Casino Jim,

I don't mind this gear being nylon as there is little pressure on these gears anyways.  Also, they are cheap to replace.

Thanks bud! good points! I feel better about my c-4 now.
CJ.

Dennis K do you know if those Abu Rockets come in big lefties. Can't stand any of the Abu's, they make me want to pin fish all the time.

Patches - my lefty buddy is in the same boat - but sadly Abu do not make a left handed rocket. silly Abu....best reel i've owned, no way you can join the "right side"?

hmmm

Hey RLN before you buy a Diawa have you tried an Abu Morrum?Ive had mine for 3yrs never had a problem.Also have a couple of Calcuttas.But still come back to the Morrum. Goodluck on what ever reel you choose.                    HAPPY FISHING

morrums are NICE reels, but wayy too small for our rivers and holey $$$$$$ - does not hold much line and I do not want to use fireline.  morrums are great for bass fishing and short chucks, i agree that the daiwa is a nice reel but it has a thumb release which is personally not my cup of tea - otherwise looks pretty excellent. I like the release button on the side of the reel so my thumb is not interfered with when it is on the spool.

Shimano Calcutta - smooth, but expensive, plastic levelwinder breaks (met the guy who had it broken 3 times), sometime engages the gears during the cast (heard the grinding noise during the cast from other reels including the newest TE). Own a copy of Calcutta 700 (had gears misengagements)

Abu's - different models (from cheap versions for combos to more expensive rocket or magnetic cast control). Standard reels (6500 C3) can be modified to get better cast (extra bearings into levelwind) and smoother drag for big springs (as the standard ones can go only one-two seasons). Never had a misengagement problem. If you want a good reel - get the one with magnetic cast control and extra tension dial on the left side (like in 7000 models or Rockets). Own 3 abus: 6500 C3, 6500 CS (limited edition - magnetic control, 4 bearings, tension dial, extra long casts), BG7000HSN (resently).  The BG is a good reel for Chinook (both bar and floss), but requires experience to for extra long casts.

My dream reel: BG7000HSN with super stopper roller bearing, extra two bearings in levelwinder, magnetic cast control.

Both reels should be regularly maintained, avoided contact with sand, and used only to fiight the fish not snags.

Pinkwool: good info on the reels.  Could you explain a little more about the Abu BG's?  What do you mean they require experience for extra long casts?  Can you cast as far as with your Calcutta?  How is the drag?  How is the construction solid?  what does it sell for?

I am thinking about a BG.  It appears to be a bit bigger than a 6500 but smaller than a 7000.  Also it can be used in salt water.

Thanks.