Laska Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 So I saw n read the forum about clickers n the whole nine yards and Im sick of my spinning reel outfit- its time to upgrade my reel, so; What do you guys prefer and can I stay under $80 so my wife doesnt kill me? I was thinkin the Abu Garcia 6500... Anyone have any go to baitcasters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordie Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 thats probally your best bet for a bait caster laska but hows that gonna hold up to the green hornet I would go with the 6500c series you wont be disappointed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainbutter Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 My current bait fishing setup is an abu garcia C3 6501(left hand crank) on a cheap med. heavy rod to lob heavy sinkers. I loaded it up with 50lb braid. It's been my first experience with owning my own baitcaster, and I'm 100% a satisfied customer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTro Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 The 6500 is probably one of the best if not the best all around reel for channels and flats. Is is a workhorse reel that given just a little bit of attention in the maintenance dept will last you a very long time. I don't think you can go wrong with a 6500.Are there less expensive reels, yes. Are there better reels, probably, but for a simple get it done reel, the 6500 is it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowhand Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 I use 6501's on some of my setups and do the job. They hold up well to river abuse, and price is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laska Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 Well now I got another issue, I can get the 6501c3 for $95 or the 6601c4 for $100?? Which one do I get is the 6600's better or no? Elwood I dont think anything could match up to the green hornet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushing Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 There is a popular catfish HSOforum that has the 6501TC (Trophy Collection) on sale for $74.95 and it comes with the power handle which is a must (for me anyways). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laska Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 whats a power handle? Maybe I just hear that called something else... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Borch Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 A larger single paddle handle. If you look at the 7000 reels they all have them. But only certain models of the 6000 reels have them unless you add your own. I added two to mine this past week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinnesnowtaWild Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 The deciding factor for me between the 6500 C3 and 6600 C4 was the C4 has a thumb lever to open the spool where the C3 has a button on the side that I didn't like much. As for the power handle, you can always buy it down the road for around 20 bucks...but it's not necessary just a personal preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanson Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 The deciding factor for me between the 6500 C3 and 6600 C4 was the C4 has a thumb lever to open the spool where the C3 has a button on the side that I didn't like much. As for the power handle, you can always buy it down the road for around 20 bucks...but it's not necessary just a personal preference. Not to get too technical here but a 6500 has the push button spool release, 6600 has the thumb bar spool release. C3 designates a 5.3:1 gear ratio and C4 designates a 6.1:1 gear ratio. If the number is 6501, 6601, 7001, etc... the xx01 at the end designates a left handed reel.My choice is still a 6500 C3.And yes... Power Handles are nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinnesnowtaWild Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Yeah couldn't think of the technical terms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushing Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 The lower gear ratio for the C3 is also preferable when trying to get a larger flat in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry FlatCaster Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 The lower gear ratio for the C3 is also preferable when trying to get a larger flat in. Ummmm.... Can you explain that in technical terms..... The part of getting a larger Flat... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushing Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Ummmm.... Can you explain that in technical terms..... The part of getting a larger Flat... Hmmm...What were we talking about again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainbutter Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I agree I like the lower gear ratio a ton. I much prefer the C3s over the C4s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAB Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I love the thumb bar. My favorite reels by far are my 6600s. I bought power handles and 5.3:1 gears for them so they are kind of a cross between a 6500 & 6600 & 7000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinnesnowtaWild Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 ^ Very cool. I prefer the thumb bar as well and I love the blue/gold color scheme of my C4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicstix Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 This same question came up last weekend amongst us. I have a 7000 + 6500 and I like the 6500 better also. What I really think is better is the clicker on the 6500. It seems to to be softer or more sensitve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTro Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Funny because that is the exact reason I choose the 7000 for my personal use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry FlatCaster Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 7000's............Clicker with AuthoritY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catnipmn Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I like the 7000's for the fact it is a simple reel to use.....But if you want a tough, very well built reel I would go with the Penn 320 GT2 it also comes with a 4.3:1 gear ratio and a very smooth drag system. I have both and would much rather have that 50 pounder on the Penn. It will run you about $95 but they do make a 310 GT2 that may be a little cheaper in price. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmboy1 Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Funny because that is the exact reason I choose the 7000 for my personal use. Yep. I don't like the soft clicker on the 6500. Large bait tends to pull them too often. If the bait is not kicking, it is not working, and I get sick of the 2-3 clicks at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laska Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 so a thumb bar is preferred but I should all around go with the 6500 models... This sum it up? Clicker preference would be 6600? as far as being the best...wow lots to soak in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Here-Kitty-Kitty Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 My buddy just picked up the abu garcia 7000 c3 and man oh man is that a sweet reel. The clicker is strong ya all around great reel. Now I need to go pick one up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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