I need a new Musky Reel

[fishphinder]

I was out last weekend and a big strike while I was trolling finished off my Abu Garcia 6500 C4. I have two 6500's (now only one) and now need to get a new reel. I have only been Musky fishing for three years and have never used anything but the 6500. That big strike breaking my reel combined with the bad things I have been hearing about the Abu Garcias will keep me from getting another Abu so I am looking for recomendations from anyone who knows about Musky sized reels to help me find something I can depend on. I am ready to spend the big money on a good reel but want to make sure I get the right one. I have looked at the Shimanos but I don't know which one will fit my needs. I do throw the big bladed bucktails so I want something that can handle them but I also thow smaller baits and slower top waters. Any advice from a fellow Musky fisherman is greatly appreciated.

[Esox_Magnum]

Calcutta B or TE, Diawa Luna, Okuma Inuron or Red Iris all good reels. Like you I wont own an Abu muskie reel and I live next to Pure Fishing.

[fishphinder]

Thanks Esox, I haven't even looked at the Okuma reels. The Red Isis looks nice. I like th epower crank.

[Outfitter17]

Esox is right on the reels, I own 4 calcuttas.

[polarsusd81]

Don't forget the Penn 965 or 975. The 975 has a power handle on it and a 4.5:1 ratio I think. My buddy Rob got one at Thorne and that thing rocks. You can cast DCG's all day without getting tired and it can still burn a small bait in as well. Thing is built like a tank and can take the abuse of one too.

[BoxMN]

I am not die hard musky guy, but once I tried my brothers Curado 300, it is so smooth and lightweight it is just like casting a heavy bass rig. That gets my vote.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have a Curado to and love it but its not for big blades like a DC 10. I have the power handle on my Induron and its nice.

[slipperybob]

The newly release Abu's Revo Toros maybe something to look at...