I haven't used a baitcaster much since I was a kid , but the last couple years I've been doing so again . In my trying a few different models out I have desided I like the Garcia ambassator (spell) style the best, I have a vantage plus 5000c gold in color , question is what is the difference in that reel and like a silver color 5000c or 5500 red color or the other models ?? I know the 6000-6500 are the same but bigger

From what I can recall, the main differences were in the number of ball bearings used and the ratio of line retrieval.

Methinks if you can get the fish to take the bait, you should land your fair share with a reel costing under $50.
I have.

The basic concept hasn't changed all that much over the past few years. Bearings are much better, level wind upgrades from bushing to bearings, carbon fiber drag washers, ect. You will find all price ranges from entry level to pro. Quality products don't always catch more fish but are usually more reliable.

A new Garcia won't be half the reel an older one from the 70's was. Bearings may have improved, but plastic gears will never be as dependable as metal. Think I've lost count of the Ambassadors I've had blow on dime bright salmon, kinda sucks when your reel goes tits up on a 50# chrome king salmon, or a #15 buck silver as has been the case more than a couple times.

Shimano Calcutta is the answer, spendy yes, ox strong hell yes. If you have to go Garcia at least pay for the Big Game series, they're somewhat stouter if not a Calcutta. Or shop an old red reel on EBay that has been or could be rebuilt with metal innards. Penn's level wind series isn't bad, certainly trumps the Abu lineup, but IMO aren't worth the $$ they sell for.

For bassing or other relatively light duty fishing, the old diawa PMF series is a great reel. I source them from EBay and outfit my ice rods with them, don't have a super fast retrieve speed but they are sturdy and smooth units. Same same for the old Shimano Bantam series. These two can be had for small $$ online and beat newer WalMart offerings all to pieces.

I have two Ambassadeur 6500C reels ... one from around 1972 and the second picked up around 1994. These are high-speed retrieve models and both have worked flawlessly. Paired with an 8ft Fenwick graphite rod I've landed Reds, Silvers, and Kings (up to 45lbs) with 15lb mono. They are my "go to" reels for Salmon and Steelhead in the river.

I have all abu's made in sweden. Once in 20 years, have replaced a pall. They are a like a warn winch.

There be the key, "in 20 years", the new stuff on the walmart shelves and at Basspro isn't of the same quality as the red reels of old.

Swedes and the Japanese make good reels, Messicans not so much. Plastic is the answer for cheap prices not durability.

They (ABU) made some great spinning reels too...



The original "red"..

this is interesting , Most of my fiing for these reels will be bass, maybe some catfish and some sport for carp . what year or model did they start plastic gears ??

Late nineties would be my guess. That's when I lost my old quantum magnum and replaced it with a 5500. I was still down south but was fishing bass and catfish an average of 80 days a year and averaged one rebuild or new reel a season. When I moved to Texoma and got my striper boat the average rose to 2 a year slinging big plugs and tangling with those lively stripers. When I moved to AK 8 years ago I started grenading at least 2 or 3 a season fishing salmon, and have helped doing repairs at a lodge trying to keep the loaner gear running, it's a once a week deal to have one go down on a client when they are fished hard day after day.

Off subject a little but if any of you guys bass fish try and find a old 3600 SM or 3600 BM. AWESOME little reels and they work way better with florocarbon line than the new reels. Way less over run because the wire level wind guide. several companies are making ceramic spool bearing for them too, so you can cast to the moon.

I have several "red" 5000s . . . early reels . . . love 'em.




Also have a couple vintage Penn's (930 and 940). . . ebay is your friend!