I have an Abu 6501 C3 silver, made in Sweden. Just now getting the hang of it, only because I'm using it off the boat.... My question is , what upgrades are available? Should I mag it? What benefits are there in magging? Should be a simple operation? Want to get the power handle too. I like the reel, just changed the line to 25# Yozuri hybrid, as it had the original line on it from when I trolled it in the kayak (not to mention the birdsnest I cleared out of it today....)
Look forward to your responses.

I would definitely recommend adding the power handle to that size abu. If it's an older model without the new carbon matrix drag washers then I would also suggest upgrading those. I put a Hatteras Outfitters carbon fiber drag washer kit in my 6500 CL big game and the difference is amazing. The kit comes with three standard carbon fiber washers and an oversized HT-100 washer plus flat lapped stainless steel washers. It's definitely the best abu drag upgrade I've tried. As for magging, I can't speak to that as I've never had a magged reel, nor have I ever upgraded my abus with faster bearings, I find them fast enough already for my casting ability. But check out the Hatteras Outfitters website, they have tons of upgrade stuff for abus and other reels. Hope this helps.

I did the power handle and the smoothie washers on mine. Like the power handle a lot, but have to admit that I have not had much opportunity to test the drag on it. Both worthwhile and relatively inexpensive upgrades that will be positive changes to the reel.

A buddy of mine that uses this reel for salmon out west uses a dremel with polishing wheels and some automotive rubbing and polishing compounds to polish the metal parts and then uses some different oil to make his reel perform a lot better according to him.

NF - that reel doesn't need much more than the power handle and install smoothies for drag washers. I have a couple of the same model reels and they are true workhorses. If you are using the reel for plugging you probably are better off using mono. I have been using ande backcountry and find it a better than average mono. If you do decide to go to braid on the reel try Power Pro or the new Berkley Clear. 40 lb. test gives you plenty of line for a good fight. If my memory serves me, I think I have nearly the 300 yd spool on the reel. Definately get used to the reel before going to braid. The only advice I can give you other than what you already know, is keep the reel clean and oil the worm gear often. I hear that Jeff is now known as got tow!!:humpty: :humpty:

By the way - Kay has all the above stuff!:wave:

Put a pwer handle on it, better drags, and you are good to go. I had about four with mags, stock, and I found that they were just extra's that I didn't need. I use 6500's today, and am happy with 'em.:btu:

I put a power handle on mine and it's much better. Havent upgraded my drag yet but will one of these days. You can upgrade it to a 4 or 5to get better casting also. If you want some links for upgrading pm me.

nightfighter:

There's some good advice here, but my reccomendation is to do what works for you based on your fishing habits. For starters, I would just fish the reel "out of the box" for a while until you get comfortable with it, then go from there.

I have upgraded the drag wahers with Penn HT100's and they work great. I have also used both the power handles and the regular paddle handles that come stock on the ABUs. To be honest, I like the paddle handles very much, especially when throwing plugs b/c I think it's easier to use.

There's a few other things you can do...like open and remove the silver tesnion knob under the handle and remove the plastic piece that holds the spindle snug. I also remove one (1) break block on my 6500s (2) on my 7000s....This should allow the spool to spin a little easier.

Good luck

Tried the Power handle,,, went back to original. (like slow and smooth). Smoothies are a definate upgrade, but the originals I honestly didn't find all that bad. Just keep the oil off them.
A good home brew super tune is a very big plus. A little dremal, some semi chrome, surgical cleaning and a couple of drops of Rocket and it transforms.
I like them so much I'm in the market for 2 more and plan on doing the above right off the get-go. (they'll be replacing the 7000 narrow & a Penn 525 mag)