I'm in the process of buying a new spinning reel.  I am very happy with my abu casting reels, but have never used thier spinning reels.  Anyone have any opinions on this reel? Thanks

I have one - a 502 ALB. It's a good reel. Nice and smooth, and built very well. I especially like the thick bail and big line roller.

I especially like this reel because it's a little slower than most others in its class. It's a 5.1:1 speed reel than pulls in 25 inches per turn. Most other in its class retrieve more line per turn. I've found this reel to handle crankbaits and spinner baits very well. It's a good general purpose reel. Tackle Tour reviewed it and is seemed to impress them as well:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabugarciacardinal502alb.html

Got one a couple years ago, and it is still as smooth as the day I bought it.  Very good reel!!