This is probably a stupid question on my behalf, so I will make it short and to the point.  I was wondering, why everyone uses shimano, and daiwa, when Abu Garcia is a really good company, also?  I see so few suggestions towards their company, and it makes me wonder if I am the only person using their products, new and old!  lol  I have a cardinal spinning, and a couple ambassadeurs.  I have an ambassadeur maxxar from 1993, in very good condition, and I also have a newer 5600cl rocket.  Both are excellent reels, and I feel that the company is belittled here on there forums?  Don't get me wrong, I love shimano, and daiwa, I own a daiwa also, but It seems that Abu is always over looked, and I am curious as to, why?

just got back from testing out the stradic for some river smallies. Caught 5 and the biggest was maybe 2lbs. Not bad for the river I was fishing but still not quite a test on the new reel. I hooked into a very large fish but it broke off after talking off under a fallen tree and going airborn. Didn't quite see it very well but it was either a giant smallie or a carp. I'm still adjusting to the drag system on the Stradic, it has a lot more increments than my previous reel and I haven't gotten a feel for the settings yet. Overall I've been very pleased though, I've noticed less line twist and a greater casting distance.

These two facts raise some questions for me. What is it about higher quality reels' mechanics that allow for greater cast distance and reduced line twist?

wickyman,

The new Abu Garcia Revo has gotten plenty of play on the Forum, many of our members have purchased them this year. As a more general statement, Garcia reels enjoyed a great reputation for many years, but their innovation, product durability and quality control seemed to suffer beginning in the '80s up until just recently. There are many fans here at BassResource.com, but some of us (me) have had bad experience with their reels in the past.

Just like people, a company's reputation takes a long time to establish, but is easily tarnished.

Very good to know.    I have loved abu garcia since I got my first spinning reel.  I was just curious as to why everyone seems to enjoy everything else.    With technology as it stands, how can they not control the quality of their products?!  lol  It seems that they are using machinery far out of their time, and they need to upgrade, if this is the case.  Ok, enough of me ruining this thread for the guy who started it.