abu garcia or shimano??????

[MagikSmallie]

I personally dont want to support the CHINA economy. So, I would buy an Ardent since all other reels are manufactured in China or Korea.

I'm pretty sure Abu Garcia's are still made in Svangsta, Sweden.

[ToolMan184]

I'm pretty sure Abu Garcia's are still made in Svangsta, Sweden.

Only 3 of the round models are made in Sweden. All others are made in CHINA.

[hairball]

Why does everything have to always be black or white? Ford or Chevy. Triton or Ranger. Maryann or Ginger. If 8 out of ten people tell you that brand A is better than brand B, but you've always liked brand B better, are you going to rush out and replace all your brand Bs with brand As? Buy what feels right to you - you're the one that will be using it. I have owned over 20 ABUs and 20 Shimanos along with a few other brands. If I went out today to buy a new reel, chances would be slim that it would be something other than ABU or Shimano, and I would be very confident with either one.

[peter]

I'll add to my previous post.

I have read where some Abu's are still made in Sweeden and some in Korea. Might say on the box or real. I use primarily round level winds and have had both Shimano and Abu. I have had serious problems with the abu C3's from the 90's. Anti reverse went out on four out of six of them. Some of the handles are now wobbly. Still use all but one of them except one that could not be fixed.

The Shimano Cardiff is a real sweat real for about $120. Smoth as silk and solid as a rock. The 300 is great for Cats and stripers. The 200 is much lighter and great for castin 4" lures. The main body is cast and the side plates are pretty solid metal.

No problems from the drag with Abu though. I'll pass on a tip from APB.
Smoothdrag.com
Great drag parts for many reels, carbon fiber or something and they will talk to you on the phone. They are glad to answer any questions you may have.

[bassakwards]

I have three rounds Abu's once since 1984 a Ambassedor 550 ca ( no bearings) two since 1994 the promax 3600 six bearings and blackmax tree bearings and they still are kicking and soing well it was untill just recently I decided to upgrade to the Revo Stx high speed never had any problems with any of them yet ( Knock on wood)

[peter]

I have three rounds Abu's once since 1984 a Ambassedor 550 ca ( no bearings) two since 1994 the promax 3600 six bearings and blackmax tree bearings and they still are kicking and soing well it was untill just recently I decided to upgrade to the Revo Stx high speed never had any problems with any of them yet ( Knock on wood)

I think I bought most of mine in bad years. I think Abu was better before and after I bought mine. The new ones seem pretty tight but way too expensive IMO.