Building a pond and already great platform. Here's my most recent cardinal build. I wish more parts were available in the US, as shipping prices are really high right now coming from overseas. But we make do with what we have, lol.
Is that skirted spool one a conversion? The recessed spool is the only thing really keeping me from getting interested in these.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on January 20, 2026, 12:07:43 PMIs that skirted spool one a conversion? The recessed spool is the only thing really keeping me from getting interested in these.
That reel's been customized, but
the skirted spool models have been around since 1984. (https://alantani.com/index.php?msg=275546) They're branded Abu Garcia and were made in Japan. They offered a 3, 4, 4x & 5.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on January 20, 2026, 12:07:43 PMIs that skirted spool one a conversion? The recessed spool is the only thing really keeping me from getting interested in these.
That one is a cardinal c3. A later model
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on January 20, 2026, 12:07:43 PMIs that skirted spool one a conversion? The recessed spool is the only thing really keeping me from getting interested in these.
I have never had a problem with my non-skirted "spool in a cup" reels. In fact I only own one reel with a skirted spool at the moment, which is also the youngest reel I own, an early 80s Shakespeare Sigma.
These hot-rodded Cardinals sure are good to look at too!
Every time I pick one up I feel like I'm about to make an omelette but forgot to grab the eggs. But that's just me. I know I'm in the minority here.
Frankly I mostly fish conventionals now. But I'll keep an eye out for a skirted C3 just in case.
Does the drag work better with the ball bearing in there? I have had start-up problems with the stock configuration in my cardinals.
Quote from: Gfish on January 21, 2026, 08:15:15 PMDoes the drag work better with the ball bearing in there? I have had start-up problems with the stock configuration in my cardinals.
Interesting?..... Never had that kind of problem where it made any difference, but then I fish 6# Trilene XL on my Cardinal 3s, so the drag's never cranked down tight enough to be sticky, plus, I always pull the line against the drag (test it) before I start fishing if the reel has been sitting for longer than overnight.