This was given to me. I intend to use it so I took it apart. It all seems pretty good except it appears the critical MagX parts are missing. I went looking for these particular parts and found all except....the magnetic holder, discontinued, go figure. While I was at it I counted 19 other parts that are also unavailable. Many of these parts would be nice to have as spares.
Since the reel is at no cost, I don't mind putting parts in it to make it right. Replacing worn parts is going to be a challenge over time....if I don't shelve it.
At the moment, the part I need is #23501 Magnetic Holder. I'm in the market for one if anyone has a spare for sale.
In the meantime, I'd like to know your performance reviews of the reel. I can't seem to find very much about it.
Thank you!!!!
Does it have to be the original part or do you just want a mag brake? I have a few of my custom ones to spare but you gotta drill.
I appreciate the offer. I'd like to try to keep it original. I did notice while wandering around, there are LOTS of upgrades for these. If the OEM part or a reasonable donor reel can't be found, then I would likely modify this reel. Drilling wouldn't be an issue.
Since I've never used this model, it would also depend on what others have experienced with it and how they use it. Is it a tough guy or a whiner? I'm going to throw it at redfish, so it needs to be ready for that kind of duty all day, every day. If it isn't, then it's a pretty green reel sitting next to the old red and black ones. ;)
From what I understand these are basic ambassadeurs with a mag kit. I hear it a lot that the high speed gear in these is the weak point because of the teeny tiny teeth. They strip. But with a gear set from any of the 4500, 5500, or 6500 ambys it should be pretty solid. As long as you don't go too crazy on the drag these guys are workhorses. I'm guessing it has the ultracast spool. You can tune these to cast a mile. Especially if you remove the levelwind, but that falls in the "optional" category.
Howdy!
Nice Abu you got there!
If my eyes don't deceive me, don't notice the ball bearings for the level wind laying there, seems they harvested the level wind as well when they took the mag parts
That Abu should have a dual bearing l/w and and single bb cog wheel also!
I have a very nice silver Abu C4 4600 AL Mag Trax that I picked up off of fleabay lol!
Love the way this little Abu casts!
These are definitely great, long casting reels, right out of the box!
But, once you move over to the reds, I don't have a lot of experience with them, only catch the big black boomers with much heavier tackle, usually in the surf!
EA
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 20, 2023, 02:21:21 PMIf my eyes don't deceive me, don't notice the ball bearings for the level wind laying there,
There is one in the LW sleeve, two in the spool, one roller in the handle side plate sleeve, one in the other side plate bushing. The other side of the LW sleeve has a plastic bushing.
It runs fine on the bench. I need to put a casting weight on it and see if it squeals. A mag break isn't something I'm used to. I can live without it but the reel should be complete nonetheless. I'm not gonna stop looking until it's correct.
I have a bin of abu parts from Keith. I'll see if there's anything like that in there.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 20, 2023, 05:19:43 PMI have a bin of abu parts from Keith. I'll see if there's anything like that in there.
That would be beyond cool.
It casts pretty well in the driveway now. Had to keep it at about 60yds, neighbors' windows and all that, you know. Folks are walking by asking if I'm having any luck. ;D Hopefully, I'll get it wet tomorrow.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 20, 2023, 03:55:05 AMDoes it have to be the original part or do you just want a mag brake? I have a few of my custom ones to spare but you gotta drill.
Hey Jason, how's it going brother?
I hear you you're one of the mad scientist around here lol!
I think it was Thorhammer that mentioned to me you were working on some mag kits?
Do you still sell your mag kits?
Or possibly have some part numbers?
I'm trying work on one now with some brass lamp parts, gets kinda of expensive when you when you want to start magging all your reels, before you know it you're down the rabbit hole lol!
EA
Quote from: Shellbelly on March 20, 2023, 05:10:20 PMQuote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 20, 2023, 02:21:21 PMIf my eyes don't deceive me, don't notice the ball bearings for the level wind laying there,
There is one in the LW sleeve, two in the spool, one roller in the handle side plate sleeve, one in the other side plate bushing. The other side of the LW sleeve has a plastic bushing.
It runs fine on the bench. I need to put a casting weight on it and see if it squeals. A mag break isn't something I'm used to. I can live without it but the reel should be complete nonetheless. I'm not gonna stop looking until it's correct.
So, then you're really not missing that much actually!
You're looking for the mags and retainer plate and the spring assembly and might be two little tiny black spacer post, like the ones that are used on the infamous clicker lol!
If somebody here doesn't have them, I always see them on fleabay, you just have to be ready to jump on them when they show up!
EA
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 21, 2023, 02:41:19 AMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 20, 2023, 03:55:05 AMDoes it have to be the original part or do you just want a mag brake? I have a few of my custom ones to spare but you gotta drill.
Hey Jason, how's it going brother?
I hear you you're one of the mad scientist around here lol!
I think it was Thorhammer that mentioned to me you were working on some mag kits?
Do you still sell your mag kits?
Or possibly have some part numbers?
I'm trying work on one now with some brass lamp parts, gets kinda of expensive when you when you want to start magging all your reels, before you know it you're down the rabbit hole lol!
EA
I'm at best barely an apprentice compared to the skill floating around this forum. But i do make mag brakes. Pm me your address and I'll try to get something out. Thorhammer is still waiting for the set I promised him 2 months ago. With any luck I'll finally get them packaged and sent out.
[/quote]
I'm at best barely an apprentice compared to the skill floating around this forum. But i do make mag brakes. Pm me your address and I'll try to get something out. Thorhammer is still waiting for the set I promised him 2 months ago. With any luck I'll finally get them packaged and sent out.
[/quote]
Oh thank you so much, that would be awesome!
Yes, Thorhammer, great guy know him from Pier And Surf as well!
Maybe this
Yes, this community here is quite a wealth of knowledge, and has been well known for many many years, you never really realized how much knowledge you've missed out until you become a member in an awesome community!
Took many years to come out of my shell LMAO!
I'll see if I can figure out how to send you a message, thanks again!
EA
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 21, 2023, 02:57:22 AMSo, then you're really not missing that much actually!
Correct. To be specific, I can still get spring #25222, spring #23506, screw #295, and control #23523.
The only missing part I can't seem to find is magnetic holder #23501. I suppose there could be a later model that uses an identical part that has a different#.
According to the schematic I have, these 5 parts will complete the reel.
Until it's complete, I have no way of knowing what needs to be upgraded to improve the entire performance of the reel.
All right, I've lost what I typed three times now, trying to figure out how to post a few pictures of the parts that you need!
There are no numbers on the mag array!
But I know that mag array holder also goes to the Mag elites, AL Mag Trax reels and I do believe, the sports mags as well!
EA
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 21, 2023, 04:00:37 AMQuote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 21, 2023, 02:41:19 AMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 20, 2023, 03:55:05 AMDoes it have to be the original part or do you just want a mag brake? I have a few of my custom ones to spare but you gotta drill.
Hey Jason, how's it going brother?
I hear you you're one of the mad scientist around here lol!
I think it was Thorhammer that mentioned to me you were working on some mag kits?
Do you still sell your mag kits?
Or possibly have some part numbers?
I'm trying work on one now with some brass lamp parts, gets kinda of expensive when you when you want to start magging all your reels, before you know it you're down the rabbit hole lol!
EA
I'm at best barely an apprentice compared to the skill floating around this forum. But i do make mag brakes. Pm me your address and I'll try to get something out. Thorhammer is still waiting for the set I promised him 2 months ago. With any luck I'll finally get them packaged and sent out.
In no hurry, brother, I'm deep in the weeds with home improvements at the moment. Trying to get done and a couple of rods finished for clients before mid-April so I can fish this year.
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 21, 2023, 05:49:39 AMAll right, I've lost what I typed three times now, trying to figure out how to post a few pictures of the parts that you need!
There are no numbers on the mag array!
But I know that mag array holder also goes to the Mag elites, AL Mag Trax reels and I do believe, the sports mags as well!
EA
If you have a pic or even a pic of the diagram that would be very helpful. The abu bin has no labels on parts but I can visually match.
Jackpot LMAO!
I think I figured it out. Lol.690FCA00-65C0-4D77-967D-BC5DB23EBCEA.jpeg614F71B0-1D93-490B-89AC-BE4B95234F33.jpeg1B61B5FD-1641-459D-9474-F9BFEFE8F951.jpeg603ACB38-AC70-40CF-9D33-054EE0633BC8.jpeg
All right, not sure why it posted doubles of the pictures, but at least they're there lol!
As far as performance, for my reel, I love the way it casts, just have to get used to that slider for the mags that's all!
I was actually trying to get it dialed in for field casting, but have other reels for that!
EA
Perfect now I know what to look for.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 21, 2023, 03:59:30 PMPerfect now I know what to look for.
That's awesome, I'm glad I could be of service and always happy to help others out, anyway I can!
Now I gotta figure out why none of the emojis will show up!
Pretty sure it has something to do with my browser!
EA
not sure if it fits; but at least you can see what it looks like..they do show up on fleabay once in a while...also try mikes reel repair in canada...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165880135296?nma=true&si=bEeLaNAnLqwRCAU8FEuKjFfjvAI%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
That looks close. All I have is a poorly drafted schematic. Looks like it was done on a etch-a-sketch.
Well, progress is progress and I'm most grateful.
Lastly, the reel does work. Here's proof.
I guess this would be a good time to give a bit of a performance review. The conditions were rough. 4-6' surf @ 3-5 seconds. Booming and loud with 20 mph wind in my face. Terminal tackle is roughly a 30" articulated steel leader with a 3/4 oz slip sinker on the top section. Small circle hook with half a shrimp. All of that on a 9'6" fast rod. 17# big game. The rod was a good helper.
That's not much weight to throw into the wind, and it's a floppy rig. I was getting 40-60 yards out of it and that's not bad in these conditions. I was having to put some work into it, though. The sheepshead spawn is about to get hot, so that was the target I rigged for.
The reel seemed sluggish in casting. Retrieves were smooth as silk. I made some adjustments, but the wind was hard to compensate for. I had no over spooling at all. That's great given the light tackle. That sheepy took some drag and I made a small adjustment to turn it. I didn't get another bite. I cast the reel A BUNCH.
Sluggish casting...I think the lube is too thick. I'll deal with that before I use it again.
While the conditions were restrictive, I think they put the reel to a good test. I had to whip it to get the bait into the zone and the last 5 or 10 yards was all hang-time in that wind then the leader dropped straight down. Perfect time for a backlash. The fish wasn't all that big, so I can't say much about that. I was hoping to hang a limit of 20" sheepshead. That would have been a good test.
Is the model worth 150 bucks? Nope. Especially since my first new Abu was 35 bucks and has very little PLASTIC inside. I like the reel, though. It'll be fun.
Quote from: Shellbelly on March 21, 2023, 11:27:57 PMThat looks close. All I have is a poorly drafted schematic. Looks like it was done on a etch-a-sketch.
Well, progress is progress and I'm most grateful.
Lastly, the reel does work. Here's proof.
Looks like you're on some structure there!
We get big sheeps up this way, sometimes over 15 pounds lol!
What rod is that? At 9'6" that thing looks like a beast lol!
Also, is that a swivel I see sticking out of his mouth?
EA
This was in the surf. The hole I chose is deep and has a sand/clay/shell bottom. Good sheepshead territory.
Well, there's the frankenrod. I found a broken AllStar Gulf Stream on the beach. Cut it square above the foregrip. Cut off the back end. Shoved a Loomis blank up the tail end and shimmed it inside....about 15 years ago. It's due for a re-do. Kind of a hybrid surf rod and wade fishing rod. The length and handle help me out when wading in deep water, like under birds, or if something is blowing up past the second sandbar. It's good to 4oz on the bottom and will throw spoons and topwaters. Funny that it was an experiment and turned out to be the best multi-purpose rod I have ever owned. It is butt-ugly, though.
That is a swivel. You can't see the tiny circle hook in his mouth. I use that kind of leader when I'm looking to see who is feeding. Catch it, change hooks, throw it back out there, and keep climbing the food chain. Live bait can still flop around on it and get some attention. I have another one that's 4' with a 2oz egg for 6"+ live bait. Quick and easy to make.
Sometimes I wonder if my rigs are too pretty, and I might catch more if I fished uglier tackle.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 22, 2023, 07:25:38 PMSometimes I wonder if my rigs are too pretty, and I might catch more if I fished uglier tackle.
Well, surf fishing is hard on stuff. ALL your stuff. It'll get ugly. Figuring stuff out in that water is what catches fish. ;)
Darn I hate when I type up some thing and it disappears after a minute or two!
Nothing like a good old All-Star story!
All-Star happen to be one of my all time favorite rods/blanks, and are still keeping up with the best of them today!
Have 5 or 6 of them here now, and sold one off not too long ago that I shouldn't have!
And you want to talk about taking a beating!
Currently looking for one with a 9' tip and the old tournament butt, I think it was called the 1509!
All of my sheep's have come off of structure, bridge pilings, rock piles, or deep holes, but always have structure nearby!
You very rarely catch them up here, without them, being on some type of hard structure!
EA
The Houston rods were some of the best products out at the time. Down here, everybody aspired to get one or most fishermen had at least one. Some of the inshore guides outfitted their customers exclusively with them.
Then, the inevitable migration to China disease began within AllStar. Finding a good one with a Houston label can be a challenge.
No luck in my bin. But these come in small and large.
i've come to the conclusion that all abu reels are the same. I know I sound mental but I've been taking them apart and modding them and tuning them for 30 years now. I currently use a 5600c3 which is an un-anti backlashed model with better bearings and dremeled the #### out of. And upgraded drags. This reel screams. I've landed a 54 pound chinook on it. And that's all it takes. I love the green sideplates on your mag reel but honestly if you know how to use your thumb you don't need mag brakes. But the green look is super cool. (check out hydro dipping reels on youtube...its a rabbit hole).
Sightly off topic but a friend asked me to fix his squeaky shimano calcutta 250 (not a cheap reel - ovr $200 usd). It was my first time taking a shimano apart. Oh my god. It had plastic bushings and so many superfluous parts - it made me deeply appreciate the abus. Just saying...
ok. thanks for the thread.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:01:25 AMNo luck in my bin. But these come in small and large.
All right, why is there a penn mag power sitting there idle?????
Huh, huh, huh whyeee lol!
EA
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 24, 2023, 04:38:54 AMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:01:25 AMNo luck in my bin. But these come in small and large.
All right, why is there a penn mag power sitting there idle?????
Huh, huh, huh whyeee lol!
EA
Bro there's so much sitting there idle right now. Keith blessed me with a portion of his collection and I have a 3 month old daughter, so actual fishing isn't a thing right now.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:57:58 AMQuote from: ExcessiveAngler on March 24, 2023, 04:38:54 AMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:01:25 AMNo luck in my bin. But these come in small and large.
All right, why is there a penn mag power sitting there idle?????
Huh, huh, huh whyeee lol!
EA
Bro there's so much sitting there idle right now. Keith blessed me with a portion of his collection and I have a 3 month old daughter, so actual fishing isn't a thing right now.
I keep hearing his name mentioned over and over, he surely must be one hell of a guy!
Congratulations, on your new little one!
My daughter is just about to turn 20 and keep looking back, trying to figure out where all the years went!
EA
OK, I've been calling around our great and vast country. Dave's has everything except the 25222 spring and Southwest has the spring. I appreciate all the digging and searching through piles. Wish I was there to help clean up....and look at all your stuff. ;D
For 26 bucks plus who knows how much shipping, I can put this reel back to factory specs. It'll probably stay that way until I find another complete reel at a reasonable price. Gotta have a wingman reel for any reel I take out on a date.
Quote from: pointbob on March 24, 2023, 04:32:47 AMbut honestly if you know how to use your thumb you don't need mag brakes. But the green look is super cool. (check out hydro dipping reels on youtube...its a rabbit hole).
I've never had a mag brake. Remember when you used your thumbprint to unlock your phone? Every time I went fishing, I was locked out of the darn thing.
A mag brake is IMO a useful addition to a skilled thumb. It's not a replacement for one. I learned on a 5000C with no mag. Frankly I'm still learning. But I've grown fond of using a mag on low. Especially against the wind.
I've been hesitant to post a pic of the new extents of my collection. I'm still trying to figure out why Keith chose me, of all people.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:13:46 PMI'm still trying to figure out why Keith chose me, of all people.
Don't let that concern "rent too much space" in your head. You'll find a place among all that stuff and that's when you'll pick up where he left off. I choose to believe that was his intent. Scattering stuff to the wind in an estate sale would have ended his purpose. He got in front of that and planted seeds. Rare character on another level.
Quote from: Shellbelly on March 24, 2023, 04:38:41 PMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:13:46 PMI'm still trying to figure out why Keith chose me, of all people.
Don't let that concern "rent too much space" in your head. You'll find a place among all that stuff and that's when you'll pick up where he left off. I choose to believe that was his intent. Scattering stuff to the wind in an estate sale would have ended his purpose. He got in front of that and planted seeds. Rare character on another level.
Unfortunately, I am quite new to this community and feel bad asking this!
It sounds like this member has moved on to the big ocean in the sky?
If this is the case, I'm truly sorry to hear this!
EA
Quote from: Shellbelly on March 24, 2023, 04:38:41 PMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:13:46 PMI'm still trying to figure out why Keith chose me, of all people.
Don't let that concern "rent too much space" in your head. You'll find a place among all that stuff and that's when you'll pick up where he left off. I choose to believe that was his intent. Scattering stuff to the wind in an estate sale would have ended his purpose. He got in front of that and planted seeds. Rare character on another level.
He chose you to carry the torch for him ! That hand writing was on the wall back in November
I think he chose well !!
Glad to say Kieth is alive and kicking. Thinking he'll chime in from here on earth
Quote from: Swami805 on March 24, 2023, 08:55:59 PMGlad to say Kieth is alive and kicking. Thinking he'll chime in from here on earth
Oh, thank goodness!
Definitely great news to hear that!
I did some research on my own and found out that hus handle is handi2 on other forums, and have chatted with him before on stripers online, without knowing who he really is!
How could you not like a guy who names his company OCD lol and actually sounds like my type of guy!
Hence my handle, I am quite excessive, and fortunately, that spills into being obsessive as well!
EA
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on March 24, 2023, 04:01:25 AMNo luck in my bin. But these come in small and large.
Wait a minute when I looked at this earlier, there was no picture there. I was wondering what you were talking about lol!
We must surely think alike because you have some of the same parts, I was going to utilize to make my own mags, eery lol!
EA