ICAST 2013 Coverage - Abu Garcia Round Reels

ICAST 2013 Coverage

Abu Garcia Brings Baitcasters Back Round!

Date:	7/10/13
Location:	Las Vegas, NV
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Abu Garcia
Reviewer:	Cal

Introduction: Abu Garcia is a company steep in tradition. Over the last half decade, the company has redefined itself with the continuing evolution of their diverse low profile baitcasting reel lineup. But before popular introduction of their Revo lineup, before the rise of their competitors, Abu Garcia with their Swedish engineered reels was considered by many to be the top dog and this year at ICAST, it's all about rekindling their origins and bringing it all back 'round. The following reels will all be available beginning in September 2013.

For many bass anglers, their journey began with the Abu Garcia C3.

C3: For many bass anglers, their journey began with the Abu Garcia C3, a reel that has remained unchanged for many years - no longer. Updated with current technology like a Carbon Matrix drag system, bent drag star and handle and improved bearings, the new C3 promises to cast further and be more durable. Still built in Sweden, the new C3 will arrive with an MSRP of $119.95.

The C3 gets an updated with current technology for 2014.

And yes, they're still made in Sweden!

New Abu Garcia C3 Casting Reel Specifications
Model	Line Cap (lbs/yds)	Retrieve	Weight (oz)	Gear Ratio	Brakes	MSRP
4600/01	12/160	R&L	9.2	5.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$119.95
5500/01	12/240	R&L	10.0	5.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$119.95
6500/01	12/320	R&L	10.9	5.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$119.95

C4: Round reel fans looking for slightly better ergonomics, faster retrieve, and smoother operation yet not the usual steep price increase are the fans of Abu Garcia's C4. This model has also been updated this year with improvements similar to that of its C3 sibling with the addition of Duragear-2 gearing and a drag rated to a maximum of 15lbs. It will retail for $139.95.

The C4 is for those wanting just a little more ergonomics out of their reels.

The C4 is just a tad more refined.

New Abu Garcia C4 Casting Reel Specifications
Model	Line Cap (lbs/yds)	Retrieve	Weight (oz)	Gear Ratio	Brakes	MSRP
4600/01	12/160	Right	9.3	6.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$139.95
5600/01	12/240	R&L	10.0	6.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$139.95
6600/01	12/320	R&L	10.9	6.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$139.95

This reel will be available in three different sizes all in right and left hand retrieve.

Record: With its machined aluminum frame and sideplates, new HPCR (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings, Duragear-2 gearing, Carbon Matrix drag, and a new aluminum spool that's 25% lighter than previous versions, Abu Garcia's Record reel is a prime example of old school look and feel with contemporary engineering.

The Record gets lighter for 2014.

Unlike the C-series reels, the Record is available in only two sizes, 5600 and 6600. However, the 6600 is also available in a "High Capacity" (HC) model with a much lower gear ratio. The 6600/01HC is also the only Record available in both left and right hand retrieve. All Record reels retail for $199.95.

The 6600 size will also be offered with a big, power handle.

New Abu Garcia Record Casting Reel Specifications
Model	Line Cap (lbs/yds)	Retrieve	Weight (oz)	Gear Ratio	Brakes	MSRP
5600	12/135	Right	10.2	6.8:1	Six Pin Cent	$199.95
6600	12/180	Right	10.9	5.3:1	Six Pin Cent	$199.95
6600HC/01HC	12/320	R&L	11.8	4.7:1	Six Pin Cent	$199.95

CS Pro Rocket-Black Edition: Abu Garcia also updates their CS Pro Rocket long casting reel this year with a special, Black Edition. The reel is updated with a bent handle and dragstar, upgraded bearings, and Carbon Matrix Drag. It will hold 275 yards of 14 pound test line and is only available in right hand retrieve in a ratio of 5.3:1. MSRP for the CS Pro Rocket Black Edition is $199.95.

Into long casting?

How about a special edition Rocket for those duties?

Morrum ZX: We've known this reel to be in the works for several years, but each year, the folks at Abu Garcia told us "next year". Finally, 2014 is THE year and the Morrum is alive once again. Featuring a machined aluminum frame and sideplates, the Morrum has been Abu Garcia's signature flagship reel overseas for several years and now there's a version for USDM consumers.

The reel most Abu fans have been waiting for - the Morrum is finally coming to North America.

There's no better way to cap off and celebrate the return to round reel prominence for Abu Garcia than with this reel which features their long casting, externally adjustable IVCB-IV brake system, Inifini II spool, ten HPCR bearings, and Carbon Matrix Drag system. It will be available in both left and right hand retrieve and retail for the flagship price of $499.95.

And yes, in both left and right hand retrieve.

Thanks to Andrew Wheeler for showing us what Abu has going Round.

Conclusion: Round reels aren't for everyone, but those who can appreciate their form and classic design will certainly appreciate the efforts Abu Garcia has gone through this year to reinvigorate their round reel lineup. Of particular interest, naturally, is the new flagship Morrum ZX. At a time when other manufacturers have downgraded their round reel offering and another practically abandoned it all together, Abu Garcia is swooping in with an offering more than worthy of replacing those enthusiasts need for a refined, high quality, round reel. You can be certain Cal did not leave the Abu booth without first placing his order.