Abu 6600SSC3

Are there any Abu experts out there that can tell me what the 6600SSC3 is? How is it different than a 6500C3 aside from the thumb bar? I’m guessing the SS means stainless steel, but what is stainless? Has anyone tried one?

From what I understand, the bearings are stainless. How is that different than a regular 6500C3’s bearings? What are they made of?

I don’t mean to hijack your thread and I can’t answer your question, but the Walmart by Menards off of 81 had a 6600 D5 for 59 bucks on clearance in their display cabinet. Least it was there last Sunday. Cabela’s sells them for $99. Maybe that could work for you.

Thanks, I haven’t heard too many good things about the D series, though.

Ryan,where did you see these #’s?
6600 is the size of the reel,3 means the # of bearings in the reel.
Here is what I found for 6600 #’s in my book/
6600D5 stainless bearings
6600D6
6600C4,this has stainless bearings.

Ryan Hale

Here’s one. I’ve actually seen them a few places.

I have one and it is the smoothest of my reels.I really don’t know what the bearings are made of or what the other ones are made of, but it is smoother than any of my other abu’s.

Thanks, gator!

RW..

I am going to make an educated guess here that that reel is going to perform the same as the 6500C3. The standard ball bearings and stainless ball bearings are going to be roughly the same weight, and equaly as smooth.. The stainless bearings will be less corrosive for saltwater environments if you feel that is important. It is going to cast a cat rig the same as any other 6500 class reel. The only way your going to get better performance is to change over to ceramic bearings which are a bit smoother, and much lighter which does give a little more casting distance.

That reel smoother than another Abu of the same class with bearings? I doubt its much smoother, and guarantee they are going to feel the same after a few flatheads.

If you prefer a thumb bar release over the switch.. its probably the reel for you. Its a personal preference issue, not a performance issue.

Personaly.. I dont like thumb bars on heavy reels because I thumb the spool if possible when setting the hook on flatheads… that thumb bar is a good way to have an accident, or worse yet, ruin the pinion gear in my reel when I accidently hit the release under extreme load. 6500 class reels are not made for 80# line.. we can break them if we are not careful.

Thats only my preference.. everyone has their own.

Maybe Catten Addict could chime in here…as he was one of a number of catters that had issues with the 6500’s. I think the level wind breaks?

Although I don’t recall who was having the problems, I do recall that they used the reels alot for larger fish…like Red River cats…which is why I was thinking it was CA.

Not saying don’t get one…cause I have two and for the cats around here, I would be pretty dissapointed if they would break.

The levelwind breaks because people get sand and dirt in there.. eventually the pawl(sp?) gets stuck over to one side.. at that time it cost $4 for a new pawl.

Most of the sand that gets in there is caused by excessive oiling. I have never oiled mine in 8 years.. and havent had this one break on me.

You guys notice on some high performance automobile air filters, and ATV air filters .. you must put oil on them to work properly? The dirt clings to the oil… doesnt make a difference if you lay it on the ground, or have it sitting on a shelf at home.. exposed oil collects dirt and dust. The more oil, the more dirt.

The same thing will happen on any large levelwind baitcaster.