new Abu 6500 Florida orange with power handle

Anybody got any experience with this reel. I think I might take the plunge and get one. My Penn 525 mag is currently out of action, which I am not to happy about and thought that if I was to get a back up or second reel, I might try the above due to the duel braking system (in the form of mags and blocks) which might make it a little easier to control then the 525mag. At this point I think I should say that I don't want a discussion about the merits of either reel or this topic could run for eternity, I like the 525, but as I can now afford a second reel I would like to try the abu's. Apart from the colour and the power handle is there any difference from the orginal green 6500. I can never remember is it CS or CT, but I am talking about the reels without the level wind. I also heard that it may be possible to pick the new orange version up for the same price the as old green model. Any comments welcome.

I've been looking at this reel as well to have 15lb line on it as opposed to 20lb on my 525. The only difference from the green are the ones you mention. They still seem to be charging £10 sterling extra still for the orange and would be interested to find out where I could get one for the same price as the green.

BTW ct = is non levelwind I remember by thinking "CasTing"

Donagh

Hello Doctor,
I bought one of these at the angling show in Cloghran earlier in the year, for about €10 more than the green one would have cost me. As far as I can see there is no difference between the new reel and the green one I have been using for a couple of years now. The fancy handle looks nice but doesn't make any difference to the function. Handy to have one green reel and one orange, as I can now tell them apart, and remember which one needs new line etc. Both excellent pieces of kit, so I wouldn't go for the orange one unless the price difference is minimal.
Jonny

I have been lurking, and occasionally bidding, for an ABU 6500 CT as a second reel for lighter line and just to try an alternative. I also have a 525 Mag. The prices seem to be about ST£90 new, ST£65 second-hand or US$120 secondhand.

BTW Donagh what if you remember the word as CaSting :wink: . I remember it as T for tournament because you won't find a levelwind in a tournament.

BTW Donagh what if you remember the word as CaSting :wink: . I remember it as T for tournament because you won't find a levelwind in a tournament.

I know but in my defense I never said it was what it stood for or logical just how I remember it.
Anyways its pronouced Cas Ting not Ca Sting which sounds more like a snap off :lol:

Donagh

Donagh,

now that you mention it my casting style in more ca-sting which probaby explains why the lead flies horizontally thru the air and lands 70m away at the very most :roll: .

I hope you're not going to the fish n meet on 30th then Read!! If you are, tell me which side you cast on :shock:

Lads,
If you are interested in recon models or new models, you could do no worse than talk to the guys in jackson lures. Great prices and service.
JK

I have an Orange. Friend Pat has a green. Both are exactly the same reel. Abu like to reissue their reels every so often in a different colour as a marketing strategy. the Abu 7000 C3 is the same reel as the 7000 BG except one is silver and the other gold! the 7000 C4LD and the 7000 BGLD are the same also only one is purple and the other gold. Infact, the whole 'Big Game' range are reels that have been out before except their colour changed and the 'Big Game' title was put on them... The narrow braid spool reels are the only new ones in this range. Abu make classy reels but don't be fooled. Look at the different models in their range and get a feel for the whole line. When they want to boost sales they often reissue reels in a 'New' colour.... :roll:

Great comments guys, I think I still might be a sucker and go for orange to submit to some indept vanity of having a newer model than my mates.
I must have a look at the second ones as I never thought that you get these second hand as they are ro recently on the market.