I have quite a few ABU's. All I have to say is most built late 80's to present aren't quite the quality of the older ABU's. I haave yet to have any problems with any of my 5001c's and 6001c's. I have onlly bought about 3 ABU's that are post late 80's. I had to return two within first trip. Had one 6501c lose it's drag completely upon setting the hook on a fish. Caused a major backlash and snapped off a nice steelhead. It basiically went into freespool mode without hitting the release. Then had on same trip (Had to switch over to one of my driftrods) my 5601UC with thumbar do just theoposite. Had the brakes lock up on another stelhead. Couldnt get reel to turn so it snapped off too. Luckily I always cary 3 rods with me so used one of my old 85c's with an old 5001c on it rest of day. I took the long drive back from the Hoh and got to GI Joes before the closed. Was royally pissed when the kid (he was maaybe 19) tried to lecture me on how to roll back the star drag after every use because you'll ruin the drag. Then this kid tried to tell me he's never seen an ABU come back before, let alone 2 so assumed I'd done something wrong. After reeming the kid out (basicaly told hiim I was throwing an ABU baitcaster well before he was born) and knnow how to use themand put them away after I use them. Since then I don't buy new ABU's. I stick with my old ABU's nd pick them up when I have the chance.

You can haave decent work done on your ABu's at the antique angler in Sumner. He does good work aand has alot of sspare parts, especialy for older ABU's.

Good luck