This is a mid-80's(?, serial #850400) Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Ultra Mag XL V(5). Probably bout a 3/0 size baitcast style inshore reel. I assume XL means: extra large, relative to the 6 or so models in the series that came before it. This one and the VI(6) are hard to find and probably didn't sell well.
Edit:Can't seem to post the rest of the story(levelwind stuff) for unknowen reasons, try latter, with" post reply".
Cool interesting reel G! 8) 8)
Thanks Chad. Can't seem to post "The Rest of The Story" , i.e., details about the levelwind function, including pictures. Workin on it... Seems it's the post won't work when I'm tryin to add pictures.
Pictures?
Ok. Don't know what's goin on?...
Anyway, when you engage freespool, the pawl cover(black graphite part) rolls off(disengages) the levelwinding device.
I see the pics!
Cool looking reel! I'm intrigued!
The levelwinder is actually 2 units, held together by a magnet. When ready to cast you can push each one to it's respective side for relatively friction-free casting. So now the freespool button is pushed in, the levelwind is disengaged and I started to push the levelwind wires apart.
Oh, oh, oh! It's workin! I'm able to post.
Also, the seperated levelwind units can be pushed over into grooves on either side a the frame, for simi-permanent no-levelwind use.
If the levelwind wires are separated, but not down in the grooves, when you reel in, it automatically goes back into gear and the pawl mechanism also rolls back into gear, moves along as you crank, and collects each levelwind 1/2unit, snapping them back together via the magnet.
Coolest, most versitile level winder I've ever seen. Even though I've nearly worn out the reel, it's never failed.
I'm Gfish, and that's the rest of the story...
Wow, those are some really cool features! Thanks for sharing G! Now I want one! LOL :D
Found the schematics here: https://www.reelschematic.com/reel-schematics/abu-garcia-reel-schematics/abu-garcia-ultra-mag-schematics/#gsc.tab=0
Cool reel.
There were other Abu's that had the same type levelwind system. They were a smaller reel. I think i have one in the shop.
Quote from: Gfish on July 12, 2018, 03:03:05 AM
This is a mid-80's(?, serial #850400) Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Ultra Mag XL V(5). Probably bout a 3/0 size baitcast style inshore reel. I assume XL means: extra large, relative to the 6 or so models in the series that came before it.
Nice reel Gfish, looks like it's served you well. They are fairly large for a 'low profile' reel. ABU claim line capacity of 20 lb/500yds and 30 Lb/300 yds.
Here's a photo of one next to a 7000 for comparison (the ultra mag is only half spooled)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/24/7995_13_07_18_5_44_32.jpeg)
If it's yours and you wanna sell it lemme know. Bout a day ago I gave up on onea those _bay bidding wars, with those stupid 0.50 cent increases, no matter what I bid. That line volume sounds excessive, but may well be true.
Man! Didn't know there's that many models made!
I'll keep you in mind if I decide to sell it or see another one - I picked it up in Aus six or seven years ago, it's not new but hasn't been used much by the look of it. I found a VI around the same time, they have the same size side plates just a bit wider spool (30 lb/400 yds and 40 lb/300 yds)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/24/7995_13_07_18_6_33_04.jpeg)
wow, very insteresting reel Gregg, pretty clever and unique levelwind
for the 1st pics and considering its an Abu garcia, I would have never though how big it was when compared to a 7000 size ambassadeur.
acording to the schematics looks like it only has one drag washer like the old ambassadeur C- models
what kind of fish have you caught with yours in your waters?
Thanks for the introduction G...I haven't had one of these yet. The schematic I looked at had a 3-stack, reminiscent of the 5500Cs. Seems like a right usable reel! 8)
https://www.reelschematic.com/wp-content/uploads/schematics/Abu%20Garcia/ultra%20mag/Ambassadeur%20Ultra%20Mag%20XL%20V%2084-1.pdf
Quote from: mo65 on February 15, 2019, 08:14:59 PM
Thanks for the introduction G...I haven't had one of these yet. The schematic I looked at had a 3-stack, reminiscent of the 5500Cs. Seems like a right usable reel! 8)
you're right Mo, I think I checked a wrong reel model, 3 stack should offer a nice drag number
Quote from: steelfish on February 15, 2019, 08:21:49 PM
3 stack should offer a nice drag number
I agree. When it comes to catfishing, my little 5000s seem to run out of "umph" when the cats get above the 15 pound mark. My brother's 5500Cs offer more lifting strength with their 3-stack. A 7000 is my favorite Abu catter. I've never met an Ambassadeur I didn't like! ;)
Happy 4th of July!.
I have abu garcia ambassadeur ultra mag II , mag control is weird. up to number 5 makes bird nest, 6-10 holds better but casting distance is limited. however it is very light reel, low profile bait casting. very smooth mechanics.
does any one have comparison chart between all models.?
Very interesting reels. Wonder what the weight and line capacity is for the smallest of the series?