Unknown Abu Garcia Ambassador reel

[Buzzcatcher]

Hi there. Was wondering if anyone can provide me with information and history on this reel. From what I can read, it says Abu Garcia Ambassador 3 2bb. Here are some pictures of the reel. I googled it and can't seem to find any info. Your response is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[ReelClean]

It looks like a Promax 5600, circa 1990's,  but has slightly different decals and mine has all grey knobs/thumb bar and chrome spool cap.

[redsetta]

That's a beauty Buzzcatcher.
t303 has you on the right track.
Ambassadeur S5600C: One-piece aluminum frame, ultra-cast design, two S/S ball bearings, one roller clutch bearing, multi-disc star drag (not sure if CF or not), 5.3:1, 175yds/12 lb...
Well done - and welcome!
All the best, Justin

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

It worthless ill pay shipping to get it off your hands

[Unutt]

I know I am late to the party, but this is a 3600 size reel.  It is a fine reel.  It looks like an s3600c.  The side plate says 3 bearing.  That means the brake plate and worm are supported with plastic bushings. 

The original price on this reel would have been more than $100.  If you have a question about it, holler.

[johndtuttle]

Pretty much the best baitcasters of their era before Calcutta etc.

[Unutt]

John,

The ProMax was Abu's response to the Calcutta.  I fished Calcutta's for several years before I picked up my first ProMax.  I have not fished the Calcutta's since.  The 100 size Calcutta, and 1600 ProMax are roughly the same size (the ProMax is a little smaller), but I can cast a small bait much easier with the ProMax.  The ProMax sits a little lower on the reel seat which reduces the fatigue on my wrists during a long day of casting.

Any chance you are here in Texas?

Mike

[johndtuttle]

John,

The ProMax was Abu's response to the Calcutta.  I fished Calcutta's for several years before I picked up my first ProMax.  I have not fished the Calcutta's since.  The 100 size Calcutta, and 1600 ProMax are roughly the same size (the ProMax is a little smaller), but I can cast a small bait much easier with the ProMax.  The ProMax sits a little lower on the reel seat which reduces the fatigue on my wrists during a long day of casting.

Any chance you are here in Texas?

Mike

No, I afraid not. I am on the West Coast. 

I guess I had my timeline off . I bought (and still have) a Pro Max that I bought when they first came out. Incredibly rigid frame for their size and weight. The whole Pro Max series punches well above their weight, but I guess Shimano's won the day with the Calcutta in this category.

[Unutt]

Calcutta is definitely easier to crank, but I just cannot cast a light bait as far, and there is the matter of the anti-reverse bearing problems.  I have nothing but trouble with Calcutta's when the temperature drops below about 35 or 40 (probably not a problem on the west coast).

After trying my first ProMax, I gave up on Calcutta's.

[borchcl]

Last summer I rebuilt three Ambassadeur reels for my three youngest grand kids, 11, 8, and 7 yo. Two 5600's, (the narrow ones) and one 3600 Promax.
The boys got the 5600's and the girl, (8 yo) got the 3600, as it seemed to fit her hands better. Hope they last as long for them as my Ambassadeurs have for me.

[Unutt]

The narrow ones are 1600s.  Each size up represents one additional cross on the line guide worm.  1600s have 4, 3600s have 5, 5600s have 6, 6600s have 7, and 6600w has 8.

They should last virtually forever.  Any thing that wears out can be replaced.  

The 8lb 1oz toad I am holding in my picture was caught at Ray Roberts, in Pilot Point, TX, using a Pro Max 1600 mounted on a 7' Falcon rod, casting a 3/8 ounce spinner bait.

Good choice.