Record/ABU Reel Models
OUTSOURCED REELS
Many could have been chosen from the vastly different styles ranging from Spinning , IGFA Game, Mooching or Pimpel reels
I may have chosen a Sportex spinning reel from Germany but at present I do not have one of these in my collection.
Maybe someone may like to submit one to display here.
Other possibilities are the Japanese Diplomat Mooching reels or the Finnish Delfin Pimpel reels.
Reel #1
Instead, I have initially chosen to select the Italian made Zangi Spinning reels made from 1954 and over a number of years for ABU due to their exquisitly constructed appearance and technically innovative form. They were made in 5 distinctive model types and each having from 2 to 5 different variations.
Also the Admiral Series of IGFA reels are featured, still awaiting a little more detail from over 60 years ago.
I own all 5 model types in just one variation of each, the first being the green 222 and others being the black 225, 888, 999 and 1000 models .
The 1958 produced Zangi 999, is to my mind , the most unique model in the line-up as it has a 3 speed gearbox, which I have not heard of from any other manufacturer.
A good 'look inside' can be seen here with the service Guide.
Marco Malavasi , author of The Reelstown guide to ABU Spinning Reels of Sweden, is the acknowledged best published reference to these spinning reels.
The overall external design is very similar to the 225 and 888 model while the earliest model 222 which appeared in green and later black is obviously different.
My Zangi 999 Images
Model name 999
Maker/designer Zangi
Country/Location Italy
Production dates 1958 for 3 different versions
Features unique three speed gearbox
Catalog Pages (from 1959 to 1954, featuring related Zangi reels)
Reel #2
Model name Admiral 4/0, 6/0 and 7 1/2 /0 , prototype exists at Svangsta Sweden for 9/0
Maker/designer Everol Tackle Company ,
Gianni Sganzerla and Elio Veroli
Country/Location Italy
Production dates 1959 onwards, for 4 different size versions each marked ABU or Garcia depending on whether for the European or USA market.
Features Unique for ABU at the time, large capacity spools with lever drags for Baltic Tuna and other blue water species in USA.
Still very useable and setting the stardard for over 70 years for this styple of reel.
Catalog Pages (never catalogued in Europe or USA, newspaper advertisements exist)
Widths between models did not vary hugely but below
...it can be noticed that diameter of reels varied significantly.
Cluster view
Drag scale for 7and a half /O compared to drag scale for 6 and 4/0 were same.
Reel #3
Chosen because of its Pimpel entry level construction (and short life span) compared to the quality ABU Pimpel rod/reels.
Model name Delfin # 11 and # 12
Maker/designer Kuusamo Uistin Oy
Country/Location Finland
Production dates 1978/1982 New non ABU models are still being sold
Features Very simple centre-pin design , with thumb operated line release and drag
Catalog Pages Only appeared in N&N 1978 (named Delfin) and the next season Tight Lines 1979 (with no name), up until TL 1982
Please be patient and enjoy as they appear and do contribute!
If you have any others not listed above, ie ABU Admirals, that are unneeded or doubles in your collection and are available for a reasonable fee, I would be very pleased to hear from you.