I'm getting ready to buy one of these reels for some B.C. Salmon fishing. Just curious if the C4 is as solid as the C3 has been for some of you that have used both reels. Had heard of some early problems with the C4, but the Rep. at the Sportman's Show said there aren't any now!

Better yet, go with a C5 if your gonna go ABU. Ive had one for about 3 months now and its by far my favorite reel. Probably gonna buy another to replace my POS C4. Think its only about $15 more than the C4 as well.
Tight Lines
RL

Here's some info you might consider-- the C4 has a retrieve ratio of 6.3 to 1 while the C3 and C5 both have a ratio of 5.3:1. What this means is that they have a little more power while the C4 has a little more speed.

Unfortunately, the C4W (retrieve ratio of 3.8:1) isn't available in the 6500 size. It would be a good reel for big fish that you have to move.

Does the retrieve ratio make a difference between the 3,4, and 5? Probably not in real life (with exception of the 4W). If you're going to be casting with the reel, the C5 is probably a better choice because of the extra balancing/finishing work.

Good luck,

Keith

I've got the C4 and love it. It's been full of sand and crap washed in the river and still is a smooth as new.

I have a 5601 c4 and like it for the price. Only one time the release switch wouldn't work and I banged it once and that was it.

I thought the C5 might be a possible until I looked at the catalog again and noticed that it doesn't come in the '6500' series. I'm back to wondering if the slower retrieve & larger gears would be better for the larger Kings? I would prefer the faster retrieve of the C4 if the reel strength were the same! Thanks for the replies.

I haven't fished the high-speed C4 (just the low-speed models in bass and steelhead sizes), so I can't compare it to the C3. However, there is an extra bearing in the C4, so it might be a little tougher, depending upon where the bearing is. It should be smoother. Outside of the differences in the bearing and the gears, the reels should be about the same in designed strength.

I know I do like my C3s in 6500 and have had no problems with them. Wish I could offer more insight.