Here we go, a near brand new 2500C IAR. Why do I say near? All but two parts were used as they are no longer available, but the rest can be found either new old stock or in the aftermarket. I sold off a bunch of unused reels to fund the build and had a great time turning screws and creating this braid raced low profile (yes, low profile) Ambassadeur. Follow below for a build sheet and pictures.
Parts used:
New old stock 2500C IAR (instant anti reverse) side plates
New old stock 2500CI brake plate
Avail offset frame (reel foot is 7mm lower than factory)
Avail palming plate
Avail 6.1:1 gear set
Avail aluminum driveshaft
Avail aluminum click wheel with integrated bearing sleeve
Avail ultralight line guide
Hedgehog Air spool bearings
B-Trap 2 bearing level wind
B-Trap 2 bearing idler gear
Avail 2520R spool
Avail star wheel and spool tension cap
Simon Shimomura pinion bushing and clutch return spring
Haneda Craft duralumin handle
(https://i.imgur.com/46fA7V4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/O1evOhK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vSvTefN.jpg)
Here it is on the scale compared to a factory stock 2500C from 1975.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rz72vQy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pSnJVAj.jpg)
This is how it sits on a reel seat compared to a standard frame 2500C.
(https://i.imgur.com/gityYq9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GVmd9D2.jpg)
So how does it fish? So far so good. It actually palms better than some of my more contemporary low profile reels. I know ABU will never make these again due to potential sales versus the Revo, but a man can dream, right?
That's an interesting reel seat.
How does the size of the 2500 compare the the 1500 you found before?
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 05, 2022, 02:16:17 PMThat's an interesting reel seat.
How does the size of the 2500 compare the the 1500 you found before?
The 1600C IAR is almost the same size as the 2500C. The thumb bar models are about 4mm wider than their push button counterparts due to the way the brake plate is designed. The brake plate in the 1600C IAR would evolve into what would become the Morrum SX in the early 2000s, while the 1500C/2500C both ratchet and IAR models use the same brake plate they have since 1975.
(https://i.imgur.com/JluIukG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AxnqLfz.jpg)
That's a pretty skookum white handle! Where'd you acquire that. :d
Quote from: pointbob on November 05, 2022, 05:05:41 PMThat's a pretty skookum white handle! Where'd you acquire that. :d
right here https://www.hedgehog-studio.com/product-list?keyword=%E3%83%8F%E3%83%8D%E3%83%80%E3%82%AF%E3%83%A9%E3%83%95%E3%83%88
cool round lo-pro ;D
what few specs I can find on Avail spools, seem to all be 50yd/4#
is that standard ballpark, or is there more of a depth range?
I would emadgen 50 yds is for mono, get a reel fine 16 strand braid, you would possibly get 80 yds on it, cheers Don.
That's a beautiful reel. Reduced the weight by almost 1/3, impressive
Quote from: philaroman on November 05, 2022, 10:30:26 PMcool round lo-pro ;D
what few specs I can find on Avail spools, seem to all be 50yd/4#
is that standard ballpark, or is there more of a depth range?
This spool is 2mm deep. While it doesn't hold much mono, it does hold a good amount of thin braid. Even though it will hold 120yd of 6lb braid, I still run 50 to 60yd. I like to fish in the creeks and smaller rivers where short pitches are the norm. Since fishing these shallow spooled reels, I've learned to choose line by diameter and not by lb test. US market lines have very arbitrary ratings, while in Asia, there are standards agreed upon by the manufacturers in relation to diameter and breaking point. They go by the denier rating, which is far more accurate. On this one, I will run 0.148mm braided line, which breaks right around 17lb or so. In domestic lines, it's about the equivalent to 6lb Power Pro in diameter. Depending on the fish I'm chasing, I will run a length of 4, 6, or 8lb Ultragreen leader. I won't be running more than 2lb of drag, so it'll be right at home throwing plugs for Great Lakes steelhead. The ones here in the Western Erie and Huron tribs don't get as big as those from Lake Michigan, so it'll be plenty.
Here's my other 2500C on my Smith Troutin' Spin Bait Classic. It's a 6'5" ML rated 3g to 12g and perfect for the rivers I fish. This rod is designed for the thinner braid, up to #1.0 (0.165mm/20lb) and a complete hoot for a hot steelhead or big brown. https://www.smith.jp/product/trout/baitclassic/baitclassic.html
(https://i.imgur.com/CUbUkFt.jpg)
Wow great-on the water-Fall picture.
Cooooool, a tuff lookin 6oz. reel. What about an aluminum crank shaft? Any worries about tweaking it? Perhaps not with the drag set at 2-lbs.
That's mighty cool..!!
Quote from: Gfish on November 06, 2022, 03:39:32 PMWow great-on the water-Fall picture.
Cooooool, a tuff lookin 6oz. reel. What about an aluminum crank shaft? Any worries about tweaking it? Perhaps not with the drag set at 2-lbs.
The shaft is made from duralumin, also known as aircraft aluminum. It isn't pure, but 90% aluminum, 4% copper, and traces of manganese, iron, and silicon. It isn't as corrosion resistant as plain aluminum, so not saltwater safe, but has a higher tensile strength of 450MPa vs the 90MPa of pure aluminum. It's a much harder material. The main gear and click wheel are made from the same material.
thanks, just what I was wondering -- ballpark capacity w/ 5-8# braid
even w/ my budgety approach, I have gravitated towards tippet for UL/L/ML leaders & short top-shot
mostly pre-stretched nylon (pref., Japanese)... whatever brand I can find most economically
if you get 100m/110yd Guide Spools (only "bulk" option), price is not so ob$$$cene
not that Maxima isn't a fine product (I was a big fan of UG & Chameleon, way back when),
but you start out so high-end w/ rod/reel... why go mid-price at the "business end"?
Quote from: philaroman on November 06, 2022, 08:49:43 PMthanks, just what I was wondering -- ballpark capacity w/ 5-8# braid
even w/ my budgety approach, I have gravitated towards tippet for UL/L/ML leaders & short top-shot
mostly pre-stretched nylon (pref., Japanese)... whatever brand I can find most economically
if you get 100m/110yd Guide Spools (only "bulk" option), price is not so ob$$$cene
not that Maxima isn't a fine product (I was a big fan of UG & Chameleon, way back when),
but you start out so high-end w/ rod/reel... why go mid-price at the "business end"?
I have a lot of Ultragreen leader material on hand. A couple of years back, my local Cabela's had the leader spools in their bargain bin for 99 cents each, so I ended up purchasing a very healthy supply. It was marked down from $4.99, couldn't say no to that. I also use Varivas Super Trout Advance fluorocarbon which is an excellent Japanese leader line. That stuff I like to use when the water is gin clear, otherwise I stick with the Ultragreen, especially when fishing woody creeks. It's tough stuff.
Wow, what a sweet little reel, nice build!
I may have to start looking at those Ambassadeur's more.
They would be a blast on everything I fish for up here in ID!
Quote from: xjchad on November 07, 2022, 04:17:49 PMWow, what a sweet little reel, nice build Jason!
I may have to start looking at those Ambassadeur's more.
They would be a blast on everything I fish for up here in ID!
Thanks, but I'm not Jason lol
Quote from: tincanary on November 07, 2022, 04:57:33 PMQuote from: xjchad on November 07, 2022, 04:17:49 PMWow, what a sweet little reel, nice build Jason!
I may have to start looking at those Ambassadeur's more.
They would be a blast on everything I fish for up here in ID!
Thanks, but I'm not Jason lol
Ugh! I'm sorry! I saw the post above mine and was reading too fast :(
I should have known, I love what YOU do with those Abu's!
6.6 oz !! You kidding me ? No, I know your not. That weight & level of performance is still good by todays
standards ... Jeff
Bob, fine, fine work. You've me thinkin'; no trout here, but these would be a blast on perch and crappie. I picked up two EC pistol grip rods the other day, about right to throw a rooster tail or panther. Now into the box of 1500 and 2500's I am sitting on :)
Very nice looking build. Thanks for sharing!
Quote from: thorhammer on November 09, 2022, 12:06:51 AM. Now into the box of 1500 and 2500's I am sitting on :)
Surely there's more comfortable seats available.
In fact I'd trade you a chair for one any day
Quote from: thorhammer on November 09, 2022, 12:06:51 AMBob, fine, fine work. You've me thinkin'; no trout here, but these would be a blast on perch and crappie. I picked up two EC pistol grip rods the other day, about right to throw a rooster tail or panther. Now into the box of 1500 and 2500's I am sitting on :)
They're a hoot for anything steelhead and smaller. I had a ball fishing white bass on my 1600C earlier in the year.
(https://i.imgur.com/awODlEX.jpg)
Beautiful reel. One of my next purchases is going to be an ultra-lite baitcaster or a conversion kit. I'm starting to feel my age when I'm horsing bass with the heavy-duty braid and power sticks. :(
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 09, 2022, 02:49:14 AMQuote from: thorhammer on November 09, 2022, 12:06:51 AM. Now into the box of 1500 and 2500's I am sitting on :)
Surely there's more comfortable seats available.
In fact I'd trade you a chair for one any day
now that's a good'un!
Bob, can you tell me what size bearings would be in the 1500/2500C (NOT AR)?
Quote from: thorhammer on November 10, 2022, 02:32:52 PMBob, can you tell me what size bearings would be in the 1500/2500C (NOT AR)?
5x11x4. I really like the Hedgehog Air bearings. The first upgrades I'd do are the spool, spool bearings, and a lighter weight line guide. Those will get it casting down to 1/8. The factory centrifugal brake does really well, even better than the mag brakes on the new stuff.
Quote from: tincanary on November 10, 2022, 03:05:54 PMQuote from: thorhammer on November 10, 2022, 02:32:52 PMBob, can you tell me what size bearings would be in the 1500/2500C (NOT AR)?
5x11x4. I really like the Hedgehog Air bearings. The first upgrades I'd do are the spool, spool bearings, and a lighter weight line guide. Those will get it casting down to 1/8. The factory centrifugal brake does really well, even better than the mag brakes on the new stuff.
Noted brother, thanks! We've got some decent size perch, I had two citations just under two pounds, back in the day, and the lake has some real quality crappie to cast to as well I just can't spider fish- if I'm gonna slow troll live baits it's gonna be shad for stripers.
Quote from: thorhammer on November 10, 2022, 03:16:01 PMNoted brother, thanks! We've got some decent size perch, I had two citations just under two pounds, back in the day, and the lake has some real quality crappie to cast to as well I just can't spider fish- if I'm gonna slow troll live baits it's gonna be shad for stripers.
Here is where I get my parts. https://www.hedgehog-studio.com/ That store does have a US site too, but the pricing is different and in US dollars which doesn't adjust according to the exchange rate, but both ship from the same place. The exchange rate between JPY and USD is outstanding right now, better now than it has been in two decades. While I do have good money into this reel, it did run me $300 less than if I had bought the parts a year ago. Buying from Japan is a bargain right now. If you wanted to buy a new reel, you could get a Calcutta Conquest for about $150 to $200 less than buying domestic. You won't have a warranty, but you know your way around a reel anyway. While they may seem a little intimidating by looking at schematics, they aren't too bad once you get into them.
Quote from: tincanary on November 11, 2022, 02:26:48 AMQuote from: thorhammer on November 10, 2022, 03:16:01 PMNoted brother, thanks! We've got some decent size perch, I had two citations just under two pounds, back in the day, and the lake has some real quality crappie to cast to as well I just can't spider fish- if I'm gonna slow troll live baits it's gonna be shad for stripers.
Here is where I get my parts. https://www.hedgehog-studio.com/ That store does have a US site too, but the pricing is different and in US dollars which doesn't adjust according to the exchange rate, but both ship from the same place. The exchange rate between JPY and USD is outstanding right now, better now than it has been in two decades. While I do have good money into this reel, it did run me $300 less than if I had bought the parts a year ago. Buying from Japan is a bargain right now. If you wanted to buy a new reel, you could get a Calcutta Conquest for about $150 to $200 less than buying domestic. You won't have a warranty, but you know your way around a reel anyway. While they may seem a little intimidating by looking at schematics, they aren't too bad once you get into them.
whats the diff between the silver and the gold conquests? and do you think they blow any abu away in performance...you are right about the japanese pricing..used one on ebay are under 200.
silver https://www.ebay.com/itm/304664367849
gold https://www.ebay.com/itm/304690786028
Quote from: pointbob on November 11, 2022, 02:37:50 AMwhats the diff between the silver and the gold conquests? and do you think they blow any abu away in performance...you are right about the japanese pricing..used one on ebay are under 200.
silver https://www.ebay.com/itm/304664367849
gold https://www.ebay.com/itm/304690786028
Calcutta Conquest colors vary by production year as far as I know, there shouldn't be much of any performance difference since the model itself doesn't change often. Compared to the Ambassadeur, it is a more precision made reel and feels objectively better. The spools are also lighter than their Swedish made counterparts, which aids in throwing lighter baits. Where the Abu shines is in durability and simplicity. It can be taken anywhere and work no matter what, plus it's easy to service in the field if need be. The Ambassadeur is still a great reel, even by today's standards. However, it has a degree of slop in the precision, but that's because it's a much older design. It's generally heavier and doesn't palm as well, but from a performance standpoint, it fishes great. The precision feel of Japan's best does come at the cost of more complexity. There are a lot of small parts and the clutch springs can be difficult to install if you don't have round nosed pliers. I also own a Calcutta Conquest and it's a fine reel, but I enjoy my Abus more.
Quote from: tincanary on November 11, 2022, 02:26:48 AMQuote from: thorhammer on November 10, 2022, 03:16:01 PMNoted brother, thanks! We've got some decent size perch, I had two citations just under two pounds, back in the day, and the lake has some real quality crappie to cast to as well I just can't spider fish- if I'm gonna slow troll live baits it's gonna be shad for stripers.
Here is where I get my parts. https://www.hedgehog-studio.com/ That store does have a US site too, but the pricing is different and in US dollars which doesn't adjust according to the exchange rate, but both ship from the same place. The exchange rate between JPY and USD is outstanding right now, better now than it has been in two decades. While I do have good money into this reel, it did run me $300 less than if I had bought the parts a year ago. Buying from Japan is a bargain right now. If you wanted to buy a new reel, you could get a Calcutta Conquest for about $150 to $200 less than buying domestic. You won't have a warranty, but you know your way around a reel anyway. While they may seem a little intimidating by looking at schematics, they aren't too bad once you get into them.
Thanks, brother! On that note, how does the conquest compare to the 50? I have a few; is there a light spool for them? Since I'm on an ABU kick at the moment, may just do a spool and bearings on a 1500 for the amount I'll use it. The good thing is I don't even have to crank the boat...crappie and perch are year around in my cove on the trolling motor.
Quote from: thorhammer on November 11, 2022, 01:03:27 PMThanks, brother! On that note, how does the conquest compare to the 50? I have a few; is there a light spool for them? Since I'm on an ABU kick at the moment, may just do a spool and bearings on a 1500 for the amount I'll use it. The good thing is I don't even have to crank the boat...crappie and perch are year around in my cove on the trolling motor.
Shimano makes a light lure Conquest, the Conquest BFS. When it came out in 2017, it had the lightest spool of any factory built reel. It has only recently been surpassed by the 2022 ALdebaran BFS. It's a fine reel and a bargain with the current exchange rate. This feller used to run $500+ just a few years ago, now you can find them new for $300 to $350 with the current exchange rate. Lots of Japanese shops ship here, and many will ship 2+ piece rods and reels free.
(https://i.imgur.com/RfenmMQ.jpg)
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshim17conquestbfshg.html
https://fishingdiscoveries.com/shimano-calcutta-conquest-bfs-hg/
You guys gotta stop telling me this stuff about the exchange rate. I've been telling myself such toys were far out of reach and not considering them.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 11, 2022, 01:38:52 PMYou guys gotta stop telling me this stuff about the exchange rate. I've been telling myself such toys were far out of reach and not considering them.
It shot up a bit the last couple of days. It used to be 0.0068 yen to the dollar as recently as Wednesday, or a 32% discount. Right now it's 0.0072. When I built this 2500C IAR, it was 0.0067. For reference, when I bought my Calcutta Conquest BFS, it was 0.0091. I watch it like a hawk when I'm wanting to buy from Japan. The dollar is very strong right now so you get a lot for your money when buying from overseas. A decade ago, the yen was much stronger and one would've spent 10%+ more buying from Japan.
Quote from: thorhammer on November 11, 2022, 01:03:27 PMThanks, brother! On that note, how does the conquest compare to the 50? I have a few; is there a light spool for them? Since I'm on an ABU kick at the moment, may just do a spool and bearings on a 1500 for the amount I'll use it. The good thing is I don't even have to crank the boat...crappie and perch are year around in my cove on the trolling motor.
I also have a 50 and would like to know how it compares to the Conquest since I've never seen one of those in person. The 50 is pretty small, but it's not super light. Any mods that can be done to it to make it more useable for ultralight fishing?
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 11, 2022, 01:38:52 PMYou guys gotta stop telling me this stuff about the exchange rate. I've been telling myself such toys were far out of reach and not considering them.
combine that w/ a goofy trend & you can find quite a deal:
last I looked, old JDM Scorpions were cheaper than equivalent 90's Curado ???
used to be the other way around, despite zero support & ugly burgundy color
Quote from: tincanary on November 11, 2022, 01:21:05 PMQuote from: thorhammer on November 11, 2022, 01:03:27 PMThanks, brother! On that note, how does the conquest compare to the 50? I have a few; is there a light spool for them? Since I'm on an ABU kick at the moment, may just do a spool and bearings on a 1500 for the amount I'll use it. The good thing is I don't even have to crank the boat...crappie and perch are year around in my cove on the trolling motor.
Shimano makes a light lure Conquest, the Conquest BFS. When it came out in 2017, it had the lightest spool of any factory built reel. It has only recently been surpassed by the 2022 ALdebaran BFS. It's a fine reel and a bargain with the current exchange rate. This feller used to run $500+ just a few years ago, now you can find them new for $300 to $350 with the current exchange rate. Lots of Japanese shops ship here, and many will ship 2+ piece rods and reels free.
(https://i.imgur.com/RfenmMQ.jpg)
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshim17conquestbfshg.html
https://fishingdiscoveries.com/shimano-calcutta-conquest-bfs-hg/
wow that is a nice little reel; and anything that isn't pimpy gold is a win in my fashion book :)
Any info. On shipping costs from Japan?
Quote from: Gfish on November 11, 2022, 05:42:30 PMAny info. On shipping costs from Japan?
Anywhere from free to about $25 at the most.
Thanks. Sounds close to the same as non-international.
Quote from: Gfish on November 11, 2022, 06:19:36 PMThanks. Sounds close to the same as non-international.
you get it quick too, DHL and FedEx have round the clock flights out of Tokyo. I get things faster fun Japan than I do domestically most of the time. 2 to 4 business days.
There's always something on these eBay listings about customs and import tarriffs etc are not included and are buyers responsibility. What does that add to the cost of these things?
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 11, 2022, 08:41:16 PMThere's always something on these eBay listings about customs and import tarriffs etc are not included and are buyers responsibility. What does that add to the cost of these things?
I couldn't tell you, they've never hit me with an import fee and I've been buying from Japan frequently the last couple of years. I think it depends on the quantity that you order before the tariffs come into play.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 11, 2022, 08:41:16 PMThere's always something on these eBay listings about customs and import tarriffs etc are not included and are buyers responsibility. What does that add to the cost of these things?
Yeah. More'n once I've been dissuaded from pulling the trigger after reading that on da Bay. I do know that Hardy Boy—-Todd got nailed for Canadian tax on a reel I sent him. A nasty surprise, IMO.
I had a yen for an Abu 3500 but couldn't bring myself to spend $130 on the light spool from Japan..
when the reel came up on ebay and the yen had dropped so the spool was under $100, bought the reel on Sunday and the spool on Monday. The shipment from Japan arrived Friday morning, before the shipment from the US..
No problems as yet with customs/tariffs etc on anything I've bought from Japan, but all my purchases have been small parts or lures, probably those go under the radar.
tincanary, that reel is basically the Ship of Theseus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus) ;-) all parts replaced and better than new. Very nice indeed..
Glad we have an Abu hotrodder on the site. Thanks for posting on these Tincanary. Giving me ideas...
Quote from: tincanary on November 11, 2022, 09:07:08 PMQuote from: JasonGotaProblem on November 11, 2022, 08:41:16 PMThere's always something on these eBay listings about customs and import tarriffs etc are not included and are buyers responsibility. What does that add to the cost of these things?
I couldn't tell you, they've never hit me with an import fee and I've been buying from Japan frequently the last couple of years. I think it depends on the quantity that you order before the tariffs come into play.
I believe there is something called a "De Minimus" value below which no import fees will be charged by US Customs. 800 $USD. There are exceptions and fine print, and overseas sellers don't want to make any claims that it will be duty free lest they end up holding the bag.
The USCBP Site is a complicated mess (shocking, I know...) but I did find this:
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/de-minimis-value-increases-800 (https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/de-minimis-value-increases-800)
I am also not making any definitive claims that you won't get nicked. I wasn't charged anything on a $600 purchase of new merchandise DHLed from the EU a couple years ago.
YMMV
-J