Hmmm, I have a 1970 5000C that seems to work as good as new. I didn't think about maybe the quality has decreased in recent years when I bought a 6500 C4 last year for salmon fishing. It could be that I don't use them enough to reveal any defects.

It seems odd that a major brand as well known as the Ambassaduers would still be selling if they weren't any good.