Abu Experts, I need help!

[fishingman88]

Okay I need some help differentiating which Abu Reel to get. I'm going to be using it primarily for big catfish and sight casting cobia this summer.

I'm looking to spend under a $100.

These are the models I'm looking at, but I can't tell which one will best suit my needs.

1) Abu Garcia 6500TC, found for $90, new

2) Abu Garcia 6500CS MAG (Not Elite), found for $100 new

3)Abu Garcia 6500 CS Rocket, found for $100 new

4)Abu Garcia 6600 EXT, found for $100 new

5)Abu Garcia 6500 C3, found it for $70 New


The three most important things I'm wanting out of my reel is:
1) Durability
2) Clicker
3) Awesome drag, (probably going to upgrade to power handle and carbontex drag washers)

Rate them in order of preference :) Thanks.

[AtlantaKing]

Most of the 6500/6600 Abus share the same internal parts, so it's really a matter of preference. For the most part, Abu 5xxx and 6xxx series reels are durable and easily serviceable, but do have its limits. They are fine for up to 10-12lbs of drag, meaning you can fish up to 30lb line, but I wouldn't push it too far beyond that. Abu clickers are pretty much a joke, so I wouldn't put it down as a major selling point. It's nice to have, but I mostly can't hear it anyway over a raging surf. As for the drag, well, there are many reels with much better and smoother drags (like a Saltiga) but the Abus are plenty fishable and will get you good fish provided you don't try to overload the reel by spooling it up with 100lb braid and try to winch your boat with it ;)

As for your list, I'm guessing you pulled it from FFO...the inventory looks familiar. I would put the CS Mag at the top (the model number there is '6500CSMAGG') as the CS Mag is normally a $150 reel. I can also personally verify that the picture is wrong, and if you get that reel with the aforementioned model number, you indeed get a 2007 model gray CS Mag Elite: gunmetal gray side plates, V-spool, Carbon Matrix drags :D

[Drum Bum]

I would go with the reconditioned 6500 inshore for 98.88. No spool rubbing, carbon drags, brass frame, stainless gears; easily the best choice for the fish your after. drumbum

[Tacpayne]

Teh mag reel, cs mag, and mag elite dont have a bait clicker.The rest would be personal preference. For the best casting I would take the 6500 cs

[WV Cobbmullet]

I know its not on your list but I just got a 7000i c3 from Gander Mt $120 gives a lot more line cap. and casts great.

[big_kitty]

The mag first
rocket second
the rest are all the same

Ideally the first would be the red 6500 mag hi speed with a clicker;)

[TreednNC]

6500 them pimp as needed

[KEVIN]

I love the Record 60 HC....Just throwing in my 2 cents....Because it's my new toy..

[bigcatchman2]

if it doesnt get anyone in trouble, can someone pm me the ffo website that is mensioned, haha those are some preety good prices. thanks

[AtlantaKing]

FFO=Fisherman's Factory Outlet.

[BubbaHoTep]

www.ffo-tackle.com

They had a 20% off at checkout deal going on last week, but I"m not sure if it's still on.