Is this 6600C5 MagX a good plugging reel ? I throw 1-3 oz mostly and 4oz max plugs ???
Any particulars about the reels anyone knows good ~bad maintanance ??
thanks
and a rod to match it ?

Reel has a great track record. That is non - mag. It casts smoothly and maint. is good. Parts available without problems. Depending on the production of the reel, I suggest changing the drag washers to smoothies right away. The drag was poor from the factory in the origional reels, but Abu has started to install decent drags.

Great casting reel stock. It has the magnetic slide on the side. They stopped making them for a yr & recently brought them back w/ upgraded drag washers. :)

Mine is 3 yrs old - no maintenance issues - I use it, but not excessively. ;) I put a steel power handle on mine and changed out the stock drag washers & std washers right off the bat (had read every one complained about the older style stock drags).

Only downside is it has the thumb bar on it. Some guys like the std silver lever to depress. ;) Makes no difference to me - I palm the side plate w/ two fingers on the front.

I used it primarily w/ lures in the 1 to 3 oz range and it was fine on rods that were 7' - 10' long. I liked it enough to buy an 5600 C-5 mag -x because I thought they weren't going to be made again ..... lol. Popular place has them out for great price as well (w/ new drag washers). :)

is there any other abu you could recomend ? are the magnets any good ?
wgat about the chrome rocket ???

got a 6500cs mag elite and love it- upgraded drag, bearings, level wind bearings, ported aluminum power handle. performs well.

I like the 6500 Trophy series. I like a levelwind reel. Good value, comes with a ball bearing on one end of the level wind shaft as opposed to two plastic bushings and the power handle that I feel you should put on every 6500 sized Abu. Obiously the imports like the Chrome Rocket are the Cats A$$...

... the levelwind feature , does it reduce casting compared with a non level gismo ?:wall: so many reels :devil2:

the chrome rocket is nice but does the mag system really make a difference ? is the thumb enough ?

maddog where is this pop. place?:chatter

The levelwind will cut your cast down slightly - not enough to be concerned about. If you maintain the reel and clean and oil the worm and paul frequently it will not be a problem.:btu:
If you intend to fish the reel with plugs, you almost have to have a levelwind. I am more interested in watching my plug and the proper action, than having to be sure the line is being laid down properly with my thumb. Also if you fish at night ( and we all do ) a levelwind is a must. With a baitcaster the line has to be laid down on the spool properly or the next cast will result in a backlash and possibly a plug or jig ending up in Europe. If this is your first baitcaster, you will be much happpier with the levelwind and the magged reel. Buy the Abu, you will not be sorry.
I do not know where you buy your stuff, but i would recommend that you deal with M&D bait in Wareham. Mike is a knowledgable guy and will help you out with the reel and also change the drag before you start. Saltwater edge is another shop that will help you - just depends on where you are located. Buy the reel from a baitshop and you will get the service you need.:btu: :spidey

great stuff :spin: thanks I will try them...:happy:

one last question...I'm right handed cast with right arm[spinning reel under] and reel with my left....
if conventional reel is on top ...do I get a left handed version to act as I am doing with spinning gear ?

:uhoh: right handed - buy right hand reel! Cast and crank with the right hand - opposite spinning gear.