oldschoolbasser

Unfortunately, Purefishing has been going down this road lately, much to chagrin of it's avid following. That's why most of us die hard Abu fans continue to build our own reels. That's why there is a growing number of companies picking up the slack that Purefishing has decided not to be a part of. At one time, Purefishing considered having it's own Custom Shop,but decided against it. I build Custom reels for the fun of building something I can use,but also as a way to relax, and use my imagination to create a reel of my own design. Abu Garcia used to be a leader in the industry, eith features that every other company has adopted in their designs.Purefishing JP is the only entity trying to build better reels for the Ambassadeur enthusiasts.

Jrod78,I bought 1 new reel from and the other 2 are used Ambassadeurs. As for upgrading my other reels you seem to forget that they are still older reels who's basic design has been around since the 50's. Of the 3 reels that I fish with the most,2 have only 2 bearings, and the other one has only bushings. I wasn't the one who said the new stuff was junk,new designs and technology have made for better reels,but it also makes these reels obsolete within a few years,where as the design of my reels are evolutionary, and have been improved upon through the years. Most of the youngsters here seem to think they invented bass fishing, and that they know the best way to fish.i was around when most of the effective techniques were developed. Doodlin, flipping,splitshotting, swim baits, tubes,and swimming jigs were all from my era,amd I learned from the guys who invented these techniques. Everyone has their opinion, but thst doesn't mean it's right.

Being and "older" guy who still fishes with his "obsolete" tackle (according to some on this site) I can say with all honesty that my 2 bearing Ambassadeurs have caught more bass than most of you here will ever see. As for rods, the biggest change is in the length of the newer ones versus the older ones. My Oldschool Phenix rods are a Boron Graphite composite with blanks being half the size of most of the newer rods. Progress? Boron is lighter,stronger,and more sensitive than graphite,yet no manufacturers use it in their rods. So by most of the younger guys reasoning, I shouldn't be able to catch fish with my 5'6" pistol grip rod,with my slow 4.7:1 2 bearing reel both over 30 years old because? ( not enough bearings,too short, and too slow) thanks to all you "experts" for pointing this out to me.

Just got an email from Hedgehog Studios about dress-up parts for the new Alpha. Offset star drag wheel,mechanical brake cap,screws,level wind bar,handle locking plates,and knob caps are available. I don't know how to copy and paste links,sorry. That's why I'm called Oldschoolbasser, not Youngcomputergeek. I'll figure it out one day,pprobably when tjey quit building Ambassadeurs

Check out Simon's big knob handles. Knobs are 2x the size of normal knobs. And they come with different color knobs!

Yeah, I get those every now and then Lews BB1N handle on the left,Abu 100mm on the right. You guys still think its too short?

Why don't you ask Mike to make one for you? Can't hurt to ask.

Looks like the only difference in looks is the carbon fiber handle

The BB1,and the BB1N had different csize handles with the BB1 the shorter of the 2. Why don't you just get a straight carbon fiber handle and put the knobs on it?

Too short? The Lew's BB1N handle was the 1st 100mm handle to come out! The Abu handle was only 90mm! Have you tried taking a knob off to see if the Revo knob fits? Don't forget the Revo knobs are bearing supported so most likely they won't fit on the post unless you put bearings in the knobs

If they would have started out with the Volkey,and Corkish lines it would have made a bigger impact as these series are reasonably priced, and offer a quality look and finish. As for being overpriced, look no further than the NRX Series rods. You get better components on rods less than 1/2 their price. Sort of like buying a Ferrari with hub caps! To appeal to the masses, you need quality at a good price point. Take *** as an example. Good quality, variety,nice fit and finish, a good product for a good price.The market's out there, but you have to have a good product, or it's no sale!

I think you mean the MS-X Series, their new high-end rod series. There was an article from ICast in August of 2013 about them coming here,so it's not like they made a last minute decision to show up to the party. Don't get me wrong,I would love to see an alternative to Megabass rods, but the Japanese Rod companies continue to thumb their noses at the US market.

No Volkeys,no Corzzas,just these. I talked to a Rep and he said that it was a last minute thing to bring these rods only. I told him I think you guys made a mistake not bringing your higher end rods out as a lot of people were looking forward to having their rods in the US. It's on them. I have a 2 piece Basspara that I keep in my car just in case,and it looks 3 times better than that rod, even though its a less expensive rod . I think they cheapens the look of the rod for the US market. IMHO, big mistake!

Back in the day,this was the best upgrade for Ambassadeur reels. Inexpensive, easy to get,and worked great. I still have 4 handles on my reel.

Saw these at the Fred Hall Show,look like the low end Daiwa rods. I was dissappointed that they didn't have their higher end rods.

I have the 1st Generation reel,love it. I'll add this to my Collection of Abus

Just upgrade the standard 1 pin drive shaft and 4.7:1 gears with a 4pin drive shaft and 5.3:1 gears. This reel is the finished project reel that started off as a junked 2500C that was so bad I had to replace most of the parts on it. I also upgraded the bearings and drag washer, now it looks and works like it should.

I have 2 sets (pinion and drive gear) coming from from Sweden.

Get a shallow spool from Avail! BTW,j just found 2 sets of 5.3:1 gears,and chrome frames for a 15 and 2500C! Better play Lotto,it's my lucky day!

They're definitely as smooth as the Type R,but I just got it yesterday, so I can't comment on the casting abilities. Sweet reel though.

Smooth Drag part #079 is what your reel uses,Carbontex or standard ones. I just put some ZPI bearings in 1 of my Custom 4500C's! Also been using the Hedgehog Studios bearings too,they both work great. I have some reels with 12 bearings now,smoooooooooth lol!

New Alpha 105SH on a Jackall Bros Light Plugging Rod. Great for Flick Shaking,shakey heads, or other Finese worm applications

New frame,side plates,bearing supported worm gear and cog wheel. Yeah,that's the ticket. It would be like giving your dad a new reel! Just like this one.

I don't fish during lightning storms!