Precision could be
a word that
characterizes
Abu Garcia, the
reel manufacturer.

The company,
in 1921, began
as a Swedish
watch maker.

No wonder it
became known
for precision.

Abu Garcia in 2014 will re-launch several reels – named the Record,
the C3, the C4 and the Pro Rocket  – and will introduce a new one,
the Morrum.

The re-launched reels will be new versions of ones already on the market.

Both the re-launched reels and the new reel are round reels,
or conventional reels with a round cross-section or profile.

That’s opposed to low-profile conventional reels with an oblong cross-section.

Round reels hold more line and are usually stronger, built for purposes including fighting larger fish.

Low-profile reels are more ergonomic, including for sensitivity.

Here’s a look at the reels, and for details, click the reel's name for a pdf.

The Record

The Record,
introduced in 1941,
is Abu Garcia’s
first reel.

It’s the original
top-of-the-line Ambassadeur,
the name for all the company’s round reels, more than a dozen models.

Improvements
will include castability, because of a new aluminum spool that’s 25 percent lighter than previously,
and a 65-percent lighter aluminum line guide.

The new Record will include a bent handle and a bent drag star that are more compact and ergonomic than before, and other new features.

The C3

The C3 is wildly popular, and is one of history's best-selling baitcast reels, the company says.

Improvements will include a bent handle and a bent star for ergonomics, a better level-wind to improve line lay and an upgraded brake for more consistent brake pressure and control.

The C4

The C4 is perfect for quick retrieve, the company says.

It features a 6.3:1 gear ratio for that, and is meant to be a workhorse.

Improvements will include upgraded performance and styling.

The Pro Rocket

The Pro Rocket is the ultimate long-distance casting reel, and is an international best-seller, Abu Garcia says.

Improvements will include better ergonomics and upgraded components.

A new version, the Pro Rocket Black Edition, at left, will be introduced.

The Morrum

This reel will take the round reel to the next level, the company says.

One article that reviewed the reel said round reels might be making a comeback in largemouth bass fishing.

This reel is made for bass anglers who want a modern reel, with all bells and whistles, in an old-school design,
the reviewer said.

He seemed to like the Morrum, even if the reel is wicked expensive, he said, at $499.

No detail was spared, Abu Garcia said.

The Morrum is named for the Swedish river that flows near the company's factory.

The river played a part in the founder's decision to manufacture reels, after making watches.

That history is part of what's fascinating about the reels, and a documentary about the company, “For Life: The Story of Abu Garcia," was recently released.

Click here to watch this great movie, about an hour long.

Or click here to watch a trailer.

Despite the reputation of the reels, they're usually affordable.

“You know, the wonderful thing about fishing, is that whether it’s a garbage collector or an executive, on the river, they are equals,” Lennart Borgstrom says in the film.

He's a descendant of the founder, and a former Abu Garcia owner.

“Nobody cares what profession you have," he says.

"It’s the guy with the biggest catch who is the superior."

For more information, visit Abu Garcia’s Web site.