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

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.

RLew : Best for stripers, salmon, and light ocean fishing.

This is my standard jigging reel for stripers, salmon, and rock cod. I have caught plenty of big fish on this and it never disappoints. I put 20# mono on this reel for the type of fishing I do. The all metal body and durable build quality make this reel very tough. I also like the level wind that moves the line back and forth even when the drag is working, unlike other reels where the level wind guide stays stationary which may cause the line to break on a big fish. I also like the smooth drag and good line capacity this reel has. As for casting, it is not too bad either. It is not the best for casting though, but not the worst. I use my Curado for that. I have this newer version of the 5500 that has the instant anti-reverse clutch. This is a big improvement over the older versions from long ago. Amazon seems to have the best price for this with the free shipping too. To me, this is the best reel for the money that can take on big fish.

Update: The price of these has gone up to about $119 since I got these. Last time I got these for about $80 each about 5 years ago. I bought two then. The time before, they were $69 each about 8 years ago. Inflation and weak dollar will do that on imported goods.

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.

Joe : Perfect !

How do you rate this product? perfect ! Thats it. !Abu Garcia 6500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel (3 Ball-Bearing...

Charles Jackson : Great reel for the money!

Its a great reel for the money, so far I have land a Drum and some Turtles on it.

Charles Jackson : Great reel for the money!

Its a great reel for the money, so far I have land a Drum and some Turtles on it.

Andre Paixao : Good quality

Good quality product, I have used a few times for now and it works just fine. I got a few fishes using it. :-)

Aaron tx : cant go wwrong

12 lb test line and a maching rated rod and you are ready to reel in the biggest redfish. bought one 10 years ago and it still works great. caught a many of reds on it. when an older reel broke on me there was no question, I replaced it with an ag 5500 . this is a reel you buy to last you a long time of fishing.

Derick Dennis : Worth every penny!!!

Just got this in the and cannot wait to try it out this weekend. Doing some surf fishing in Sargent TX. This reel is everything that you could possible ask for. Large spool for plenty of line, big handle to help bring in the big ones and also love the bait clicker. Just some advice I bought 300 yards of 80lb suffix braid and probably over filled it to get the line on. So if you are going with braid you may want to try 65lb if you want to put 300yards without over filling it. Over all very satisfied and very excited. Third abu I've bought, also have two bcx 6600's. Cannot say enough about Abu's, they are work horses for sure!!

Eric Maldonado : Awesome reel

I have several Abu Garcia rods and reels. The 6500C3 is by far the best of the best. I paired it with a 7'3" Vendetta. Now, I fish 3 to 4 times a week, nailing 20-30 pound Red Drum, on the regular, and the power and performance are hands down the best on the market. I own every model, from the 4500 to the 7000, and am purchasing the 10000i this weekend. Happy fishing !

Mark : Five Stars

super great reel love the left hand cranking

William George : Great Reel.

Great reel. Highly recommended

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.

Dennis Murphy : Great reel, great price

Sturdy reel I have been using for salmon fishing. Easy to cast even for a first time. Loaded it up with 30# test braid and have been using it constantly since. Comes with oil for maintenance which is nice as well.

Charles Jackson : Great reel for the money!

Its a great reel for the money, so far I have land a Drum and some Turtles on it.

al hill : Five Stars

no issues

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.

Fishy McFisherson : Not worth the money...

There is nothing inherently wrong with this reel, but for $100, there are better baitcasters out there, particularly if you can wait and scrounge up another $50. I own this reel and am currently shopping for for an upgrade. As others have mentioned, if you are not doing alot of casting, just trolling and jigging, this is a great reel with smooth drag, and perfect for that application. However, this reel does not cast very smooth beyond about 50 feet. If you really need a smooth slinger, you will need to upgrade to a higher overall quality reel, like the Curado that another reviewer mentioned. Rod pairing will also have an impact on that as well. Good Luck!

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.

cesar menjivar : Five Stars

Amazing reel

Alsovain : WOW LOOK

I mean what is there to say about the best fishing reel ever i mean ever i have been useing these for years and i won't use any thing else. I have landed a 75 LB catfish with one so do i need to say any more. Just get one you won't be disappointed with it.

Rock Man : Excellent

I had one of these for over 25 years. But lost it in the lake. So when I saw this reel on amazon I bought it with out question. I have never had any problems with this reel. To me it looks good and feels strong. Works well and I've never had any problems with it.

Alsovain : WOW LOOK

Zepp : old school

I really enjoy casting with this reel. Very old school. It is built to last a lifetime if you maintain it. The drag is great and the bait clicker works well for catfishin'. You cant go wrong.

Jdoles : Don't get me wrong but...

These are great reels so please do not mistake the one star in regards to quality, but why would you ever pay 200$ for a reel that you can buy retail for 110$. This is insanity, who cares if it is sent from Japan - it is made in Sweden (just like the over the counter abu c3 sold for 110). It's not a japan exclusive which can be far superior in the case of some daiwa, etc.

Craig K : Great baitcasting reel

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

Jeremy : Good reel

Would have given it 5 stars if it was still made in Sweden but overall it's still a great reel. Was a little hesitant to order because the description didn't say it was a 7000i C3 and I've been misguided before by descriptions. However it is the 7000i C3 so we're good to go.

Loaded the reel with 300yds of 50lb braided line and it has room to spare. Took a couple casts to get it tuned with the weight I was using but after that it casted fine. I paired it with an Ugly Stik Tiger Lite and it's a match made in heaven. I haven't got to hear it sing yet from the larger fist but from what I've go so far it's done a great job. Might have to order another to have a matching set.

I'd recommend anyone looking for a hardworking reel for a great price.

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.

Anthony Lamia : 6500c3 abu garcia baitcast reel

these reels are a fantastic piece of workmanship, i have been using them for years,use them with a bit of common sence and they will last a lifetime.

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.

Robert B. Davin : Great reel! Super Value! :)

Strong as a little winch but as smoothe as silk. Truly a great reel with more than enough strength for heavy fish in inshore rivers.

Anthony Shih : Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 round conventional reel

My first order was misplaced by courier name i-parcel and it was always the case when shipping with i-parcel.
I placed a new order for 2 reels and they arrived super fast by DHL shipping.

I mounted the reel on a Shimano Tiralejo medium fast rod at this stage a 3 ounce sinker when casted goes closer to the safety markers buoys
which I believe closer to 200 meters.

I have yet to catch a fish with this one and test how the drag works.

Joe : Perfect !

How do you rate this product? perfect ! Thats it. !Abu Garcia 6500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel (3 Ball-Bearing...

Fede_ : Four Stars

Great value for money. Simple baitcasting reel but very reliable

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 ;-).

stanier : This is a class product

Notwithstanding the ability to help you catch fish this Swedish fishing reel is an example of excellence in engineering. As a professional engineer I respect the precision and selection of materials that goes into this model. Dont waste your time with Asian knock-offs. They may look pretty but you don't know what materials have been used.

It was great that Amazon sold a left hand reel as all my local fishing shops only had right hand models. This I found weird as a right handed fisherman holds his rod in the right hand for that s where the power is needed and uses the reel to recover line. There are more right hand people than lefties.

Goetz von Berlichingen : This was the best reel I could afford.

I loaded it with 50-pound mono. I will never buy anything except Abu-Garcia.

Garry Yeager : One Reel That Every Fisherman Should Have In Their Fishing Supplies

This is a reel you can use with almost any type of fishing a person wants to do. An outstanding reel that is well designed and built.

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.

gelrod : quality basics

Good to see that the trusted ABU product is still at high standards. The week after receiving caught a 40+ redfish. Reel worked flawlessly. I learned to throw a level wind with a Garcia 40years ago, but there are more forgiving reels out now.

stanier : This is a class product

hog182 : Slaying Catfish with 6500C3

I love to tight line for Channel cats and I do it old school. No special rigs, a hook a sinker and bait.
I have always used cheap reels and they would wear out pretty fast with big fish.
I decided to take a chance on the 6500C3 even though I have never used a baitcast before.
Wow! What an amazing reel. One reviewer mentioned returning it because of the backlash. That's all about the user. After a few cast I had it down pretty good and have had no major problems with backlash.
I've had a few occasions when I had to adjust the drag while reeling in a fish. It's a piece of cake with this reel.
The reel is very strong and smooth. The only problem I have is it is too smooth. If I leave the reel "open" and a fish takes it, the line comes off so smooth that the pole doesn't move. That's easily fixed by turning on the bite alert.
I'm getting ready to order another one.
If your willing to try it and practice with it, I don't think you can beat this reel.

Fishy McFisherson : Not worth the money...

ddshaker : The best

For a level wide reel I don't think, for the price, you will find anything much better. It's non my favorite reel especially for trolling.

Goetz von Berlichingen : This was the best reel I could afford.

I loaded it with 50-pound mono. I will never buy anything except Abu-Garcia.

doebranch : Catfishing

If you're into catching big Blues and Flatheads then you can't go wrong with this reel. It will handle anything any catfish dishes out regardless of it's size. I own several 6000's but this 6500C reel is just a cut above it. I plan on ordering several more of these reels since I fish with 8 to 10 rods most of the time. Currently I'm fishing the Wateree River and six rods is about the max you can handle in the river so I'll have six of these 6500C's behind the boat. We catch a fair number of 20 to 45 pound Blues and Flatheads and these reels are so smooth and extremely dependable. I would recommend them to anyone since they'll last you a lifetime.

Jorge : Five Stars

Recomendable

Derick Dennis : Worth every penny!!!

pat elliott : Five Stars

very smooth and great feel

Deborah Atkins : Perfect Reel

I love these reels and had to purchase another before they remove the clicker like they have on some of their other models.

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