Classic reels

Martin Lo · #1 24-07-2015, 01:59 AM

Have anyone here used classic spin reels?
I've been eyeing off Mitchell 300s, Abu cardinals and the first DAM quicks.

Do they operate similar to what's available now?

Green Hornet · #2 24-07-2015, 02:48 AM

I have an ABU Cardinal 54 from the early 80's sitting on my shelf of fame.
Would I use it today? No way, its a real clunker compared to modern reels.
Crap drag, line roller that doesn't spin and not well balanced like reels of today.
They were great reels in their day but we've moved forward a long way since then.

Martin Lo · #3 24-07-2015, 04:42 AM

I see, I've played with ABU 2500s and 5000s they didn't feel bad at all. Just heavier, slower and haha need a good thumb.

Dunno why but I want a classic spin and cast. Problem is Thise hexagraph
Blanks are nowhere to be found.

Martin Lo · #4 24-07-2015, 04:54 AM

Are they like this?

thor · #5 24-07-2015, 07:38 AM

Well, the classics are reels I know well. Mitchell 308/408 were very popular but the rotor rotated in the wrong direction for us right handers. The Shakespeare 2052/2062 are the better reels and will remind you of an old car or pickup, they work but not like what you have today.

On the plug side, ABU 1750 or the Pflueger Supreme with the cub drag. How many of those did I beat up?

Martin Lo · #6 24-07-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thor

Well, the classics are reels I know well. Mitchell 308/408 were very popular but the rotor rotated in the wrong direction for us right handers. The Shakespeare 2052/2062 are the better reels and will remind you of an old car or pickup, they work but not like what you have today.

On the plug side, ABU 1750 or the Pflueger Supreme with the cub drag. How many of those did I beat up?

Hahaha you've lost me there Thor! I have no idea what a cub drag is. What about the DAM? I heard they used to be made back when there was a West Germany.
If old reels are like old pickups that reel reminds me of an 190SL

thor · #7 24-07-2015, 11:52 AM

A cub drag was one where the star was replaced and could not be adjusted during the fight. It could be pre-adjusted for the line/application to be used.

The DAMs were not very popular here. Some of the old reels were very good but I'm not ready to put them in the cult status of a 190SL.

Green Hornet · #8 24-07-2015, 07:59 PM

This is my old ABU.
Holds 200yds of 8lb mono and weighs 316g.

Kind of like the Cranka debate, ABU had the patent on rear drag spin reels for a long time.
When the patent expired, everyone bought them out just as we fishos discovered the drag was better up front on the spool anyhow.