Abu Garcia or Ambassadeur they are a world Apart

                   

Starting with the disco age of the 70’s with Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance, and Mann’s Jelly Worms that smelled so good that you wanted to taste them Strawberry, Grape, those were the days. Bass Tournaments that paid $10,000 where a really big deal and you could buy three Bass boats for the price of one today. Being in the 6^th and 7^th grade during all that time and bass fishing or any fishing for that matter was the passion there was only one reel and that was the Ambassadeur reels made in Sweden. The round reels they call them today is what most of the baby boomers learned to throw a bait cast reel with 4600, 5500, 6500, 7000 and there were wide spool and narrow spool versions and man where they great reels and caught millions of bass all over the USA. Why because they were easy to fix when they needed repair and took saltwater and freshwater and casted as well as any reel you could buy. Over the last 35 years there have been so many model additions and the on slaught of reels for this technique and that technique and stand speed, high speed and then super high speed all for the fun and advancement of the sport of fishing for sure but one brand if you look closely has stayed true to all the basics that started back in the day. Ambassadeur or Abu Garcia but here is a distinction to the faithful from back in the day.

Here is a dated progression that is available on the ABU GARCIA website as well.

  1921 – AB Urfabriken is founded as a watch factory in Svängsta, Sweden

 1941 – The first Abu Garcia fishing reel, the ABU Record® is introduced

 1952 – The world famous Ambassadeur® reel is introduced

 1954 – Abu Garcia® unveils the Ambassadeur® 5000 at the New York World's Fair

 1955 – The ABU 444, the company’s first spinning reel is produced

 1956 – The ABUMatic® is introduced

 1965 – The Cardinal® spinning reel makes its debut

 1977 – The ABU museum is opened in Svangsta, Sweden

 1984 – The company name is changed from ABU to Abu Garcia when a company distributor in the US called Garcia was combined with ABU

 

 2006 – The Revo® low profile baitcast reel takes the angling community by storm

 2009 – Abu Garcia releases the V-Series of rods with the Vendetta® and Vengeance®

 2010 – The first Revo spinning reel is introduced with Revo Premier

 2013 – The Revo Low Profile Family is completely redesigned to be lighter, more compact and more powerful

 

Anglers around the world recognize that the Ambassadeur® trade mark on a reel made by now ABU Garcia is some of the best manufactured and top performing reels on the market, but it needs to be clear Sweden needs to be on the reel, there are many Walmart type knock offs of the product even changes in the spelling that will trick you into thinking you are getting a real Amabassadeur for $50, do not fall for it. The growth of the USA competitive fishing markets and the pressure to create faster and specific reels for technique made since and ABU made sure they where on the front end of that explosion. The Revo reels are great reels that are low profile and have variations from 5:4:1 to 9:1 and higher taking as much as 32 inches per handle turn. Well I am sure the water warriors that can throw a ½ oz. crank bait on a 7’9” rod all day and crank it appreciate that but for most of us old school guys those days are gone or going. It is more about the square bill and soft plastics for use. It is also about having a reel you can use when you go to the coast occasionally as well and the new Abu Garcia Orra, Revo, Classics, and Ambassadeur reels allow for that in spinning and casting.

 

Here is our brake out!

The Ambassadeur S a budget friendly reel, with Zinc frame construction and aluminum sideplates .Has a e four pin centrifugal brake system delivers consistent brake pressure throughout the cast. Available in  5500 and 6500 sizes are available in right and left handed models that feature a 5.1:1 gear ratio priced at around 59.97.(ROUND REEL) Walmart

 

Ambassadeur SX utilizes an aluminum frame and features bent handle and drag star so angler’s hands are closer to the reel for a more ergonomic feel. The multi disc drag system delivers smooth and consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range. A synchronized level wind system improves line lay giving anglers a solid casting reel. Other features include three stainless steel bearings + one roller bearing and six pin centrifugal brake system for improved casting control. $79.97 (ROUND REEL) Some Walmart Versions

 Ambassadeur STX from Abu Garcia® has excellent casting control, ergonomic feel and durability and the first of the three to deliver true on-the-water performance for round reel enthusiasts. Ah multi-disk drag and a four stainless steel ball bearings + one roller bearing system give anglers the performance that they have come to expect from Abu Garcia. Available in two sizes in both right and left handed models, the Ambassadeur STX family features a 5.9:1 gear ratio that delivers 28 inches of line retrieve per turn of the crank handle.( $99.97) This reel will perform in a variety of situations and has solid quality.

 

Ambassadeur® CS Pro Rocket is an international known and has the circle R on the brand that is the first telltale sign of whether or not you are getting quality and value for your money. This reel is designed for super long castibility with synchronized levelwind system; Carbon Matrix™ Drag system included in this reel is our strongest and most durable drag system available. The reel is built to last shielded stainless steel ball bearings, precision brass gears, and a corrosion resistant instant anti-reverse bearing. Saltwater this is the beginning of what it takes to last and perform for years to come. $169.97 (Round Reel)

 

 Ambassadeur® 7000i C3. These reels incorporate an additional instant anti-reverse bearing for solid hook setting power, with the one-of-a-kind Carbon Matrix™ drag system, saltwater anglers this is the measuring stick for all others in the medium weight reels, when you get to the C3 7000i you are starting to cook with gas, (HPCR®) ball bearings. Snook,tarpon and big stripers beware. $149.97 (Round Reel)

 

C4 Reels-The tradition continues this is made in Sweden and is the ones we held in our hands in the mid to late 70.s when they took the USA by storm. With silky-smooth operation and power to spare, the new line of C4 round reels embodies trusted durability and engineering that generations of anglers have come to expect. stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing provides smooth operation, Carbon Matrix™ drag system gives smooth drag performance,Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design,6 pin centrifugal brake gives consistent brake pressure, synchronized level wind system, Duragear 2 gear system provides increased gear strength for all fishing situations, Made in Sweden come in

    C4 4600,  C4 5600,   C4 5601,   C4 6600,   C4 6601 the 01 is left hand. ROUND REEL $139.97

The Record Reel  speaks for itself and the bases for all things Abu Garcia,  7 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing provides increased corrosion protection, Carbon Matrix™ drag system provides smooth, consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range,  Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design,  6 pin centrifugal brake gives consistent brake pressure throughout the cast,  Synchronized level wind system improves line lay and castability, Duragear 2 gear system provides increased gear strength for all fishing situations,    Made in Sweden (Round Reel)  $199.97

Comes in   RCN 5600, RCN 6600, RCN 6600 HC, RCN 6601 HC

 

CS PRO Rocket Black: New for 2014 is latest version of the international best seller with. Increased stainless steel bearing count and the powerful Carbon Matrix™ drag system make the CS Pro Rocket Black Edition the choice for anglers looking for extra-long castability and power. This reel is the cat’s meow in round reels and comes in the 6500CSBPROROCKET only one better and it is coming up next. $200 (Round Reel) Saltwater Beauty

 

Mörrum ZX.  machined aluminum frame and sideplates to bent carbon handle and flat EVA knobs, no detail was spared, Compact design coupled with the renowned Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake (IVCB-IV™ ), you can throw ultra-lightweight lures with precision accuracy and control, 10 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing,  Carbon Matrix™ drag system,    IVCB-IV™ (Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake) gives very precise brake adjustments, Infini II™ spool design for extended castability and extreme loads,  Compact bent carbon handle, Flat EVA knobs, Titanium coated line guide reduces friction, Recessed reel foot, Made in Sweden

Round Reel $499.00  Comes in  MORRUM ZX 3600,  MORRUM ZX 3601

 

Low Profile Reels:

MGXtreme : Coming in at 4.9oz. With 10 bearing system, the MGXtreme starts with seven stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + one roller bearing for increased corrosion protection.  The addition of two CeramiLite hybrid ceramic spool bearings results in ultimate distance with effortless handling and control throughout the cast. $499.97

Available in Right and left hand: REVO MGXTREME   REVO MGXTREME-L

 At 5.4 ounce Revo® MGX. Has compact design X-Mag™ alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplates , Revo MGX features a Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake (IVCB-IV™), 28 positions of external adjustment,  allows fine tuning on the water without removing the sideplate. The IVCB-IV system allows anglers to cast extremely lightweight baits, something other baitcaster reels struggle with. Comes in High speed 7:1 and super high speed, 7:9:1 right and left handed for $349.97

REVO MGX, REVO MGX-SHS, REVO MGX-L, REVO MGX-SHS-L

 

Revo® Premier lighter, more compact design, C6 Carbon sideplates and an upgraded carbon fiber handle with comfortable EVA knobs, Infini II™ spool design, X2- Cräftic™ alloy frame , D2 Gear System, 10 High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR®) bearings and one roller bearing,  IVCB-IV BRAKE SYSTEM , Variable Centrifugal Brake (IVCB-IV™), the same top of the line brake system used in the Revo MGX for precise control, whether casting heavy jigs or lightweight finesse baits. With 28 positions of external adjustment, allows anglers to cast extremely lightweight baits. Right and left hand models RVO3 PRM,RVO3 PRM-L,VO3 PRM-HS

$299.97 in 6:4:1 and 7:1 gear ratio

 Revo Rocket- fastest Revo, Revo Rocket delivers the ultimate package for techniques requiring a quick retrieve. 10 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing, gear ratio of 9.0:1,  37” per turn, X-Cräftic™ alloy frame and sideplates, Carbon Matrix™ drag ,D2 Gear Design™,Infini™ brake system, limitless adjustability, Infini II™ spool design for extended castability and extreme loads, carbon handle, Large EVA knobs, Ti coated line guide ,

Comes in right and left hand versions RVO3 ROCKET, RVO3 ROCKET-L $299.97

Revo® STX  reduced 2.5 ounces, 29% weight reduction, EVA knobs, X2- Cräftic™ alloy frame  C6 Carbon sideplates, D2 Gear System, 6.4:1, 7.1:1 and a new super high speed 8.0:1 ratio model, 33 inches per turn of the handle. Comes in right and left hand ,high speed and super high speed, and standard speed models,  RVO3 STX,RVO3 STX-L,RVO3 STX-HS,RVO3 STX-HS-L,RVO3 STX-SHS. $199.97

 The Revo® SX  2 ounces lighter D2 Gear System,X2- Cräftic™ alloy frame , C6 carbon, wider Infini II™ spool design, Carbon Matrix™ ,MAGTRAX™ BRAKE SYSTEM, consistent drag pressure throughout the entire range of the cast. Comes in 6:4:1 and 7:1:1 ratio and right and left hand version RVO3 SX,RVO3 SX-L,RVO3 SX-HS,RVO3 SX-HS-L.  $159.97

 Revo® S a new white look, the Revo S frame is constructed of X2- Cräftic™ alloy,seven stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing, D2 Gear Design™ , Carbon Matrix™ drag system, 6 brake blocks (3 spring loaded and 3 non spring loaded),7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, Pitch centrifugal brake system, Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design. Comes in right and left hand version RVO3 S, RVO3 S-L,6:4:1 gear ratio $129.97

Revo® Winch 5.4:1 gear ratio for cranking power,  D2 Gear Design™, extended bent handle with larger EVA knobs, X2- Cräftic™ alloy frame and C6 carbon infused sideplates, upgraded the Winch to the Infini™ brake design, Magnetic Brake , Centrifugal Brake,8 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing , X2- Cräftic™ alloy frame , Dual anti reverse provides additional backup for high pressure situations. Comes in right and left hand versions RVO3 WNCH, RVO3 WNCH-L $199.97

 

Revo® Inshore :  Cräftic™ frame,,igh Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR®) bearings, extended handle with large EVA knobs, . Dual anti-reverse, compact design and allows for additional line capacity , improved D2 Gear Design™ , sideplates are precision engineered with C6 carbon ,Pitch Centrifugal brake utilizes, 6 brake blocks (3 spring loaded and 3 non spring loaded). RVO3 INS comes in at 249.97 for a real high performance reel.

 

The Revo® Toro NaCl™  Named for salt (NaCl), i features frame and handle side sideplate that are constructed of X2- Cräftic™ alloy, Six stainless steel High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR®) bearings, Carbon Matrix™ drag system provides 22lbs of fish stopping power, the 50 and 60 size reels come with a single extended power handle with an extra-large round EVA knob and extended dual power handle with two large round EVA knobs. Both high capacity low profile reels hold approximately the same amount of line as a 5000 and 6000 size round reel.

All reels are 5:4:1 or 6:4:1 and come in the following versions REVO TORO NaCl50,REVO TORO NaCl51,REVO TORO NaCl50-HS,REVO TORO NaCl60,REVO TORO NaCl61, REVO TORO NaCl60-HS which cover right and left hand versions. $299.97

 

Orra™ SX  lightweight aluminum frame and spool, eight bearing system, Pitch Centrifugal Brake the Orra gives anglers remarkable cast control, Power Disk drag system provides up to 15 pounds of drag.  Orra SX is available in both right and left hand models, as well as a high speed right hand retrieve, 7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, X-Cräftic™ alloy frame, Graphite sideplates, MagTrax™ brake system, compact bent handle and star, Duragear™ Brass Gear for extended gear life Comes in right and left hand with 5:4:1 or 6:4:1 speeds in ORRA2 SX, ORRA2 SX-HS, ORRA2 SX-L at a value price of $99.97.

 

Orra Winch :  7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, X-Cräftic™ alloy frame,Graphite sideplates, Power Disk™ drag system, MagTrax™ brake system, Duragear™ brass gear for extended gear life, Extended bent handle for increased cranking power, Large PVC knobs provide greater grip,  ORRA2 WINCH, ORRA2 WINCH-L available in right and left hand version.$99.97 5:4:1 gear ratio.

 

Abu Garcia Pro Max series: seven smooth bearings plus a corrosion resistant instant anti-reverse bearing. Its graphite side plates and frame create a truly lightweight reel weighing in at a mere 7.9 ounces. , The 7.1:1 high speed gear ratio is the fastest in the Max family picking up 31 inches per turn., 7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, Machined double anodized aluminum spool, Power Disk™ drag system, Duragear™ brass gear for extended gear life,MagTrax™ brake system, one piece graphite frame and graphite sideplates, comes in right and left hand versions at 5:4:1 PRO MAX2,PRO MAX2-L.

 Orra Inshore, lightweight, compact package. Corrosion fighting components, X-Craftic™ alloy frame , stainless steel HPCR™ bearings, extended bent handle, oversized handle knobs and strong Duragear™ brass gear give anglers added leverage and power for hard pulling inshore species.6  stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing, Graphite sideplates,Carbon Matrix™ hybrid drag system, MagTrax™ brake system,Ti coated line guide, this reel is a great value for the inshore angler but it is corrosion fighting not corrosion restistent but does come with solid gears and side plate. Come in one version at $149.97 ORRA2INS.

 Silver Max™  five bearing system,  anti-reverse bearing , light weight graphite frame and side plate, MagTrax™ brake system, flipping switch included on this reel provides, 5 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight, Power Disk™ drag system, Duragear™ brass gear, SMAX2, SMAX2-L a 6:4:1 gear ratio. $59.97

 Black Max™  4+1 bearing system, lightweight graphite frame and body tip the scales at a mere 7.9 ounces, 4 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, Machined double anodized aluminum spool, Power Disk™ drag system, Duragear™ brass gear, MagTrax™ brake system, compact bent handle and star, one piece graphite frame and graphite sideplates.Comes in right and left hand models and is a basic entry level low profile reel and is a Walmart and discount store special used in combos a lot, Nice reel for only $50.00 BMAX2,BMAX2-L

 

Revo® Toro Winch™  We saved our favorite for last as this is a great reel that can serve as a hybrid for salt and freshwater and from bass to billfish this a very well designed reel and will change the way you fish for large freshwater and saltwater species. The best of both worlds are molded into one through the combination of the large capacity Toro reel and the superior cranking power of the Winch. Available in both right and left hand models, the Toro Winch holds approximately 40% more line than standard low profile reels. Now you can really reach out there with the superior casting Infini II™ spool design that is built to handle the torque created by hard fighting fish and provides extended casting range.6 Stainless Steel HPCR® Bearings, Corrosion Resistant Instant Anti-Reverse Bearing, X-Cräftic™ Alloy Frame and Side Plate, Carbon Matrix™ Drag System , Pitch Centrifugal Brake, Infini II™ Spool Design, Duragear™ Brass Gears , Equipped with Bait Clicker,Freshwater and Saltwater Ready, Synchronized TiN Coated Levelwind System for Even Line Lay, 4.6:1 Gear Ratio for Increased Cranking Power,Lube Port,Dual Anti-Reverse, Extended Handle with Large Knobs and Power Handle., comes in Revo Toro Winch 50, Revo Toro Winch 60, Revo Toro Winch 61 all 4:6:1 gear ratio.  At  $269.97 and a reel for Life not bad.

 

In closing a lot has changed in fishing since the 70’s but one thing is sure if you pay attention to the detail and look for some key things (Circle R on Ambassaduer) and also look for words like shielded in bearings, and also the versions that if you compare even at 99.97 versus the 49-59 versions you will be able to see why Walmart sells these models. (Cheap) well not bad though for 50.00 I say but not MADE IN SWEDEN! That is what I remember most about my first Ambassaduer before 1984 and I still have a 7000 that has put 1000’s of snook on the beach and in the boat and Stripers over 30lbs and to many redfish to mention and mackerel up to 40lbs, I think Abu Garcia got one thing right for life… Thanks and when you set the hook are on the look say it loud Wahoo!