Currently I own 7 Abu's. (5 BC's, 2 Spin). The only one Ive ever had problems with was my C4(spool would not re-engage after casting).
Sounds like you got some bad Abu mojo working against you.
I dont regularly shove them into sand wink , but Im far from the most careful. Hell, at half the price of most of the shimanos, if one goes teets up, no biggie.
Tight Lines
RL
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They can have my eggs when they pry em from cold dead hands