Rather than the Abu 6500 reels, you should look into the narrow spool version of the Big Game 7000. The 7000 HSN. It isn't much bigger/heavier than the 6500. But, it has the same 5.3:1 retrieve ratio, and will actually retrieve more line per turn of the handle due to the larger diameter spool. And, it has the beefier gears, stronger frame and bigger drag washers of the 7000 series Abus.
Oh yeah--here's the best part---if you can get down to Wareham soon, before they're all gone, you can pick it up for $84.99 at M&Ds
Threaded Mode