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A sophisticated new Ambassadeur "Record" reel courtesy of
Abu Garcia
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Date: |
8/29/05 |
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Tackle type: |
Reels |
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Manufacturer: |
Abu Garcia |
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Reviewer: |
JIP |
Total Score: 9.0 + EDITORS CHOICE!
Introduction:
It was at ICAST just a month ago when we learned that Abu Garcia would bring
back the Record. The first of which was a reel introduced back in 1921. This new
Swedish reel is designed with enhanced features, a new-found level of
refinement, and top notch performance that helps position this Ambassadeur a
notch below the popular high-end Morrums.
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Abu Garcia
Ambassadeur Record Reel
(RCN60)
Specifications |
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Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
14/145 |
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Gear Ratio |
5.3:1 |
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Line Recovery (inches per turn) |
30" |
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Weight |
12.9 oz. |
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Bearings |
4BB + 2RB |
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Additional Features |
Carbon Matrix drag
system, six-pin centrifugal brake, corrosion resistant middle gear bearing,
chemical nickel coated levelwind, crowned brass gears, Sensi-Brake spool
bearing |
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Warranty |
One year limited |
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MSRP |
$139.99 |
Abu & the Record: Carl
August Borgstrom founded AB Urfabriken (ABU) in Svangsta during 1921. His shop
was located next to the Morrum River where the company designed and fabricated
pocket watches, telephone timers, and taximeters. The company shifted its focus
to fishing reels after World War II caused a sharp decline in demand for
taximeters, and with his skilled craftsmanship developed the first reels in
1939... named Record.
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Built with quality components, the Record
will resist corrosion and can be fished in both freshwater and inshore
waters |
Impressions:
This year Abu Garcia has brought back the legendary Record round casting reel
that first showcased the fine Swedish engineering and craftsmanship in reel
design. When we got first peek of this reel at ICAST last month we were already
quite impressed with this fine product just from an aesthetic point of view. Made
in Sweden, this reel looks attractive and feels very sound. The new Record is
made of stainless steel and features brass components for superior durability.
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The Record 60 size holds plenty of line.
It also features a clicker to alert anglers when free-lining, bait fishing,
or trolling |
Complimenting
this solid reel are features that further add to the reel's performance and
ergonomics such as a carbon matrix drag system, centrifugal brakes, and
corrosion resistant bearings. The gorgeous pearl multi-colored crossbar at the
top of the Record holds a piece of firm yet soft rubber that felt welcoming when
we initially held the reel. Compared
to the existing Ambassadeur reels the Record does stay true to the series main
design but has a much more distinguished feel. Details like beveled edges,
reduced use of plastics, and laser etched logos in the place of screening all
hinted at a superior level of refinement.
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The Record is simple to take apart of
maintenance. It comes with a screwdriver and wrench tool |
The Field Tests: Upon initial evaluation it
sure looked like
Abu Garcia really did right with the Record and we couldn’t wait to take this
reel out for our field tests to see if the reel had the performance to back up
its good looks.
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Complete Rig
for Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Record Reel Field Tests |
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Rod |
Airrus Spectra AFT (SPC701MH) |
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Reel |
Abu Garcia Record (RCN60) |
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Line(s) |
50lb PowerPro, 12lb. Sufix Elite |
We spooled the reel up twice during these tests,
once with braided lines and again with mono from Sufix.
The Record RCN60 size is a
multi-talented reel and we decided to test the reel in both fresh and saltwater
applications by putting it up against King salmon, stripers, and rockcod fishing
along the West Coast inshore waters.
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Abu Garcia’s Carbon Matrix drag system
applies constant pressure for smooth operation |
Casting:
Though freespooling tests
didn’t produce the longest amount of time we’ve seen in a reel because of the
non-disengaging levelwind, we were impressed by the reel's excellent casting
ability. With our 1/2oz test plugs and the lines specified in the above table we
were able to achieve respectable distances that averaged about 90-100 feet using
the Airrus Spectra AFT rod with the handle extension mounted. With each cast the
line flew off the spool effortlessly and under control complements of the
engaged levelwind and centrifugal brake system. On the water we tossed plugs,
irons, swimbaits, and minnow lures and the same results were achieved as in our
earlier controlled casting tests.
The Record is among the longest casting
Ambassedeurs ever made and far better than the C3 reels we have tested in the
past. The bearing supported levelwind helps lay line evenly so that it flows off
the spool smoothly. The lightweight vented spool starts up quickly and
consistently, and when it comes to overall smoothness the Record has all the
Ambassadeur predecessors beat.
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Cast testing the Record. The casts are
smooth and well controlled with the centrifugal brakes |
Retrieving: We
really liked the retrieve on the Abu Record. Each turn of the handle was smooth
as we retrieved our lures from the water or when taking on fish thanks to the
six bearing system. This reel has a gear ratio of 5.3:1 that provided plenty of power to battle a 20 pound salmon, as well as serious
winching power to bring up heavy lingcod, Cabezones, and other large rockfishes
from 80-100 feet below. The gearing is held together under very tight
tolerances, and all master gearing is Swedish cut. The result is what I describe
as a "connected feel" over the reel, with every crank translating cleanly into
efficient line recovery.
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You won’t find many plastic parts on this
well built reel |
Drag: We tested the
drag in our lab for power, consistency, and smoothness. When cranked all the way
down we were able to produce a potent 13.5 pounds of drag pressure! That’s more
than enough and in the field we were able to quickly turn the head of the large
lingcods before they even had a chance to tuck back into holes when the drag was
buckled down. This is a serious amount of drag pressure, matching many of the
Shimano reels like the Calcutta B and TE reels which deliver between 8 and 17lbs
of counter pressure.
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Your thumb will surely find this firm
rubber pad welcoming when palming the reel |
Next Section: Drag contd', Ergonomics,
and Ratings
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