The Abu Garcia The Abu Garcia family of reels comes in many variations and is likely the most used reel for Musky angling. You will find that the models 5500-C3 (pictured) and 6500 are most suited for the Musky angler. The price will vary depending on where you purchase the reel, however the range is $49 to $69. Product Review: This family of reels demonstrates nominal performance on the water. The drag system is adequate, however, it will tend to loosen and tighten with extended use. Line capacity is adequate for 40 lb. test line. The workmanship is adequate and the retrieve ratio varies from 4.7:1 to 6.3:1 depending upon the model. The major problem with the family of reels is its longevity. That is to say that the reel (those manufactured in the 1990's) has a useable life of perhaps two years. A particular annoyance is the propensity of the reels to exhibit a "free spool" failure with heavy use. The failure is directly related to the plunger mechanism used to 'arm' the free spool for casting. The illustration shown here will provide you some perspective. The spring arrowed in red is the key to the whole mechanism. When the free spool plunger is depressed, this spring is stretched placing tension on the internal mechanism. When you turn your reel handle to begin your retrieve, this spring contracts placing the free spool plunger in its original position. Without this spring, the free spool plunger will not
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