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 | | Posted: 17/02/07 |
| 'I OWN TWO ABU 508'S AND NOT 704'S CAN YOU GUESS WHY?' | | Strengths:
As with all Abu closed face reels they are so simple to use and very easy to maintain | | Weaknesses:
A lack of right handed reels for us lefties | | Overall:
Quality match reel in any ABU guise. I Still use my 508's when given the opportunity and would never part with them |
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| | | Performance | | 100% | | Quality | | 80% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 08/02/07 |
| 'SIMPLY THE BEST' | | Strengths:
Simple, quiet, smooth and effortless but thats not the best bit. Once you have learned to use the fighting friction drag you will, at least, be very impressed. A simple turn of the knob on the reel handle will set the minimum brake pressure, then switch on the anti reverse and move the handle backwards. On hooking the fish you simply hold the handle backwards to allow the line to pay out but with enough pressure to set the hook or wind forward a half turn to lock off the reel if you need to turn the fish away from a snag. The friction drag will slip from almost free running to full torque simply by turning the handle backwards or forwards. Total control in a neat package.
This is also a first rate trotting reel. Simply touch the line release button, make your cast and let the line run across your finger. If you need to strike either turn the handle slightly or simply pick up the line with the end of your finger and hold it against the front face of the reel to lock it off. easier to trot with than my lovely centre pin. Still under £60.00 if you shop around. | | Weaknesses:
Why Abu ever introduced the second pick up pin I will never quite understand. They never disengage quite simultaneously. which is annoying. I listen to the reels pick up, try to ascertain which pin is the laziest and pluck it out to use for a spare.
Dont forget to thread the line through the nose cone when you are tackling up. So annoying when you forget. | | Overall:
A well engineered reel as you would expect from Abu. I have three, two to fish with and one for spares or repairs (never had to use that one). I doubt that I will ever fish with another reel except of course my centre pin. I have a number of fixed spool reels including a fabulous Abu Suveran S1000M. sadly, all are now redundant. |
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| | | Performance | | 100% | | Quality | | 80% | | Value | | 100% |
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| | Posted: 09/07/06 |
| 'A GOOD LITTLE REEL' | | Strengths:
Easy to use and operate.
Light ... but strong.
Good for bait fishing adn spinning too.
| | Weaknesses:
A slight catch on the handle on the 10th or 12th crank.
An assembly problem. | | Overall:
A good little reel for light line fishing.
Nice and compact. If the problems were fixed would be a perfect reel. |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Quality | | 60% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 18/11/03 |
| 'Probably the best close faced reel available today' | | Strengths:
Simple press/release cone on front of reel to release line onto your forefinger. Easy control over how much line to let out. Synchro drag allows you to preset the drag tension over two settings, by back winding the lever in anti-reverse mode you release the drag to its lower setting then by simply tightening to the fish you're back to normal reeling pressure. If you're not happy with this and prefer back winding, simply turn off the anti-reverse switch. Rotator locking button is very useful for removing the rotating cup to change spools. Abu quality is still there. | | Weaknesses:
Not an all-round reel, but a brilliant substitute for a centre pin when trotting or for waggler fishing into a wind. | | Overall:
I have been a fan of Abu close faced reels since I first bought a 503 back in 1968. I have since had a 505 and a 506 and a 501. I also borrowed a 1044 for a time. All have been brilliant, but the 704 incorporates every conceivable feature that an angler could wish for. If you don't have a close faced reel already - get one and do some stick float trotting on a river with it. Expect to pay around £60. It's a bargain! |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Quality | | 80% | | Value | | 100% |
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| | Posted: 29/01/04 |
| 'EXCELLENT REEL FOR THE MONEY' | | Strengths:
Very simple to use with push button line release for casting and trotting.Syncro drag is very smooth and reliable. Main gear made from solid brass and pinion gear made of stainless steel for many years of trouble free service. This is one solid reel built to last. | | Weaknesses:
The only weakness is that sometimes both pins on the rotating cup will not disengage at the same time.This can be easily overcome by removing one of the pick-up pins without affecting the performance of the reel. There really is no need for the two pins. | | Overall:
I have used Abu 1044's since 1988 and love these reels for there simplicity in use,excellent trouble free performance and smooth drag. I have landed thousands of steelhead with my 1044's and have retired these reels and now using my 704's Except for the reel housing and a few cosmetic changes both reels are identical internally using the same parts.I'm sure I'll enjoy the same reliable performace with my 704's.
This is one solid reel well worth the money. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Quality | | 100% | | Value | | 100% |
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| | Posted: 28/01/04 |
| 'EVEN BETTER THAN THE 1044' | | Strengths:
Nice and compact. Easy reach from the rod. Good control. Very smooth when playing fish. | | Weaknesses:
Had problems with both pins not disengaging but overcame that by removing one of the pins. | | Overall:
Could easily use this on still waters and rivers. Excellent reel, well worth the money. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Quality | | 100% | | Value | | 80% |
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5
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