I'm going to build a new casting rod this winter. 11 ft. to handle 1.5 to 4 oz lures. I'm currently using an Abu 7000 but I'm thinking of one of the Newalls for the new rod.

Any thoughts or suggestions ?

Have you done any modifications to the Abu reel - like bearings, mag kits, rocket fuel lube, drag upgrades, etc? You may already have a great reel, or a reel that could be made into a casting machine - rather than getting a new reel.

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M+D's. Also tweaks the ABU and makes it in to a casting machine.............

See Mike at M&D's. He can show you the differences between a Newell and your Abu. Like others have said your Abu can be turned into a casting machine for not a lot of money. I have Abu's and a Newell P-220. The 220 is a casting machine but requires a little more thumbing than the Abu's. I like the 220 because of the narrow frame. Only drawback is the amount of line it holds. When using 25# mono it can get dicey fishing the Canal as it only holds about 160 yds. If using 20# it will hold 200 yds. A 229 sized Newell is approximately the same size as an Abu 7000 width wise. JHabs has a really tricked out 7000HSN that Mike tricked out. That is an awesome reel.

I've used both Newells and Abus over the years, and I love both.

Today, if I wanted a plugging reel for the Canal, I'd have to go with the Newell P-229. The re-introduced "P" series are a little more expensive (about a buck-ninety from Mike), but it's worth it to get the aluminum spool (the graphite will cook your thumb), the metal frame bars, drag star, handle and the metal bearing caps.

The Abus are more user friendly and the choice if you need a levelwind. But, I have concerns about their quality since they're now made in Taiwan. If you don't need/want a levelwind, the Newells are still USA made, and they're lighter and have a lower profile on the rod.

I tried the Newell that is Squidder sized. It feels really nice, and will definitely throw farther than any Squidder, but I think either of my 7000's (ole Swede and new Tiawanese) will throw farther. If you are an Abu guy alraedy, you probably thumb the line as opposed to the spool flange, so, a graphite spooled Newell won't burn you. Just be sure to make the first cast easy and wet the line.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate all the input.

I use a Newel 540s for cod and LOVE it!!!
I wish they made a level wind!!!