting, drag, quality, corrosion resistance.

Master Baiter · 03-27-2001, 02:13 PM

Bigfish,

I just talked to a reliable source and was told that they can't even give those reels away! His opinion was that they are no good for casting and not worth even $50 (w/coupon).

Apparently, the line feeds through a gadget at the thumb rest that automatically applies the brakes if the line expands when approaching back-lash mode. But as you probably know when casting normally, the line usually expands some and the tightens up again so the brake applies prematurely.

They would probably work fine for plugs or back-bouncing but then why even have the AB.

Just passing on what I heard, hope it helps.

MB

[ 03-27-2001: Message edited by: Master Baiter ]

THE REEL HEY_YALL · 03-27-2001, 02:56 PM

bigfish- As far as the corrosion resistance and the drag quality.....it's the same as the 5500 and the 6500 series reels. I say don't even bother with those anti- reels unless maybe you are new to operating a baitcaster, but even then, I just tell the person to really tighten their magnets down and loosen them up when they get comfortable casting. It seems these brakes in the reels would cause additional headaches, plus think down the road when repairs will need to be done. Hope this helps you as well.

Aqueous Humor · 03-27-2001, 03:13 PM

I fished with a guy a couple weeks ago who had one of those anti-backlash Abu Garcia's. He couldn't cast past the bow of the boat with that anti-backlash device! You can thread the line through without using the anti-backlash feature so if you can get them cheaper than the regular reels I say go for it.

Fishin Magician · 03-27-2001, 04:08 PM

THEY SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why do you think they are giving one away free w/purchase of another. I burned the guts out of 2 of them this last fall on Chinook. Stick with the C3 series. ~John

BigFish · 03-28-2001, 07:07 AM

Thanks for the info and proving my hunches correct. The price is right and I guess you get what you pay for.

I rarely have any backlash problems with my 5 other bait casters and I would like to get out pass the bow of the boat [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]