Graham Marsden
Editor Emeritus
This is a dedicated thread for discussing article: The ABU Closed Face Reel - A Love Affair.
Right now I need some chenille for the edges of the spools. Does anyone know where I can get it?
I couldn't argue with the "love affair" after all I have 4 501's still in use today - lovely reels.
I always wanted an Abu closed face reel, but when they were alll the rage I could not afford one!
I bought the 507 MK2 and like most people I found it horrid! At first it was OK, but then evolved into "Tanglemaster MK1"!!
I sold it to a mate who was going to try it for spinning - the theory being is that it was a modified spincasting reel and so it might be better with thicker lines.
I ended up buying a French made closed face reel about 10 years ago (I have forgotten the make, but it was distributed by VMC). A very reliable reel that has never let me down and never needed more than a clean and a drop of oil and a light smear of grease in the right place.
I still have a hankering for a Swedish made Abu though....
I dont have an ABU but I use the Dawia Harrier 125 for all my float work( well with line up to about 4lb). Ive never understood why people dont use closed face reels more, as I personally find them so much easier to get on with. Ive had mine for 12 years now and it still works as good as when I first bought it!!
Matt,
Any decent Fly Tying Suppliers should have it.