My dad and I have a few of the 4s, grandpa always said that was the best reel ever made and we’ve never switched! We’ve both tried a few reels, these beat any of the new ones, they’re actually unbelievable pieces of equipment
Abu and Fenwick set the bar high in the 70s and early 80s for premium tackle. Although very expensive for the era ; metal parts and high - end engineering made in Europe and USA meant good quality ; now tackle is disposal and made in Asian countries and China due to labour costs. Of course it is different. Not really made to last for years to come the new modern tackle. Sometimes a solid yet simple design works best and today we still use Cardinals; they catch fish and are easier use generally . However ; I will say the clunky old hand painted lures and rubber baits HAVE improved a lot since then and it fun to mix and match it all ... You will notice old rods have a much softer actions as only fibreglass and hollow inside than modern stiff graphite and do not cast as far in open waters. For just around 100 - 150 bucks online now you can assemble up an full ' old school ' casting or spin outfit that is really pretty top notch and have fun .....
Hey Michael, thanks for the comment! I think it's the longest one I've received yet. Yes the old school stuff was definitely made to last and I enjoy using them. I have picked up several vintage rod and reels over the years and keep them in good working order. Lures have definitely come a long way with the realistic finishes. I guess fish were dumber back then...lol. Tight lines!!!
You’re doing another of my most favorite reels (just like the Daiwa 7000C.) I have the larger saltwater sizes - 3 Cardinal 6 and 3 Cardinal 7. They are superb worm gear reels with surpringly strong drags. I have rebuilt three of them and You can find parts for them. Inside they even look like a small Penn Greenies or a Shakespeare 2062. I’m over 250 vintage spinners in my collection now. I even have 5 Daiwa 7000C. (You can never have enough! Lol.) I love your little short informative videos on these favorites reels of all time. Keep it up. - Chris
WOW! Thanks. I have the size 4 also, and they are well made reels. I have several more vintage reels I plan to make videos of if I can ever find the time.
Check out the other cardinals made by Abu, The Cardinal 52, Cardinal 54, Cardinal 55 and Cardinal57. All are rear drag and mostly found in Europe but can be found here in U.S.
I remember when they were coming out. Those in good shape sell for quite a bit on Ebay. I wish I still had the one I had back then. I just can't remember which one. I believe it was the 55. Thanks for the comment!
My dad and I have a few of the 4s, grandpa always said that was the best reel ever made and we’ve never switched! We’ve both tried a few reels, these beat any of the new ones, they’re actually unbelievable pieces of equipment
Yes, they are great reels. I have a 3 and a 4 and enjoy using them. Thanks for commenting.
Abu and Fenwick set the bar high in the 70s and early 80s for premium tackle.
Although very expensive for the era ; metal parts and high - end engineering made in Europe and USA meant good quality ; now tackle is disposal and made in Asian countries and China due to labour costs. Of course it is different.
Not really made to last for years to come the new modern tackle.
Sometimes a solid yet simple design works best and today we still use Cardinals; they catch fish and are easier use generally .
However ; I will say the clunky old hand painted lures and rubber baits HAVE improved a lot since then and it fun to mix and match it all ...
You will notice old rods have a much softer actions as only fibreglass and hollow inside than modern stiff graphite and do not cast as far in open waters.
For just around 100 - 150 bucks online now you can assemble up an full ' old school ' casting or spin outfit that is really pretty top notch and have fun .....
Hey Michael, thanks for the comment! I think it's the longest one I've received yet. Yes the old school stuff was definitely made to last and I enjoy using them. I have picked up several vintage rod and reels over the years and keep them in good working order. Lures have definitely come a long way with the realistic finishes. I guess fish were dumber back then...lol. Tight lines!!!
Back in the early 70s, every steel header in Toronto had a cardinal 3 on a noodle rod
You’re doing another of my most favorite reels (just like the Daiwa 7000C.) I have the larger saltwater sizes - 3 Cardinal 6 and 3 Cardinal 7. They are superb worm gear reels with surpringly strong drags. I have rebuilt three of them and You can find parts for them. Inside they even look like a small Penn Greenies or a Shakespeare 2062. I’m over 250 vintage spinners in my collection now. I even have 5 Daiwa 7000C. (You can never have enough! Lol.) I love your little short informative videos on these favorites reels of all time. Keep it up. - Chris
WOW! Thanks. I have the size 4 also, and they are well made reels. I have several more vintage reels I plan to make videos of if I can ever find the time.
Check out the other cardinals made by Abu, The Cardinal 52, Cardinal 54, Cardinal 55 and Cardinal57. All are rear drag and mostly found in Europe but can be found here in U.S.
I remember when they were coming out. Those in good shape sell for quite a bit on Ebay. I wish I still had the one I had back then. I just can't remember which one. I believe it was the 55. Thanks for the comment!
There might be the Zebco sign on that reel, but it is in fact an ABU Cardinal 33 from Sweden...
Thank you for sharing
Your welcome...and thank you for commenting.