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[Clipped.Adipose]

Wanting to upgrade my 6500
Which upgrades made the biggest difference?

[CohoJake]

A ceramic pawl is the first I would go for - that part wears out frequently, but this doesn't include performance. Bearings will increase your casting, but you have to ask, is there anywhere you can't reach on the rivers you fish already? Ceramic drag washers are the best 'upgrade' in my mind - drag makes the most noticeable difference when playing a fish.

The C3 is a good "workhorse" reel - not fancy, but gets the job done. I personally only do upgrades on my C4s, except the pawl - I put ceramic pawls in all my reels.

[FlyFishin Magician]

A ceramic pawl is the first I would go for - that part wears out frequently, but this doesn't include performance. Bearings will increase your casting, but you have to ask, is there anywhere you can't reach on the rivers you fish already? Ceramic drag washers are the best 'upgrade' in my mind - drag makes the most noticeable difference when playing a fish.

The C3 is a good "workhorse" reel - not fancy, but gets the job done. I personally only do upgrades on my C4s, except the pawl - I put ceramic pawls in all my reels.

This.

[Clipped.Adipose]

Thanks! That’s great advice. I’m gonna go to mikes reel repair and see what they have in stock. The c3 was my first reel and I take it out a few times a season just for nostalgia. The plan is to see if I can make it run a bit more nicely

[dennisK]

Wanting to upgrade my 6500
Which upgrades made the biggest difference?

your biggest upgrades can actually happen with virtually no parts being changed. Just dremel it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qgim19KZVw

[Long_Cast]

My first chum salmon was caught on a C3. It's an old-school reel that's solid and reliable. Great for casting heavier lures.

[FlyFishin Magician]

I still have a pair of C3's (5500 and 6500) that are in excellent condition and are currently in "reserve". I upgraded both of them with ceramic pawls (for worm gear), ceramic ABEC 7 bearings, and carbon brake washers. My C3 6500 also has a modified handle. They are great reals, very reliable, and easy to repair. They are almost 20 years old now, but I hardly use them. They are ready to go in the event of an emergency or other misfortune. 

I also have a C4 6600 with similar upgrades - also in "reserve". With the ABEC 7 ceramic bearings, I found that I can get an extra 20% casting distance over the original bearings. However, the practical application for this is currently limited. But it is very cool! 

These reels will last a lifetime if maintained properly.

[cammer]

Toss in drawer and go buy a shimano best upgrade possible

[CohoJake]

Toss in drawer and go buy a shimano best upgrade possible

As far as "Round" reels go, the only upgrade I would consider is the Diawa Luna. But, I have far too many good memories with my Ambassadeurs and I keep finding more to add to my collection. When they are well tuned and maintained, I wouldn't want to fish anything else. I've tried low-profile reels, but after 30 years with these, nothing else feels right.

[roeman]

Toss in drawer and go buy a shimano best upgrade possible

The best move you will ever make...

[FlyFishin Magician]

As far as "Round" reels go, the only upgrade I would consider is the Diawa Luna. But, I have far too many good memories with my Ambassadeurs and I keep finding more to add to my collection. When they are well tuned and maintained, I wouldn't want to fish anything else. I've tried low-profile reels, but after 30 years with these, nothing else feels right.

I have the Luna 253. Although it is a nice reel, the anti-reverse bearing has given me problems in the past. Nothing like having the anti-reverse fail while fighting a coho! I have cleaned it several times, and currently it's working well (landed red springs with it this year with no issues).

My main go-to baitcaster for coho is my Calcutta 200B. In fact, I have two of them! By far this is my favorite round baitcaster for coho.

[dennisK]

I just can't get my head around that shiny shimano gold color for a fishing reel. It's the boomer in me I suppose. Less is more.

This is my go to. Customized 5500 rocket pro about 20 yrs old. Never let me down and only got better for casting/smoothness once I discovered what a dremel can do and a little bit of autosol.

[danielk]

I have a c3 and c4.    What’s the difference between them ?? Haha.  I just got the c4 because it was blue and looks nice on my rod.    The c3 is chrome and looks better on my other rod.   They both work great.     

[dennisK]

and this dremel technique. excellent.

https://youtu.be/qfHrLUsl5Lo

https://youtu.be/37hl8PFygS4