The "Syncro" must be the only big Abu that I've never owned, or even used. They came out over 20 years ago, for the first time. I never gave them a thought--like Bill, I thought it was just an extra part that I didn't want or need, waiting to break.
But I can echo the thumbs-up for the Calcutta. It's a tough reel under that "bling" exterior
It's just to slow for jigging the Canal.