New Abu Garcia C3/C4 question

[dustlane]

Does anyone know how to access the brakes on the new line of C3 and C4 round reels? The knurled screws have been replaced by a standard screw. Surely they didn't make to where you need a screwdriver to adjust the brakes. I don't use them personally but I saw one on display at BPS this past weekend and that change caught my eye. I didn't get a chance to actually handle the reel or get a good look at it but I did notice that one change.

[Wachtel]

Probably to cut costs

[ninjaman]

Seen that before. Seems like the latest trend in round reels is making the brakes inaccessible. It is probably to "enhance the structural stability of the frame" or whatever they want to call saving a few cents.

[tonyex]

No guys, latest trend in round reels is rigidity and stability , no matter what it costs! ( mod ironic off)

//T

[mylobass]

30 years of fishing nearly nothing but C's and I never found a need to alter the brake setting while out in the field. But then with just 2 resin brake collars what was there to change. The ease of access was always important to me anyway to clear line under the spool or what have you. I'm sad to see them go, but frankly would never give up the old C's for any made since the end of the 80's anyway. More alarming to me is to hear so many reports of the reel foot weld failing. I hope this is more an indication of anglers using heavy braid and maximum drag. Especially from a drag that has been 'modernized' higher than the original engineer ever designed the reel to live through.

[dragon1]

30 years of fishing nearly nothing but C's and I never found a need to alter the brake setting while out in the field. But then with just 2 resin brake collars what was there to change. The ease of access was always important to me anyway to clear line under the spool or what have you. I'm sad to see them go, but frankly would never give up the old C's for any made since the end of the 80's anyway. More alarming to me is to hear so many reports of the reel foot weld failing. I hope this is more an indication of anglers using heavy braid and maximum drag. Especially from a drag that has been 'modernized' higher than the original engineer ever designed the reel to live through.

King of Sweden's seal means, what anymore on Abus? Newest editions of C3s/C4s are likely M.I.C. now.

[dustlane]

Well at least I'm not the only one to notice this. I thought maybe due to the new bent handle they did away with knurled screws to keep people from hitting their knuckles when reeling. But that would be too sensible I suppose.

[Seph]

King of Sweden's seal means, what anymore on Abus? Newest editions of C3s/C4s are likely M.I.C. now.

The price went up 30 bucks, but they are still made in Sweden.

[taylor5877]

King of Sweden's seal means, what anymore on Abus? Newest editions of C3s/C4s are likely M.I.C. now.

The price went up 30 bucks, but they are still made in Sweden.

Well, the c3 is a c4 now and the c4 has 5 bearings, so there is that....

You almost always have to play with the tension on those more than shimano or daiwa's, but that sounds like a pain.