I was wondering if this reel the Abu Garcia 6500 C3 will stand up to big stripers on Texoma. I have heard its a true workhorse and great for monster cats. So im hoping it will do the job any input would be great

I have Abu Garcia's 5500, 7000, and 9000 that I've had forever, and they've held up to whatever I pit against it. It's true what you heard, and easy to upgrade the drag washers and bearings.

Having sold many of the 6500 C3's, I am positive they will work on Stripers in Texoma for you. Should handle anything under 80 lbs. without too much difficulty.

If you want to save yourself a little $, try out the 5500CB or 6500CB. They have the same amount of bearings and anit-reverse and already have the anti-distortion spool... Plus they run about $30 cheaper than the C3 serries.

You know, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they DIDN'T like Abu Garcia reels. 

Yup!! Abu are good reels!!!!!!

This summer I was in Cabela's and a sales guy told me he had one fall apart while he was demonstrating it.Told me the new models have plastic gears and are not made in Sweden .He said he wouldn't sell one to anybody anymore.I have one I've used for 3-4 years ,no problem.Maybe it's just the brand new models.

Posted By mlaube4 on 01 Dec 2011 08:39 AM
This summer I was in Cabela's and a sales guy told me he had one fall apart while he was demonstrating it.Told me the new models have plastic gears and are not made in Sweden .He said he wouldn't sell one to anybody anymore.I have one I've used for 3-4 years ,no problem.Maybe it's just the brand new models.

Sounds "fishy" to me mlaube4...they haven't been made in Sweden for years, and I think they added those plastic gears years ago too. If I'm not mistaken, the plastic is not in the main drivetrain, it's in secondary gearing that goes to the levelwind or something. I do know this for sure...look at the customer reviews on the 6500 C3. It doesn't matter if its BPS, Cabelas, Gander Mountian, you name it, EVERYONE loves this reel!