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which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:38 am
by Robbi
I'm determined to try an Abu closed face reel, in my previous post folks seemed to favour the 506, here are two from the 'bay priced about the same.

Which is the better reel / value ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ABU-SWEDEN-50 ... 1c3e4bbbe6

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Abu-Garcia-50 ... 51b0558c18

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:53 am
by SeanM
Personally wouldn't go for either of these. A vintage 506 is probably the best of the two reels, but the price of the one above is a bit steep. You should be able to pick one up for around £30 or less in an auction. Make sure it's still got its antireverse pawl fitted. If you want to backing get a 501.

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:03 am
by Marc
My opinion, neither. Don't laugh, but a shakespeare wonderspin is a very good, cheap, closed face reel. You're paying for a name buying Abu.

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:06 am
by Marc
Plus, I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I've seen Abu closed face reels in a 'Dragon carp' outlet for about £15... Can't find them on the net.

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:12 am
by Robbi
I know, I know .........But i want an Abu closed face reel because I always wanted one as a kid but could never aford one, but I can now :)

My previous post was about a 704, then people recommend the 506, now folks are saying the 501 or even a different make......

You're not helping me here guys, I'm indecisive enough as it is !

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:20 am
by Marc
Well I can understand that, I've been looking for a zebco power shaft, just because I had one as a kid. Get the 506, they're all much of a muchness, overpriced, over complicated.

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:40 am
by Robbi
But which 506 ?

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:49 am
by Marc
The vintage one obviously. Not that bling looking piece of Liberace jewellery.

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:52 am
by Robbi
Prince of Durham wrote:The vintage one obviously. Not that bling looking piece of Liberace jewellery.
Lol :). But, but............

Re: which Abu 506 is better ?

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 12:38 pm
by Olly
There are 2 506 ABUs - 506 & 506M.

I understand that the newest one are not a patch on the older ones. I have 501/506/507/601 and my colleague has a 1044. I still do not have a 506m or a 601M.

So - 507 for heavy trotting - chub - barbel or even grayling from a fast big river - Tweed - Hants Avon type waters. Lines of 6-8lb.

501/506 are much the same for me as I remove the option to play fish on the drag on most reels. Trotting for grayling, roach, dace, (smaller fish than the 507) inc chub up to about 4-5lb - from smaller rivers & lighter lines!

I have kept one 506 with the drag & use it for tiddler snatching.