6500 vs 7000

I am in the process of getting a new setup. There is a huge price diffrence between the Abu 6500 and 7000. Does anybody have experience using the 7000? Is it worth the price? Thanks Mike T.

I got a Abu 7000 last year and I love it. If you’re targetting anything big like flatheads that requires a lot of line capacity and HEAVY line (30 lb+) then the 7000 can’t be beat, in my opinion. It still retains great castability. The 6500 is great too, I have one. If you try to put anything over 30 lb line on it though, it won’t function…and you can only get around 100 yards of 30 lb line on it. If you don’t need super heavy line or a large capacity, save your money and get the 6500. If you’re targetting especially big flatheads then I wouldn’t recommend the 6500 if you plan on using heavy mono. Superlines are an option…I’ve never tried them on a baitcaster so I can’t help there. The 7000 is worth the money though. I can promise that. Check out ebay, they always have a few on there and sometimes brand new ones sell for around 100 bucks.

Matt

One more question I forgot to ask on the 7000, does it have a bait clicker? Thanks again, Mike T.

yes it does.

I agree that you should decide what the reel is going to be used for the most. The 6500 is a great all round reel and in addition to being half the price its also about half the weight. I’ve got one thats 12 years old and it still works flawlessly. If your mostly going after channel cats and sometimes flatheads the 6500 is hard to beat. Even though your not holding on to the rod and reel alot when your cat’n the lighter reel help for quick hooksets on sometimes hard to hook channels. If its stricktly flathead your after the 7000 is a good choice.

I dont want to make your selection and tougher but if your considering a 7000 you should also look at the Quantum Big Iron reels. I’ve got two of them (the 430’s) and love em. I havent used the smaller Quantums. I compared them side by side and I preferred the Quantums. They seemed smoother and had a smoother, easier to adjust clicker, and they have instant anti reverse. I know all the 7000 owners may disagree. Its just my two cents.

If you decide on the Garcias make sure you get the newer models that have the instant anti reverse. Its a nice feature.

Dirk, I’d be very interested in those Quantum reels. I couldn’t find any info on whether they had clickers though. I have two of the Iron spinning reels and love them. Very smooth and easy to maneuver. I’m sure the baitcasters are just as great as the spinning reels. I’ll have to check them out!

Matt

Buy the 7000. Sorry Dirk, but quantams suck. Another excelent cattfishing reel is the diawa line counter. It has an incredible drag and bait clicker.

Big Time, I new you’d love that comment. I was thinking of you when I wrote it. LOL. Sometimes you need to expand your horizons and move on to newer, better, and and more technologically advanced reels though (Quantums). Lets not turn this into the great bait debate… LOL. Bullheads *@#%.

I have a 6500 spooled with 80lb Whiplash (which has a diameter of 17lb mono). I use it for cats and for baitcaiting for big pike and muskies. Works equally well for both.

I agree with dirk. I also have a Quantum 430 and a shimano corsair 401 and love them both. Henry a bud of mine uses a 6500 and is going to get the 7000. I abu are good reels but there more and better reeels out there. Use what you think is the best for you. If you get the fish to boat thats all that matters.