Reel Repair by Alan Tani

without getting into upgrades, what's your favorite year or variant of the cardinal 3?

Well, the standard model 3/33 came out in '74 and ended in '81/'82. They're all basically the same other than the attached name and last couple of years' color. All the parts are interchangable so I see no real difference, and for me, no preference of one year class over another.

Now that comparison does not include the '84 black skirted spool models made in Japan or the later yearly issued special limited edition non-skirted models.

This one:

This look very nice and very little paint loss . What is the dif. Cardinal 3 and 4 . This spool is plastic or aluminum

Quote from: jgp12000 on September 19, 2025, 10:01:09 AMThis one:

Interestingly enough, I've got at least one of every year model ABU, and/or Zebco, made and the black & tan ones don't work any different, or better, than any of the cream & green models. They just look different. 

Quote from: quang tran on September 19, 2025, 05:30:51 PMThis look very nice and very little paint loss . What is the dif. Cardinal 3 and 4 . This spool is plastic or aluminum

The Cardinal 3 & 33 is the same reel. They are smaller than the 4/44 and considered an UL. They originally came with a plastic spool just like the Cardinal 4 & 44. The 3/33 plastic spools don't have have a tendency to break like the 4/44 spools do, though.

what's the overall consensus of the c3? better or same?

I use both and like them both the same. Slightly, but very slightly, different design but they are both high quality reels that, if taken care of and maintained regularly, will last a person a lifetime.