Reel Repair by Alan Tani

WHich reel do I want?  I want a low-profile levelwind conventional reel for using in lagoons and surf, want to run 20# line and cast swimbaits and spoons, jigs for halibut, bass, grouper, snook..........calicos.....

I want affordable reliability, something easy to service and find parts for, I dont care how old it is...

which reels should I look for?

Bullet proof, easy to service and low profile don't go together if you ask me.  Curado 300 if you are willingly to gamble on their inability to provide parts for long.  Revo Toro but it looks cheap feels cheap and if you search here doesn't have bullet proof or reliable attached to it.  Poor paint durability. White metal parts.  Daiwa Lexa too new to have a track record.

All these low profiles might have a low profile but they are a mile wide and just as uncomfortable.  Bulging gear box makes it hard to fit in rod holders.  Id stick with a Abu 5500 or 4600C3.  Slimmer, easier to hold, the true definition of bulletproof.  I get tarpon, jacks and cobia on a 4500 and haven't gotten spooled yet.

Newell 220 is really tough but no levelwind.

I know of now reel that fits your request. If round, I would go with abu 6500c3, 5500c3, or 4500c3.

Low profile?  I would second the Curado 300.  I've fished the original (gray) model for quite a few years now.  I also own three Calcuttas (150, 250 & 400) and love them.  But the Curado has become, by far, my favorite casting reel for all my inshore fishing from fluke to stripers.

I am diligent about maintaining my reels, and I've not any trouble with it, whatsoever.  The only thing I've done is change out the drag washers to Carbontex.  I do not like the old Dartanium washers.

A friend of mine, who also owns a Curado 300 (new, green model) and loves it as well, is not so fanatical about taking care his reels.  He is more of a "fish 'em hard and put 'em up wet" kind of guy.  He recently told me that his is grinding badly.  The next time I see him, I will get it from him to see how bad it is and if I can clean it up for him.

So, in a nutshell, I would say they are tough, powerful, little reels.  But they will certainly need to be maintained.

Thanks for the replies guys

About how big is Abu 4500c as compared to say, a Squidder 146?

What is going rate for used 4500c?

x3 on the Curado 300, or even the 200DHSV (grey model) which can be found much cheaper at times.  I fit 300 yds of 40# braid spectra which breaks at > 60# on my 300 EJ, so it may even be overkill for your 20#, the 200DHSV holds a good amount of line as well.  I own both and for me they are almost interchangeable in function, can use same power handles, etc., though there may be some significant differences in part durability I am unaware of.  Slap some carbontex washers in there and you are good to go, I use them for everything from surf casting to yak trolling, casting, jigging, to jigging bluefish and stripers off headboats on a Trevala Medium rod.

You will need to service them well if you are getting it wet as water can get in everywhere pretty easily

I grabbed a Abu 5500 c3 off Craigslist yesterday, $35 in box, almost new. I think this one from the 90's maybe? 

Wow, that's an awesome price for a 5500C3.