after several years in the industry i can say I wouldn't spend a dime of my money on ANY abu product. the reels aren't even in the same realm of shimano quality. exception being thier big game 7000 series reels, they seem o.k. My shimano calcutta 400 has been put through the ringer over 3 seasons of BB'ing, west coast trolling and fraser barfishing. Has landed 47 springs over 30lbs, 5 over 40lbs and numerous fish below 30lbs. the reel functions both casting and fighting fish like it was almost new. season 4 here we come. I also fish the low profile shimanos for float drifting local rivers, the reel was bought in 1992, and is STILL catching fish today. only ONE trip to the shimano service shop in 12 years. this reel has caught 1000's of pounds of salmon/steelhead/trout.
The older abu's, manufactured before 1990 were decent if not great reels, todays abu's are garbage, THE MOST WARRANTIED REEL I saw while employed in the tackle slingin trade. If you are only an occasional fisherman they are o.k. i guess, but if you are serious and fishing is your #1 hobby, don't chince out, do yourself a favour get a GOOD reel.