I was curious as to how good these Ambassadeur Reels are for steelhead fishing.

A friend loves them but I have never used one anyhelp would be nice.

Thanks

Got an old 2600 that works great. It's a smooth reel. My father used to use it. He took out the anti reverse so he could play the fish off his thumb. Is this common?

there are better reels on the market but I can not afford one. the abu's are the best reel for the money. I own 3 4600's 2 5600's and a 6600 . I like the ones with the clicker for stripper and sturgon so they can run with the bait with out feeling anything until you can put down your drink and set the hook. i use a 4600 ultra cast for steelhead and I love that you can adjust the spool while casting. If you treat these el well you can use them for years.

They are all I fish with. Minimal maintenance is needed to keep them in good shape, and they have many models to choose from. The best thing about them is their warranty service. No questions asked, ever.

love my ambassadeur morrum 5600, i'll stick with abu garcia for my casting reels forever(or until i get some cheezy customer service somewhere along the line), who out there uses the new torno and how do you like it???

Shimanos are generally better casting reels, but there is nothing wrong with the Ambassadeurs. I have about 8 of them that I use for plugging and trolling. Excellent drag, durable, reliable. One of them is over 20 years old and still going strong. They cast fine as well, just some of the other brands are a little smoother and have better backlash controls.

I'm a big Ambassaduer guy. All the level winds I use regularly are Ambassaduers. I've been through a slough of Quantums, Shimanos, etc., most of which are now in my scap box. The ABUs just keep on working. My favorite is a 1957 5000c my uncle gave me. I've replaced the gears in it a few times, and it still casts smooth as warmed butter (I know, I know!...but I'm kinda funny about my favorite gear...).

Some of the premium reels on the market are probably better, but as has been stated the ABUs are the best out there for the money.

Another advantage is that parts are readily available for all models. Many are interchangable. They are easy to get. They are also easier to work on yourself once you get the general hang of it.

One note: the bearings on the older models seem to hold up much better than the newer ones. Keep them cleaned and greased, and replace the drag washers once in a while, and the gears when they wear out, and you basically have a reasonable priced reel for a lifetime!

GS

I'm going to agree with the above posts...I have the most expensive of a lot of things when it comes to fishing gear, because for the most part you get what you pay for.

Reels generally follow that rule, too,...except for the Ambassadeurs. They're all that I own now. I've a got a bunch of older ones, but I've got something like seven 5500c's and I use them for everything.

They're durable, easy to work on, and handle from six to fifteen pound test easily. Drags are pretty good (better than OK, but not necessarily great), but the line capacity is exemplary.

On top of all those things, they're really inexpensive...$60 to $80 should be able to hook you up with almost any model.

Fish on...

Todd.

I'm a hardcore ABU guy. But I don't like the newer one's. Of the 14 or more I have, only one is post 90'. The rest are about 1981 and older. All are 5001c's and 6001c's (I don't use right handed reels, why I sold off all my REALLY old vintage reels). They are true workhorses, and all the old one's really only need oiling and that's it. I've used mine really hard, and I've kept them well maintained. Have only had to take 1 in for repair in all these years.

Even the guys up north love the "old "Abu's nothing stands up like they do
not that we know much,but!!!
7MAG

Thank you all for the posts I am going to go ahead and buy one just need to decide which model.

Once again thank you for the help.

Ok next question

Which Ambassadeur Model and why you think it is best.


Thanks

i have a 5600 C4, i'd recommend it. i believe it has 4 ball bearings, and a 6.3:1 gear ratio

personally, i'd like to get an older 5500 or 6500 off of ebay, something like a late 60's to early 70's one with flat sides and dual brakes(looks like a modern 7000 c3). my dad has one and he's used it for well over 20 years, and it never lets him down

The 5000D is the ultimate steelhead reel, if you can get one. Direct drive with freespool, casts forever (always take out the blocks and throw them away) and has adjustable drag on the direct drive.

However, for small water I use a 2650 - real rare, probably never find one. These are tiny but still hold over 100 yards with backing, straight direct drive with freespool and casts/handles like a dream, light too. Caught two 20 pounders on this thing - what a blast

I have been using my 5000 Ds for over 25 years. I had them rebuilt at Johns Sporting Goods in Everett a couple of seasons back. I originally bought them new for $22. each. My 5000C finally gave up after nearly 20 years including a lot of saltwater light tackle bottom fishing with jigs. Some of the newer models don't hold up as well, but for the price they are good reels.

If you run across a green Ambassador at a garage sale, buy it quick. They are worth rebuilding.

I have often heard that about 5000Ds being great reels because of the direct drive feature. Actually I never really learned why.

My first level wind was a 5000D and a few years later I picked up a 5500D. I have used them for a variety of fishing. I can see an advantage of direct drive when mooching for salmon, and maybe some other times. But for river fishing the only added result for me was a chronic case of "busted knuckles". Best way to contract this condition is to grab a direct drive equiped rod out of a holder as the fish is peeling line and trying to get control of the wildly spinning handle.

Seriously, what do you see as the main advatage of D-drive?

GS

Ambassadeur Reels are without a doubt the best bang for the buck, but a Shimano Curado is unbeatable for light weight action.

I learned to steelhead fish with the 5000D. That was decades age and I can still remember the feel of the fish fighting with the direct drive. At that time I matched it with an FS83C Rod by Finwick.( decades ago )Had lot of fun with that set-up.

Now I use Shamano reels. They are the state of the art ( Calcutta Conquest)as the Abu's were years ago. Don't get me wrong, Abu's will still get the job done.

Hope you enjoy which ever choice you decide on, that's whats important anyway. The choice is yours.

Thanks once again for the help and I think I am going for the 5600 C4.

It sounds like a the one I need.

Thanks everyone for the help.

I got their new Torno 3004 with infinispool, and I love it. Casts lightweight setups well, and has the ability to handle large fish.

Others I own are a 6600 C5 Mag-x, a 6500 C3, a 5500 C4, an old Ultra Mag, and a number of spinning reels.