The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

hi all i have been offered an abu diplomat 601m as i already have the original 506 and 507 is it worth having the diplomat is there any advantage over the older reels your thoughts please.

That's sent a shiver down my back! Not in the same league as the others mentioned in my humble opinion...indeed, more Northern Isthmian League than Premier Division.

I have one bought cheaply some years ago. Currently very few spares available I have found - anyone know better please let me now!

But I fish a small stream where most fish seldom reach 1 pound! With a lightweight rod this little reel is lovely - - but I agree not in the same league as 5 series closed face!

in my honest opinion the Diplomat 601 isn’t in the same class as an original 500 series reel, but if it’s in reasonable working order and the price seems fair to you, why not? Same thing with the Gold Max (series 2) reels from the 90’s and the 506 & 507 Mark II’s currently being made. They are flimsy plastic creatures when compared to the Swedish engineered originals, but if they are working OK, then they are usable.

To be honest its probably the worst closed face reel out there, in my honest opinion just a horrible all plastic affair that doesn't deserve the name Abu on it, made in the early 1980's the build quality is nowhere near the same as the 500 series reels.

thank you all i think i will pass on this one.

Photos would be nice.Terry.