Abu Bg 7000 HSN

[lurch]

you can get a 7000I HSN for 129$

Spend the extra 30$ and get the reel from M&Ds

[Krispy]

Im not sure about the 7000i for surfcasting. I found it heavy and and a little awkward. I would compare it w/ the old 7000HSN first, before purchasing if your dead set on the 7 model.
I also have the new 6500 Abu, which VERY nice and comparable to the old 6500 version. I would give the 6500 a hard look, esp. if your just starting w/ conventional

[Mike P]

I wouldn't necessarily say no to the older HSN. I bought one last summer from Mike when he was blowing them out to make room for the i series. Some of the early models had pinion gear issues, but I think Pure Fishing resolved them. Even so, Pure Fishing usually stands behind their products if you do run into problems.

I'm not sold on instant anti-reverse, especially in the Abus. The 6500 series bearings can rust, they can slip when they get contaminated by grease or oil, and I've been told by Mike that they are integral to the side plate and can't be replaced separately--you have to buy the whole plate.

I can fix a standard 7000 anti-reverse in 5 minutes with one cheap brass part

I do like the lever free spool control--you can flip it manually or turn the handle, and there isn't a "water entry" port on the top of the plate like there is with the push button version

[gone fishin]

I own the 7000HSN and after changing the pinion gear the real was just fine. It is an excellent reel to learn on - narrow spool and decent control. It has 4 anti backlash blocks and you also can slow the spool down by applying pressure on the shaft with the side bearing adjustment and using a heavy oil on the bearings. No need to change the handle - that reel comes with the power handle on it.

After you get the hang of the reel you can bring it to M&D and have Mike trick it out - ceramic bearings, smoothie drag washers and a few other tricks Mike can do. After that is done you have a fine casting machine that will give you mucho satisfaction. The only drawback on that reel is line capacity. I use mine for plugging and have not been to the backing yet.