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Random Quote: Justice is often measured in calibers
Ok, I have had no luck finding the reels that I want from Fin Nor. Is there a reel out there that is similar. I was looking at the Quantum Cabo. I also fish Penn reels. I love them but, I would like a smoother reel. Any Thoughts?
I have 2 of the ahab 16 and they are the worst reels I have ever had. I will never stray from shimano again. go w/ the baitrunners they are more then 1/2 the price
The Cabos are great, 8 ball bearings, magnetic bail return, titanium bail and service that is the best. I had some issue with reels and sent them back, they in return sent 4 new ones back. Unbelievable. And they do catch fish.
SORRY FOR THIS LATE REPLY BUT IAM NEW TO THIS FORUM. AS FOR FIN NOR ZEBCO BOUGHT THEM OUT .HOPE THEY KEEP THE FIN NOR MEGA LITE. THESE REELS ARE THE BEST LOW MAIN, SMOOTHEST EVER!
I've learned (the hard way) to avoid reels that don't have a solid parts supply available. I don't care how nice a reel it is, you're going to need parts to keep it running long term. Because of that, when asked, I only recommend Shimano, Daiwa, or Penn...
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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FWIW According to new owner Zebco, Fin-Nor is still in their N. Carolina plant & parts are available there at 1-888-886-2064 x122 , talk to "Drew". Here's the website, don't know if contact can be made there or not: http://www.finnorfishing.com/index.asp. They may be able to gve you an update on new reel prediction. I just completely dismantled, cleaned, lubed & repaired my old Ahab 12 a couple nights ago, very easy. Luckily a fish pal had a bag of his older #12 all in parts, some good, some bad that he was willing to let me shop through and the needed ring gear was there. Works great once again.
Also heard rumor that Cape Fear has sold their rod business(HexTek) also. They are not answering the phone this week in any case. Does anyone have any info. Thanks
What? Thanks for the detailed review. If I throw in another penny, could you tell me what it is you don't like about your Fin-nors? I probably had my 12 for maybe 7-8 yrs( can't remember when they came out. ) I find it to be beautifully balanced, love the instant anti-reverse and the drag on mine has proven to be very smooth while landing many a decent size striper. It has had pitifully little attention to maintenance other than a good rinse after each use and a couple minor repairs & light lubing plus the recent reassemble & lube( which it certainly needed after all that time) . The broken gear was my fault during reassembly- a ridiculous mistake, easliy rectified. Personally , I've been very pleased with my Fin-Nor and believe it was probably among the best available at the time of purchase, although I'm sure the high end S's & Q's would compare well. Which models do you have & suggest, for what reason & what co$t?
i have owned the ahab#8a for about 8 years mounted on a g-loomis ,it is all hands down the best system i have ever owned ,its old now and unused,the only problem i had with it was i would snap the handles under a heavy load ,i bought the cabo at bass pro to replace it ,its lighter but would go back to a new #8 in a heartbeat,not saying that the cabo wouldn't be a part of the arsenal,it just has not been put through the test yet
I agree with TTaxi here. I have used my Fin Nors for many years and have as of yet, not had any problems what so ever. They have caught large grouper, large Kings, sailfish, wahoo, cobia, etc. and even a small Marlin. I have a passion for taking care of my equipment and they look new to this day. I use them for all types of offshore angeling and would not part with them. The folks I know who have had problems with them are for the most part, folks that forgot what adjustable drag was all about and put out zero effort at maintaining them. Just my two cents worth.
__________________ Never back anything into a corner that is meaner than you are.
thats about all thats worth ,i didnt have the liesure to fight the fish for 15 min ,normally people who spend 3 or 4 hundred on fishing tackle know how to wash their gear and use the drag ,wow