Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Stainless Steel
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Black
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	11.1 Ounces
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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2 stainless steel ball bearings
Multi-disc drag system
Compact bent handle and star
4-pin centrifugal brake
Synchronized level-wind system
Available in left and right-handed models
Four pin centrifugal brake system allows for consistent brake pressure throughout the cast

From the manufacturer

product description

The new Ambassadeur S round reel from Abu Garcia offers excellent performance and design at a budget friendly price. The Ambassadeur S has great corrosion protection for long-lasting functionality. The ambassadeur S round baitcast reel gets the job done day after day with 2 stainless steel ball bearings that provide smooth operation. 12. 5 pounds of drag pressure and a 4 pin centrifugal brake deliver power and controlled casting for a variety of situations. The addition of a bent handle and drag star translates into a more ergonomic feel for all-day comfort.

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 26, 2017
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Abu Garcia
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076W321S7

important information

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Questions about Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel

Is the 5501 for left hand retrieve?

Answer: Yes, the 01 indicates a left hand retrieve. 00 is for right hand retrieve.

Answer: no

Answer: YES

Is this item made in Sweden?

Answer: Hi, this reel is made in China.

is the outside part of the reel made of metal or plastic

Answer: metal and plastic

Answer: My grandson says its metal

Answer: Metal

Answer: metal I think.

Answer: Aluminum

I'm using this mainly for saltwater will this work

Answer: I have caught seven foot sharks with mine it is now 13 years old and still amazing I love it

Answer: I use it most all the time for salt water.

Answer: yes for small fish I have 30 lb braided line on mine

Answer: Yes but made cheep get the one that made in Sweden

is the brake adjustable and also is it lock where you cant reel backwards?

Answer: Brake is adjustable. It is made so you can not reel it backwards. One of the best reels on the market. I have used nothing but the Abu Garcia for the past twenty five years.

Answer: Just tried it. I can't get it to reel backwards

Answer: Yes and yes

Is there anyone that has purchased is reel within the last year that has good or bad reviews on it after using it?

Answer: I've used the S series reels since I was 16. I've had two 5500 and a 6500. The 5500s would occasionally get a but screwy but I learned to take em apart and clean them and get them running again. For this price I don't know that there's a better baitcaster.

Answer: I have two that I’ve used a lot more than you average person the past theee year. Still good as new and they haven’t been treated to keep pretty either.

Answer: After a year of fishing, reel did not hold up. Level wind gear rounded smooth because made of plastic. Looking for replacement gear. Would not buy another s series. Sticking to the regular c3 model. Better of getting a bass proshop catmaxx for the same price

Answer: Amazing reel. Well worth the money!!

Answer: Absolutely buy this reel that's all to fish with go get them

Answer: It's a great reel, I used mine all summer and loved it

Answer: It is very strong and easy to cast and is a fish catcher

i have a 5001 and a 6001 where can they be sent for sevrvice ?

Answer: When you bought the reel you received a small maintenance manual. If you do not keep it, download a more complete one from the internet. Finally if the damage is greater in Bass Pro Shop, Cabelas or one of the fishing stores can help you.

Answer: Just ask your local sporting goods store, that's what I do for cleaning and maintenance every couple of years.

Is the handle on the left on the Ambs-6501 abu garci reel

Answer: 6500 is right hand...6501 is left hand; with these type of reels the handle is actually on the left if left and right if right. Personally, I am right handed so I like to hold the rod with my strong arm (right) so I use a "left handed" reel. Left handed is on left side, right is on right. I grew up with a spinning reel so it follows that I would be used to reeling with my left hand.

Answer: Yes, 6501 the handles are on the left. 6500 the handles are on the right.

Answer: If it is the reel shown in the picture, yes the handle is in on the left side, but you can buy it with the handle on the right side, if you want it..

Answer: You can get right or left model

Answer: Right side

Does it have a bait clicker on it?

Answer: Hello. Yes there is a bait clicker.

Answer: yes they do. they work great.

Answer: yes

Answer: Yes

Answer: YES

does this come pre greased? it came in today and had a bottle of grease

Answer: Just extra grease.

Answer: Esta listo para usar, ese aceite es para limpieza futura - This ready to use, this oil is for future cleanup

Answer: Better safe than sorry. If fishing in salt , rinse and lube after each outing.

Answer: yes

The 6500s shows 17lb linecan a person use 15 lb line

Answer: Yes, you can use 15 lb. line...but I prefer 20 lb. The reason is that ALL Abu Garcia products are made superior steel so they can handle the heavier lines.....

Answer: The line test is for guidance only and the number that counts is the yardage or metric value per diameter. Yes, you can put anything you like on it. I suggest you use 8 strand braid, as high as you can go and still have the diameter that allows the most yards or meters. Fyi, I would not go lighter because that reel is designed as a workhorse. Your big concern should be what rod you use. I have worn out many more rods than reels.

Answer: Yep! Wouldn't go much smaller. Too small and more likely to bind or birds nest.

Answer: Yes, I use 25lb test on mine

I know nothing about baitcasters ore the reel size (the 14lb), what exactly does that number mean?

Answer: The number 14 should be preceded by another number stating the yards of 14# mono line the reel will hold

Answer: all depends on what rod your putting it on and what your fishing for. 14lb usually refers to the line size and how many yrds of that lb test the reel will hold

Answer: It means 14 lb test line.

Is this a 5500 c3

Answer: No

What is the interior made of?

Answer: not really not felling good these days .Very sorry

Has anyone used for largemouth bass, and what’s the gear ratio?

Answer: I'm sure they have but it's a bit more reel than you need for Bass..

Does it come with left handed retrieve

Answer: This one did not but you should be able to order one for left hand retrieve

How much drag does this offer? i see alot about test line and capacity but what really matters is the drag rating. does anyone know?

Answer: I am not sure I understand your question, but depending on the pound test of your line will depend on how much drag is offer, example would be a 17 lb test line with the drag set tight enough to pull the fish in but slip enough not to brake would land a 30 lb fish. This question has so many variables its almost impossible to answer.

Answer: The drag on most Ambassadeurs can be set so tight that the spool will not turn. This isn't advisable as the fish (especially a large one) would break the line.

Answer: 11 or 12 lbs

Answer: 12.5 lbs

Can I buy parts inside spool cap and spool cap itself for the 5500s? I lost the spoolcap and parts inside.

Answer: You can reach out to Abu Garcia for that and they can point you in the right direction for parts, and/or send them to you depending on the reel

Will it hold 10 colors of suffix 823 leadcore 17 lb. with backing

Answer: I think it would be tough. I use leadcore a lot, but I use the cabela's depth master III for 10 colors and backing.

Answer: NO

I’m looking to go to the coast and fish from the pier. Will my reels hold up to the challenge?

Answer: These are excellent reels for pier fishing. Just remember to rinse them in fresh water after use. Rods too!

Answer: I can't speak to the salt water impact, but I use mine for Muskies and it works fine on a 9-1/2' rod. Casts fine, but I use heavy lures, so it should. I own several 6500 Left Hand retrieve reels. The only negative is it doesnt have an audible clicker which work great for live bait. Hope this helps!

does the ambs have a bait click on it ?

Answer: Yes it has a bait clicker.

Answer: I just checked mine and mine doesn't.

Answer: Sorry to say it doesn't.

Answer: Yes

when the reel is mounted to a pole , which hand would operate the reel crank?

Answer: You bought the reel to be operated with the right or left hand, depending on your fishing habit.

Answer: The right hand .But they might also have them for the left hand.I only have reels for my right hand.Just check with Amazon and you can get what your looking for.The reel I see on this question is a right hand reel.That company makes number one reels.They last for ever.Hope I answered your question.

Answer: Right handed but I believe they make left handed as well

Answer: Its right handed

Answer: Right hand

is the reel made in Sweden?

Answer: Much to my surprise on a lot of these later models, they are made in China. I recently sold one on E-Bay and the customer asked me that very same question. After immediately telling him "Sweden" I checked the box and contacted this individual and apologized as the fine print on the box said "China" MY personal observation tells me these cheaper models aren't made in Sweden but check closely before you purchase one. What a shame that ABU Garcia had to lower their standards to this.

Answer: no chinaa good reel

Answer: This one is made in China.

Answer: no, made in china

Answer: Estos modelos son fabricados en China.

Just purchased two reels, does anyone else have an issue with the reel slipping when reeling it in?

Answer: Never have I had any issue with Garcia 6500's..I have seven of them..keep them clean and lubricated and they will outllast any reel I own...and I have some expensive ones.

Answer: adjust the drag...it is too loose

how do i select the left reel on amazon? there are no selections for this, keeps coming up for the right reel

Answer: Ask for 5501

I want to use for catfish. Does it have a bite alert clicker?

Answer: yes, it has a clicker. It is the cheap 6500 real if you don't do a lot of fishing it is ok.

Answer: YES it does

is this reel right or left handed

Answer: Looks right handed

Answer: Right handed

Answer: right handed.

Answer: Left hand

does the 5500 series comes with the line out alarm/bait clicker?

Answer: the 5500s pictured does have a bait clicker/alarm.

Answer: No, isnt have alarm

Answer: no it does not

How do you order for left handed model?

Answer: Use the 5501

How well will this hold up in the surf throwing a 4oz weight for red drum fish. And how far will it cast approximately ?

Answer: This actually the equipment that I use to catch red drum. Works well in the surf. 30-40 yards depending on how strong you are.

Answer: It holds up great cause,I have used it for the same thing and catch some monster a the Lake.You can’t beat the ambassadeur 5500 or 6500 reel.They are something special.

Do the Ambs-5501- 230yd/14lbs have line clickers? Some people are saying it does and a couple of others say it doesn't. Please respond if you have one

Answer: The 5501 does not have a clicker, you will have to go up to the 6501 for a model with a clicker.

Answer: Yes .Every ambassador reel I ever got has had a line clicker.I salt water fish and only use this brand of reels.Take care of the reels and you will surprised how long they last.

Answer: the ones I have, have clickers and I have 8 now

Answer: 5500 does not 6500 does

Answer: Yes;cause my do

Is this for a right handed reel or left handed? I want left hand retrieve. Doesn't say in the listing.

Answer: right I believe 02 is left

What baitcasting reels do you sell that are not made in china ?

Answer: All my reels made in China

Answer: They're made in China and built like a rock

Answer: I'm not the seller, I'm a customer. Sorry.

how long have you been using this reel? is it holding up?

Answer: Bought it just over a year ago. If you have used a FEW you can tell a difference in quality, I've caught several between 20-40 lbs, it stopped feeling in after a 32 lb shovelhead last week though. Just kinda froze up.

Answer: It was a piece of junk. It broke (it stopped reeling in line) on it's very first trip.

Answer: I began using it last year, saltwater only. It is hkdung up just fine. I do a freshwater rinse after each trip though.

Answer: Sorry I can't answer your question. This reel was returned as the one sent was a left handed reel, even through the one ordered was a right handed reel. The one sent to replace it was also a left handed reel so we ended up buying a reel from a local sporting good store.

some people say the 5500 is a left hand reel, some say the 5501 is left hand . Now which is the left hand reel?

Answer: 5501 is left hand

Answer: The 5501 is left hand. http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-reels-baitcast-reels-round/abu-garcia-ambassadeur-s-round-reel/1315382.html#specifications

Answer: facing away from you the handlr on the right side its rigt handed

How do I know if this a right hand round reel?

Answer: Looking at this picture you would reel with your left hand. I have the 6500 and you have a choice left or right hand..

Answer: Just take reel with the rod support at back, and see if the rotating handle are at left or right. That is the answer. If you are looking the manufacturer code, ask the vendor.

Answer: This reel is junk. Dont buy it. Mine broke second cast. Wont hold 2oz weight. If it ends in rh it right

what are the inner gears made of, plastic or brass

Answer: not sure on this one all my other abus are brass

Answer: Garcia never used plastic parts in their reels in the past many years, I can't begin to imagine they are doing so now.

How many pounds of drag does this reel have?

Answer: Never worried about that but with a nearly full spool I can lock it down to break 30# braid. The amount of drag is a matter of perception with a fish on...the rod does the work. If you know your fish then you set the drag so you do not get tired out before the fish does and let that rod work on the fish.

Answer: 11 pounds or 5 kg

Answer: I don't know the max but I set mine on 20lbs and it works great

Price now in the high 50s is almost half of what this was a year ago. Are these made in China or some other sweat shop country now?

Answer: It doesn't matter if it's made in China or Sweden you get the same Abu quality nothing less

Answer: The cheap knock off are made in China, the good ones are made in Sweden

Do these reels have bait alert on them? Im asking because i seen the same reel at Cabelas and the 5500 did not have the bait alert like the 5501 did

Answer: the 6500 does I don't have any 5500 .This is a great reel as has always been with abu.

Answer: No it does not, no reels that I know of have a bait alert on them.

Answer: Yes they do and they are pretty loud

Hello, shipping is free to Argentina '?? Or you have some cost ??

Answer: Hello. Sorry I cannot ship it to your country

Sirve para playa

Answer: Si mi sobrino la está usando en la costa de uruguay en océano Atlántico sur le gustó mucho!

Answer: Si es muy eficiente

Answer: hola si sirve es buen carrete

Answer: Es muy chico y preferiria otra marca, solo le quedo eso, marca

Does the level wind release when casting? Or does the level wind alway move when the spool turns?

Answer: Moves with spool

Why isi t that you people never mark in pounds the line capacity of the real

Answer: I can tell you. That, the 5500 S. Holds 230 yds/14 pound mono. And 265, of 30 pound braid.

Answer: It's printed on the packaging: Holds 230yds of 14lb mono & 265yds of 30lb braid.

Does this have a bait clicker?

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes it does

Answer: Yes it does nice one too

I go fishing where there are really huge 4ft+ fish would this reel suffice?

Answer: Short answer is yes. This reel is designed basically like a winch, so it's meant for bigger fish. I haven't pulled a four footer but I'm sure it would be more than enough provided you have a strong enough line.

Answer: Yes I've caught 38 pound catfish on my reel just like that

Answer: In my case, it had broken at first use. We aware.

Answer: No way

instant anti-reverse ?

Answer: Yess

Is this made in china or sweeden?

Answer: China

Answer: The 6500 I have was made in Sweden. All of the low profile new style reels are mostly made in China.

Answer: I had to remove the reel from the rod to find the made in China label.

Answer: This one is made in China. But don't discount it for that reason. Depending on how big your going for, this is a machine. We wrench up 10+ lb bass through all the vegetation you can imagine and these work perfect. Plus they are cheap enough to have more than one. Love ours.

Answer: sweden

Does this reel have a baitrunner on it?

Answer: Hello. Yes this reel has a bait clicker.

Does this reel have a bait clicker?

Answer: no

Product reviews of Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel

Jose Alcalde : All terain baticast reel

Good quality for the price.
100% recomended

Amazon Customer : Good buy

Good buy

Billie Beavers : Great product

Got these for my boyfriend and he loves them. They work perfectly for his needs. Also great quality.

Tom O. : Ok, For The Money

The Abu 5500S is a decent reel for the money. Don’t fool yourself and think that you are buying a quality Swedish made reel, like Abu’s of the past, you are not. This reel is made in China, as are most fishing reels these days. Abu still makes a few models in Sweden, but they cost more than $200.
But Abu thought this reel was good enough to put their name on it, so for around $60, this reel is a bargain. Probably better than most reels in this price range.
Don’t expect long casts with this reel. The levelwind is permanently engaged and must go back and forth as the line goes out. But most levelwind reels are made this way. This is actually a good thing for beginners, as it slows the spool down while casting and helps prevent backlashes.
This reel is just fine for the occasional fisherman, but a serious fisherman will want something better, and will need to pay the price for it.

Carolyn Dennis : 5500C clone

Not really had chance to put thru the paces but has the look and feel of the original 5500C, will update

Robert Banes : Great product.

Fast service. Great product.

napol : Smooth reel can't complain i love it

No complains

carl hubbard : Five Stars

Great product

Tiffeny : Five Stars

My husband was all to pleased with this reel.

Kristen Dobbs : Not a good reel

Not real a good reel. You put the line on and throw it out and the line get all tangled up on the reel. Then you adjust it and throw it out and the line goes out maybe a foot. There was no instructions with it so you have to figure it out yourself.

Charles B. Stauffer : Empty envelope only - no reel

Delivery man gave me a feather light envelope and took off. The envelope was the type used for documents/photos. The item I ordered should have been bulky and had weight to it. I opened the envelope and there wasn't even any documents or anything. Somebody really screwed up on this order.......c b stauffer #8236-6340581-104

Big Al : Five Stars

Good downrigger reel.

walterwmcmahan : good bargain

Best deal for this reel I found and works as well as my other two

Kristen Dobbs : Not a good reel

Redfish17 : Tension know and gears too tight

This model from Abu Garcia will not hack it if you plan to fish for medium size fish like bass or channel catfish. This is probably their cheapest model and you get what you pay for. On that note myself (A very avid fisherman) noticed that the reel itself performed poorly even while casting heavy weight, i.e. 2 oz. No matter how loose you loosen the tension knob on the side it will still cast as if it has resistance. Very bad and very noticeable. The reel still performs, but I would not buy anymore of these. Should just stay with the 5500 BCS model or similar if you want a smaller Abu. The only big feature I like is the bait clicker that the BCS 5500 model types do not have. Be cautious in purchasing this particular model.

keith : Left handed

This is a left hand reel. Thought it was right handed. Have not used

Howard Vaux : Drag failed 6 mos into ownership....Revised DRAG FIXED...My problem

Original: Very disappointed...`moving away from Ambassadeur..quality has declined..bought in March 2019....trash in December 2019

Revision: The braid that I put on, was slipping on the spool. I didn't think that it would happen..but it does. Used mon as a base, then finished with braid....WORKS GREAT....Sorry Ambassadeur. :-)

mario hernandez : Five Stars

Very nice casting reel, am looking to buy another.

Jeremy Davis : Was delivered as promised

Love the way it casts. And it reels in the big catfish with ease

Tony Grant : fishing reels at they best

I have been using ambassadors for 50 years .have not used the 6500 yet but looking forward to iy

Javier a. : Greaaaat

Durable

Glenn in SC : Nice

Good reel I ordered a second one

David Parks : Might have gotten a bad one

Stopped working after 2 or 3 trips out.

keith : Left handed

This is a left hand reel. Thought it was right handed. Have not used

Jay Texan : Not what you think your buying

This reel is not what you expect from Abu Garcia. Aside from all the cheap plastic furnishings, the most disappointing thing is that the max drag is only 11 lbs. Think about it, if you have a 12 lb fish, you wouldn’t be able to hoist it up to a bridge or pier, or into a boat. I didn’t return the reel though. I figure it will have some use targeting smaller fish, like speckled trout.

Patricia F. : Got it in left hand version, very happy with it

I really like this reel. The first time I used it the spool release button stuck a few times but after the 1st fishing trip it didn't stick on any other fishing adventures. I Don't cast much with it as I got it to use on my bait/sabiki rod, my last 15+ year old reel finally stopped working. The clicker/line out alarm is nice to have just in case. Smooth drag and overall build looks & feels grate so far. If it lasts as long as my last reel it replaced I'll be thrilled. Hard to find a better reel for the low price I got it for, I'm happy with it.

Mystery : A good starter baitcaster

This is a great reel to start that beginner that wants a taste of what it is to use a baitcaster. For the rivers and some areas in the bay when the salmon and steelhead are running, and if that trout stream looks like fun too. Kinda like a middle of the road type of a reel.

D. : Old reliable

My favorite old school reel Good line capacity

Caleb Wyatt : Not what they used to be...

After two weeks of use, making loud noises when casting and retrieving. I don’t expect it to last much longer.

Jeremiah s. : It works

It works but it's far from my Sweden made abu's. Only a few bearings so casting distance isn't great but it works

keith : Left handed

This is a left hand reel. Thought it was right handed. Have not used

Howard Vaux : Drag failed 6 mos into ownership....Revised DRAG FIXED...My problem

ArgeUru : Love it

The best time ever
It works great

Laura R. : Muy buena compra!!! Me encantó

Perfecto! Lesperaba peraba

Dalton : POS

Didn’t even get the chance to cast my new reel. Horribly made, not durable, and basically a plastic made reel. On top of that to at least give it one more chance, whenever they refunded my account, they jumped the price up to $140.

Michael D : Lack of quality

The quality of this reel has gone way down. I have and older version of this reel, which I really like. I returned the new reel.

Amazon Customer : Muy bueno

Excelente

Dalton : POS

Javier a. : Greaaaat

Durable

Nick Spost : Nothing like my Swedish models

Chinese junk. Nothing like my Swedish models.

jeffory : Five Stars

Great buy get yours before it gone

Roster : Peoduct description does not make it clear there are two reels in the box not one.

Reels are fine.

MrsGloria : Four Stars

My husband say ist the best

johnnie l. : Great distances for casting

Easy to use

Perry Slayton : Great reel

Maybe the best all around reel there is. Can't miss for the medium to large fish that I fish for. Have not had a single concern with this even though it is not made in Sweden anymore.

James McKnight : Extremely well crafted, a piece to be handed down without a doubt!

When you're seen fishing with this Reel, not only will you be seen as an experienced knowledgeable angler, but you also may become the envy of your friends!

Robert F. Smith : GREAT Reel, Good Price !

Bought it as "Used, Like NEW" with a Discounted Price. The Real is "Perfect" ! I Bought one off AMAZON, "NEW" about a Year ago & I Can't tell difference in the Two. It Reels Smooth LOOKS NEW !!! The Box has a Small amount of Ware on it & a Amazon Sticker on it Saying :
"THANKS TO YOU, THIS PRODUCT HAS A SECOND LIFE".
WE APPRECIATE IT !
Thank You to Amazon !
Robert F. Smith

Amazon Customer : Worked great for the money

Worked great

CDennis : Five Stars

Love this reel. Already caught a lot of fish. Highly recommend.

jimmy l lee : as expected

price was good

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