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Customer Reviews for Abu Garcia C3
Abu Garcia C3
Wildly popular and one of the best selling baitcast reels of all time, the C3 features a 5.3:1 gear ratio and six pin centrifugal brake.
Average Customer Rating:
(132 Reviews) 132
Rating Breakdown 132 reviews
5 stars
119
4 stars
11
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
1
130 out of 131(99%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for C3
Review 1 for C3
Overall rating
These reels are the tanks of the fishing world.
PostedJune 18, 2013
Anonymous
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
I own several Abu Garcia round reel models but the C3 is by far my favorite. The only downside is your casting hand gets tired after reeling in all those fish!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 2 for C3
Overall rating
only problem
PostedJune 12, 2013
mikey
from frontenac,kansas
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
use 3 6501 almost daily reels. for large channel and bluecatfish. th reels cast well with large baits only problem is that the drag is not heavy enough to stop a 25 lb channel or blue of the same size when fishing for them around snags or fast water.the same hold true for flathead cats.they have worked for flathead up to 45 lbs when the fish go the right direction but burn thumb even screwed down as be up dated the drag to 35 or more lbs?
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 3 for C3
Overall rating
Bad
PostedJune 7, 2013
Anonymous
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
2
/
5
Casting Performance
1
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
1
/
5
I had this product for about a week. I used it for probably 5 days and the drag completely broke. I returned it, and will never buy one again.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 4 for C3
Overall rating
Welcome to the aresenal
PostedApril 18, 2013
PoorBoy
from Houston, TX
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
I have an old 5000 of my great grandfathers. I had no experience with the C3 reels at all, but figured it can't be too bad since it is an ABU. First trip out I landed a 26" black drum, a 32" red, and a 44" red. These reels are workhorses, they cast for miles, and they handled fish I normally use bigger surfcasting reels for. Just knowing I have a reel on my baitrod that can handle the kind of fish that we were looking to catch bait for is huge.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for C3
Overall rating
best round baitcast reels out there!!!
PostedApril 4, 2013
catch E'm all!!!!
from wilmington, OH
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
3
/
5
I first came in contact with this reel on my 13th birthday,which was the Feburary of 2013.I also on the same day bought a 12' rod for fishing the ohio river. It casts as far and as accurate as I want, and is super smooth. I do a lot of big catfishing, and the 6500 c3 is the reel for it. Yes, I'm still 13 years old, and already a big fan.I also own a Bcx, a silver max, and a cardinal sx, and consider them top of the line to.I'm considering a 5500 or a 4600 for bass.The 6500 also has a very loud clicker. Thanks abu, for great quality products.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 6 for C3
Overall rating
great
PostedMarch 22, 2013
Anonymous
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
i have a 4601 c3 and bought it second hand to be my first reel.
The c3 is used for casting and retrieving jerkbaits to a max of 60g and it never failed me once, even after a year of intensive fishing. If this one breaks or if i want a second one, i will defenitely go fo a c3 or a c4 again.
The c3 is used for casting and retrieving jerkbaits to a max of 60g and it never failed me once, even after a year of intensive fishing. If this one breaks or if i want a second one, i will defenitely go fo a c3 or a c4 again.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 7 for C3
Overall rating
The most versitale and durable reel I own.
PostedMarch 18, 2013
rockfishnfool
from eastern north carolina
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
Abu Garcia has always been known as a top end reel maker but this time they over did it. I own the 5500C3 and it is the best out of all the Abu reels I own. I love the 6500 series but the C3 is the most versital. From casting all day to bottom rigging this is the reel to have. Put this bad boy on medium heavy action rod and go fishing! Thank you Abu Garcia
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 8 for C3
Overall rating
best bang for the buck
PostedMarch 4, 2013
Anonymous
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
This reel is hands down, best bang for the buck. I purchased a C3 last spring and cranked in double cowgirls all summer and never failed me one time. Everything is still tight and smooth.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for C3
Overall rating
My work horse
PostedJanuary 28, 2013
Heikapuʻuwai
from Monterey CA
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:5
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
3
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
So this is my first abu reel. I was really surprised on how well this reel performed. I like to push the limits on my reels. So i decided to use this reel for strippers, cabezon, and big lingcod. Let me tell you the drag is smooth as butter and the 5500 has good torque. The honest truth I use this reel more than my shimano curado 301e. I usually don't buy the same reel twice but I will make an exception.
Definately buying another. Maybe the 6500 this time.
Definately buying another. Maybe the 6500 this time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 10 for C3
Overall rating
great reel
PostedJanuary 28, 2013
eddie
from sugarland,tx
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
nice reel,over all caught this nice 30lb plus drum 20lb test texas size drum for yaaa
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 11 for C3
Overall rating
abu garcia C3 4601
PostedDecember 26, 2012
guusy
from seattle, WA
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
I really suprised by this reel. is small, light and easy to palm. and casting this reel is great. I use this reel for hatchery steelhead. with the right adjustment you can cast this reel with NO backlash ( without feathering the line). and also doesn't required heavy lure, you can cast with a quater ounce weight or maybe slightly lighter and to clean this reel is so easy. after fishing trip, i rinse it with fresh water and take off the left side plate and using q tip, I just wipe inside the reel. the bottom line is. this reel is great and i'm please : )
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
zulhazrie
malaysia
c3 4601
Posted February 27, 2013
i just brought one c3 4601. i want to use in saltwater? u think that reel is suitble?
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Review 12 for C3
Overall rating
BEST REEL IV EVER USED!!!!!
PostedDecember 2, 2012
Anonymous
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
This reel is amazing! I use it for catfishing and it works great. It cast perfect and can handle giant flatheads blues ect. Im never gonna buy a different brand again! I love this reel!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for C3
Overall rating
simply the best
PostedNovember 11, 2012
hd mossman
from lomira, wisconsin
Age:45-54
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
i own 9 5500 c3,,,4 4600 c4,,,bought them all new, great reels,easy to maintain for years of tournament action!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for C3
Overall rating
Best reel I ever owned
PostedAugust 4, 2012
Justendcase
from Monticello, Fl.
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:2
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
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Review 15 for C3
Overall rating
never fails to amaze me
PostedJuly 3, 2012
catfishermen23
from eastern Ky
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:2
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
I have own the 6500c3 for almost 2yrs now and i have caught some nice flathead, blues and a few channel cats with it..when i go to set the hook and start to bring in them catfish i know and have faith that my reel will never fail me..i have it on a 10ft rod and fish with 1-3 oz of weight..with 40 pound p-line mono on it. i fish paylakes, rivers, lakes, pond with it..i works like it did when i caught my frist 20 pound plus fish with it..i so smooth of a reel the drag is top of the line and the durabile of the reels r the best. i will never buy any more of the cleaper bait caster i will always but my bang for my buck.
best to fishing everybody..
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Read Comments (2)
Comments (2)
Russ
Indiana
Have always loved them
Posted March 9, 2013
I have to 6500 i use for catfishing they have never failed me.I also still have a 4600 from my first from when i was a teenager with a 4;6;1 grear ratio and it still see some use from time to time.That its a test ment to the qulity of garcias
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Capt. B.
Sacramento, Ca. Delta to the Golden Gate.
Best all around reel ever made!!!!
Posted September 3, 2012
I have three 6500 C3 2 speed reels. The first one I bought about 20 yrs ago when it first came out. I have caught Trout, Catfish, Stripper, Steelhead, Bass, Sturgeon, Flounder and Shark using this reel. I'm bad about maintenance, clean & lube every few years and it still works like new! You will not be able to find a better reel anywhere! Thank you Abu Garcia for such a great product!
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Review 16 for C3
Overall rating
great reel
PostedJune 20, 2012
Alan
from fort dodge iowa
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
Very Simple, Very Smooth. Great reel for the money!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 17 for C3
Overall rating
The gift that keeps on givin'.
PostedJune 2, 2012
ProGrizz
from Southern Maryland
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
I'm ready to add another 5500C to my collection. It will be number 10 in my weekly used collection. I thought I might add that my first one was a gift in 1976 and it was used last week to slam a nice 7lb. Potomac River bass. What else can I say, 36 years with only replacing a worm gear set, built to last. I'm tough on 'em and not known for my maintenace, but these things never fail.
Round reels rule!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
Stephen Watkins
Southern Ohio
best reel ever made
Posted August 21, 2012
I have used a 6501C for over a decade for catfishing, and it is a workhorse. Performs flawlessly on the big ones. Never had any problems out of reel which is amazing considering what I put it through. I only took it apart to clean it once and it still works like new. If there you are looking for a big game baitcaster, your search ends with abu garcia!
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Review 18 for C3
Overall rating
Amazing reel....Cast great even with slighlty lighter lures
PostedApril 7, 2012
Chris
from Bangalore,India
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
Earlier purchased the Abu garcia 6600 C4. Was not very happy with the product as I used it once and the inside plastic pinion gear Spall went for a toss, had to replace it.It happened twice so was really fed-up..So thought would never buy a abu round reel again, however went ahead and bought the 6500C3...It casts much better than the C4 Possibly got a defective C4. Amazing really happy with the C3...I mostly use the reel for Huge Snakehead (10 - 15lb range) and saltwater fishing for snappers from the jetties and the fish can really test your reel to the limits....The C3 stood up to my expectation.....
paired it up with the veritas and Cabela Prodigy....
paired it up with the veritas and Cabela Prodigy....
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 19 for C3
Overall rating
Just gets better .
PostedMarch 31, 2012
littlebuddymicah
from Central Point OR.
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:Less than 1
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
The Ambassadeur round baitcasters continue to amaze me.I have owned 7 of them since 1968.This reel is THE REEL on the Rogue River,must be 80-90 percent of the anglers use em.From 5000's to 6500's in every model year,they continue to amaze me-shiney new ones to beat up oldies,THEY PERFORM,a never outdated classic!Easy to service and upgrade(this is fun to do,and worth it)simply amazing value and performance.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 20 for C3
Overall rating
Best reels on the market
PostedMarch 22, 2012
mcg
from Ringgold, Louisiana
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
My favorites are the round 5500c series reels. My oldest reel I bought for my dad back in the 1970's. I acquired it after he passed away and it is in my boat today. Over the years I have bought many more. I have about 20 today and with a little maintenance and a replacement part here and there, they are all still in my boat today. These reels are easy to maintain to keep in top working order, Just keep the worm gear oiled with a couple of drops of light oil and they will be good to go. If I had money to buy any reel I wanted, these are what I would buy. I also have a couple of the spincast reels too, and I consider them top of the line. In short. you could say I love these reels. If you want a reel that will stay with you for years to come, in my opinion, these are the ones.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
jimmy
Malaysia
Abu Garcia reels make from China??
Posted March 30, 2012
How to compare the Abu Garcia reels make from China with the one make from Sweden?
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