ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Stainless Steel
Hand Orientation	Left Hand
Color	METAL
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	11.3 Ounces
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Left-hand retrieve baitcast round reel with free spool baitcast design
Allows for superior accuracy and long-distance casting
Stainless-steel roller delivers instant anti-reverse hook-setting power
Ultra-smooth Carbon Matrix drag system; 5.3:1 gear ratio
Spool capacity of 14 pounds/245 yards (mono); weighs 11.3 ounces

product description

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 casting reel offers you the smooth casting action of stainless-steel ball bearings. A stainless-steel roller bearing delivers you the solid hooksetting power of instant anti-reverse (except 7000 model).

product details

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches; 15.2 Ounces
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2007
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Abu Garcia
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098XFP4N1

important information

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Questions about ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel

how do you use it?

Answer: If you mean, what do I use it for, usually for Catfishing. The free-spool feature of most bait-casters allows you to set a bait, and when the fish picks it up and runs with it it will feel almost no resistance. Great for Catfish, Carp, etc. If you mean technically, how does one use it. That is a difficult thing to describe because there are many steps (adding line, setting drag, casting, etc.). I would go to Abu Garcia's website. You can download manuals and schematics for all of their products. I will say that I've bought two of these, and they perform VERY well. Excellent products.

Answer: You place your thumb on the spool pull it behind your head and throw it forward as any casting reel while removing your thumb from the spool. Be sure to place your thumb back on the spool before it hits the water otherwise the spool keeps turning and you get a bird's nest and have a mess.

Answer: Usually attached to a rod.

What pound test line MONO works best for this reel? 17 Pound or 14 Pound?

Answer: both work but using a braided line will offer a significant advantage. You can spool more line in and the casting and retrieving will be much smoother. I use a 40 lb braided line on this reel which would equate to a 10 0r 12 mono. a braided line is more expensive but worth the money.

Answer: There must be very little difference between 14 and 17. I personally used power pro braid. 15 lb test with the equivalent to 4lb test mono. Works great for me.

Answer: 14 works the bests !!!

Answer: Both! Equally! Reel is wary good and useful.

Answer: I've got 20 lb on mine.

how to get parts like the crank handle?

Answer: do you have the manual that came with the reel .or go to abu Garcia website and see if they can help you

Answer: Try e-bay, if not there you can go directly to abu.

Is the embassadeur c3 good for salt water?

Answer: yes....its an acceptable salt water reel. most guys i know that fish in the ocean prefer the Penn reels...but I know of quite a few guys that use the c3 for the salt. The reel is not conditioned...that I am aware of....for the corrosive affects of salt water and so extra care may be required.....but any reel exposed to salt water should be cleaned regularly anyway. the drag is 15 pounds;not the highest in the industry. Abu's wench being at 24 pounds, if I remember correctly, but I use my c3 for salmon in swift water and can keep up with most chinook.

Answer: Yes. I Always use for salt water fishing. Just remember to rinse with tap water every trip

Answer: Have used it in the piers, beaches and rivers of the Puget Sound for a while now with no problems. Rinse well in fresh water and wipe dry then air dry after each use.

Is the warranty valid when purchasing it online through amazon?

Answer: To my knowledge, Abu Garcia does not use an "Authorized Retailer" type of system. It shouldn't matter where the reel is purchased so long as you can provide proof and date of purchase. If repairs are needed, you would want to use an Abu-Garcia Authorized Service Center for warranty purposes. See Abu-Garcia warranty information here: http://www.abugarcia.com/support/warranties

Answer: yes it is. I received mine back but it tookabout 4 months for them to fix it & send it back.you also pay for shipping & include a check for $7 or $8 S&H. If you can live with that, then the reel is worth it.thanks

Is this reel made in Sweden like the other high quality Abu Garcia's or is this one made in china?

Answer: The 46/55/6500 C3s are still made in Sweden. While some will argue quality changes over the years, they are still solid performing reels.

Answer: It's definitely made in Sweden and I will back it 100% I haven't oiled the durn thing skin nearly 2 years and it still throws like a brand new reel!

Answer: Hello Jake. This one is made in Sweden (not like others ones). It' s a great fishing reel! You will not regret about it!

Answer: This is a real Abu Garcia, high quality made product as always, and yes, it's also made in China. Unfortunately

Answer: It's stamped made in Sweden on the reel. I've had good luck with it.

Answer: This reel is made in Sweden.

Answer: China. Look at a c5 if you want a good reel

Answer: Jake,

Answer: This one is Swedish made, stamped on the side. I believe only the BCX series is made in china.

Answer: Yes this is Swedish

what the max line #

Answer: For mono, 20# is about the most I would do. For braid, 50#+. Your limit will be how much drag force you can get without totally locking up, maintaining smooth drag, castability (lighter lines cast better), and your rod. This reel can hold more than enough line of the heavy stuff.

Answer: I use 14-17lb mono, 20 ok. Braid or other small diameters can go higher.

Answer: I used 12-20 mono, but mostly 25-35 braid. I'm sure it could go higher for braid, probably around 50.

where is it made?

Answer: look on the side, they are made in Sweden and China. i buy only the ones marked " MADE IN SWEDEN" if it doesn't have that marked it's made in China.

Answer: The 6500C3 is MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: Svängsta, Sweden.

dose this modle come in rigt

Why can I not received it to my Arizona adress ?

Do they have in red

What is the warranty on this item?

where is it made?

Answer: look on the side, they are made in Sweden and China. i buy only the ones marked " MADE IN SWEDEN" if it doesn't have that marked it's made in China.

Answer: The 6500C3 is MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: MADE IN SWEDEN

Answer: Svängsta, Sweden.

what max line #on 6500c

Answer: I fish Muskie and I run Cortland 36 Lb. braided dacron with no problems. Have been using this reel since the 1980's. Good heavy duty reel.

why are you charging $530 for a $119 reel?

Does 6500c3 have a clicker setting?

Answer: Yes. I assume you mean the setting that "clicks" when a fish takes the line out.

Answer: Sorry, I don't know. I just paid for these for a friend, and they were delivered to him. It should state whether or not it has a clicker in the description. Try looking on the Cabela's or Bass Pro sites.

Answer: yes it is one of the reasons I bought the 6500 series . Use them for stripper fishing , all good .

Answer: Yes, it does.

Product reviews of ABU GARCIA Ambassadeur Classic C3 – Fishing Reel

Ross Polk : GARBAGE!

Obviously Abu Garcia quality control is non existent! And Amazon will not take it back because it's been more that 30 days since I purchased it! Bought this reel on 4-20-2014 and today 6-1-2014 was my first chance to use it. First hook up and the reel seizes up! Completely SEIZES UP! I cannot move the handle at all! Took the reel apart after finding out that I cannot return in and found that the bearings are frozen solid! First USE!!! Very disappointed with Abu Garcia and Amazon return policy!

federico w. : Five Stars

Great

Herb : This reel is awesome.

Absolutely no problems. Works like a charm and I'll probably buy a few others of this series throughout my life. AG is a great product.

NICOLAS CARPENA : Excellent reel

This is an incredible reel. It is my first Abu Garcia and I am very happy about that. I fully recommend this product.

FriedFish : Abu Garcia 5500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel, get one for yourself!

Lost my first 5500 to an overly aggressive jack a few weeks ago and since the first lasted for almost 20 years I figured why change. The new one is even smoother than the first and the first one never had to be professionally serviced. Get one of these reels for the long run!

Fede_ : Four Stars

Great value for money. Simple baitcasting reel but very reliable

fylpz44 : Abu-Garcia C3 Series

Love it this is worth the price and is a good size, I use with 30lb test. I would recommend.

pat elliott : Five Stars

very smooth and great feel

Thomas : Not what they use to be. sold out, parts made in china. doesnt even have made in sweden mark! Sad

Like everyone else, they sold out to china. The 7000ic3 doesn't even have made/assembled in Sweden mark on it anymore. It does have made in china mark on the back. I've been using abu Garcia reels for 20years and the quality is not what it use to be. If you don't believe me, they only carry a one year warranty now. They use to last ten years or more, now your lucky to get a few seasons out of one. You would think they would be cheaper, seeing that the parts are made in china.

Craig K : Great baitcasting reel

This is my first baitcasting reel. Very easy to use and very smooth. Highly recommended.

SevereWX : Bulletproof Performance

My Abu-Garcia 6500-C3 has been going strong for over 15 years now without any problems. It's just as strong and smooth as the day I bought it.

The reel is built with quality, durability, and ruggedness in mind. Handling it lets you know that you're holding a reel that won't let you down. I've winched in some huge channel cats on this reel without any problems. It handles everything from light monofilament to heavy braids with equal ease. Casting is smooth and trouble free so long as you do your part, and retrieval is just as smooth.

The only area of improvement that the reel could use is to upgrade the drag discs. Though the drag is fairly smooth, it could use some extra smoothing out and more hold when cranked all the way down. This is not a big deal as upgraded drag discs are readily available, and it's best to change out the drag washers every year or two anyways.

tim hakenson : fantastic

made in sweden and works and feels great. this reel casts great and the drag does handle LARGE catfish with ease.

skuehnle : Seems like a very nice reel…

I purchased 2 reels back in early May 2014. I actually love the reel. It seems pretty well made and feels good in my hand. I already have caught a few big catfish and a few really nice sized stripers. But, only after using the reel for about two months, one of them is already have gear problems. I never misuse my reels and keep them clean. When I try to reel in…the gears lock up and will not let me reel in line until I press the button to disengage the reel and then re-engage. This may have just gotten a bad reel, but, I will now have to start using the second reel much more and see how long that lasts. I'm disappointed I finally found a nice compact size round bait cast reel with line clicker and I have doubts on the quality. I wouldn't have thought this problem from an Abu Garcia reel.

Icekrusher : Bought my 6500 from a WAL MART on a trip ...

Bought my 6500 from a WAL MART on a trip to Alabama back in 2004. Since then I have used it mainly for Southern California saltwater fishing. It has served me well landing Bass, Rays, Halibut, Barracuda and the occasional Leopard Shark. This reel is a work horse and doesn't seem to be letting up at all! You can't go wrong with this one!

Spooky D : Does what it done do and did it well.

I'm a noob to baitcasters; been using spinners my whole life but I dig this reel. Casts nice, easy and far with minimal effort. I filled it with 15lb mono using 3/4 ounce weights. Bird nested it real nice once but that was just user error. Still getting used to these things.

The only thing I don't like about the reel is the switch for the bait clicker. It is the only part that feels weak and partly because it is made out of plastic and partly because it is a little wobbly. I do a lot of shore fishing and I feel like if I accidentally dropped my rod onto some rocks this would be the first thing to break.

Other than the bait clicker switch it feels solid overall. I don't see this thing breaking any time soon. I did a bunch of research on this reel and finally decided to drop my dough on it when I saw a video on youtube of some guy rebuilding a C3 his friend found at the bottom of a lake. The guy did a minimal part replacement if any and just cleaned and lubed a reel that was sitting at the bottom of a lake for ages.

Chris w : Works great

Purchased for a fishing trip to Venice LA for inshore and light offshore action. Paired with a $40 inshore ugly stick and found it was my favorite combo while fishing.

Chris w : Works great

Purchased for a fishing trip to Venice LA for inshore and light offshore action. Paired with a $40 inshore ugly stick and found it was my favorite combo while fishing.

J. Willis : Musky/pike reel

Good fro musky or big pike. Good drag, enough line with these new hi tech thin lines for most application.

bsweezy : great reel for the $

This is a great reel. It cast smooth and retrieve is super smooth! I put it on a shimano tallus Bluewater 7' rod and 50lb power pro. I caught two blacktip sharks both around 5' today the reel preformed perfect. I have a feeling this rig will be taking down some cobia this year!!!

federico w. : Five Stars

Great

Phi Tran : as described

I purchased one on amazon and it kept making a grinding noise when it was under pressure, adjusted drag and still had the problem. Bought one at cabelas and didnt have a problem. I guess I had a defective one. very smooth and casts very well.

Nicolas T : Five Stars

Excelente Reel!!

Ryan B : abu garcia 6500c3 ambassadeur c3 baitcast round reel 3 ball bearing gear.

i love these reel it has caught me many of fish and if these every wears out i getting a new one.

Mark combs : Won't do business again.

Would have been a great deal other than the reel did not work. When I took it to a tackle shop, they said it had a busted drive gear. Thanks a lot guys. Won't be back.

Herb : This reel is awesome.

Absolutely no problems. Works like a charm and I'll probably buy a few others of this series throughout my life. AG is a great product.

Roger Benson : Love the reel. Plan on using it for Tiger Musky.

have spent over 2 hours filling out how I rate products that I bought through the last year or so and then you have to have 20 more words in order for me to submit my ratting. This is it.

N. Seltzer : solid as a rock

I use this reel for salmon fishing on rivers in NW Washington. It was recommended to me by many generations of anglers. It is old school but works very well and is tough as nails. As always Amazon has the best price. For the money it is hard to find another reel with better quality. I am new to baitcasters and learning how to cast takes some time. It doesn't seem to be the best caster but there are ways to adjust the brake internally(lots of stuff online). This helped take some drag off casting ligter rigs. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a solid, long lasting reel who doesn't need tons of features.

PinMd : The absolute perfect left hand bait caster!

I own two 6501c3's and have just ordered a third. I use mine exclusively for surf fishing. A very wise man told me to spool these with about 100yds of 20lb braid then attach the 17lb suffix mono with a alberto knot. a pretty neat way to ekk out some extra line capacity. The other thing I do to mine is eliminate the level wind. You can buu a cnversion bar on line several places that goes in place of the level wind worm gear and cover. Talk about casting a country mile!!!

Bruce Hope : Too early to tell

I just bought this reel and so far it works and casts well. I certainly like it better than the low profile reels that are touted. While this reel is reportedly made in Sweeden, I still like the features of the Kalex reel I bought a few months ago, particularly the spool release. The Kalex has the release in the center of the reel body making it a one hand operation to cast. With this reel, the release is on the side frame which for me makes it a two hand operation to make each cast. Not a major deal, but I'd like this one better if the release was in the center. We'll see how they hold up against one another.

cecil : This is a great reel for strippers and cat fishing

I have had one for several years. I thought this one had the clicker on the left side so it would steal when a fish hit but the pic I was looking at when I ordered it appeared to have one. The 5500 I have was only 79.95 when I purchase d it. Prices have increased considerably.
This is a great reel for strippers and cat fishing.

Phi Tran : as described

smorty : Great quality, reasonable price

Love the simplicity of the ambassadeur. Easy to cast, alarm clicker is essential for baitfishing.
Highly recommend abu garcia ambassadeur reels.

Richard Stade : Built for a lifetime of fishing!!!!

I own three of these reels. The first one I bought 30 years ago and used it for bass fishing. I then went out and bought 2 more for a saltwater fishing trip 20 years ago. the 30 year old reel still works and casts smoothly and it is mounted on a 6 foot Berkly Lightning Rod. The other two are mounted on Bass Pro Shops 7 ft medium casting rods and are used mainly for catfishing. I couldn't believe how much the have gone up in price, but what ever price they are, you will only have to pay it once. These reels last forever and are simple to tear down and clean. The only difference between these reels and it's bigger brother the 6500c is line capacity and price. So unless you are fishing for Marlin or Sailfish, theis reel will suit your purposes!!

HIRAM FOSTER : Bomb proof reel

This reel is bomb proof. I’ve had mine sine 98 and I’ve tried to kil it. It can’t be done. It’s been dropped,I’ve missed a good fish and slammed it on the ground. Go two years without cleaning or lubing. It doesn’t matter it just keeps fishing. I run 20lb stren mono on it,and it’s basically a winch. I’ve been hooked on downed trees in the water and just pull the whole tree to the shore. Lol Mine sees duty every now and then,as she’s semi retired. My Revo SX does most of the heavy lifting now. Don’t hesitate getting this reel guys, you won’t be sorry.

riverfisher : An excellent buy

I've used many reels over 65 years of fishing and this one is at the top of the list, especially at the price I paid. Casts like a dream and the drag is smooth.

Ibuyalotofcrap : Too pricey now

I've used these reels for years now. They used to be around $60 and they were worth that even though the gears would wear out fairly quickly. Now that they are over $100 they are not worth even close to that. Now the Chinese made versions are around the same price as these used to be. It's unfortunate that Abu Garcia has decided to go the way they have on these reels. I won't be buying one at the current prices, which means I probably just won't be buying one unless I can find a used one somewhere.

Catfish Fever : Happy Catfisherman

I purchased 3 of these for one of my Catfishing friends, who was just getting started Catfishing. I personnaly have never used one, but, watching him, it's obvious he's very satisfied. He has no trouble casting out just under 100yds, using braid and a 4 ounce sinker. Never heard a single complaint from him, cept when his occasional ineptitude causes a severe snarl in the line, his response is better not printed ;-).

pat elliott : Five Stars

very smooth and great feel

Sayla Ray : boyfriend loved it

I got this for my boyfriends christmas present last year. He really loved it. I know much about fishing reels so cant get specific.

Jim Merkelt : Item Returned!

Had to return this item as my kids had purchased me an entire fishing rig (rod, reel, etc.). Reviews I read prior to buying this item were my reason to purchase it.

FriedFish : Abu Garcia 5500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel, get one for yourself!

Ahmad A. : expected better for the price

this reel had some problems mainly casting distance & line retrieve speed.frankly I expected better for the price,nevertheless i did land a 40 lb black drum using it.after using it 3 times the handle that secures it to the rod broke off. I decided to send it to Abu Garcia to fix. I still think it's worth it but it may be wise to invest in a better reel if you can afford the price tag
Update:
I have sent it to Abu Garcia to fix 2 months ago & I have yet to get it back. questionable customer service. I'm starting to regret this. Thanks

the_Jay : Great Reel!

This Reel is what you would expect from a Swedish Made product. Easy to use, already caught 2 Sockeye Salmon on the Fraser River with it.

Thomas : Not what they use to be. sold out, parts made in china. doesnt even have made in sweden mark! Sad

Jack : This is a fantastic reel

This is now one of my favorite reels. Very smooth casing and reeling, and it has an audible clicker that you can turn on or off (in case you want to leave it open to let a fish run with the line). I would definitely buy this reel again, and I might even buy a second one for another pole.

Phi Tran : as described

Mick : Ambassadeur 6500 C3

Brilliant reel. Exactly as advertised by amazon.
Good price, good service, nice quick delivery from amazon, as usual.

The reel itself is solid and well made, made in sweden like all good ambassadeurs.
Easy to use, easy to cast and big enough for some decent sized fish.

A dream to fish with!

Definately recommended!

Ahmad A. : expected better for the price

cesar menjivar : Five Stars

Amazing reel

tim hakenson : fantastic

made in sweden and works and feels great. this reel casts great and the drag does handle LARGE catfish with ease.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you