direct drive reels

[Kylie Howard]

just found an old garcia 5000d thats in pretty good condition at my grandfathers. pretty excited about using it. anyone used them before on here? i hear they can be real knucklebusters.

[WestEndAngler]

Not familiar with that model can you post a pic?

[Kylie Howard]

its from the 70's

hers a perfect condition one thats up on ebay.

[majek_maniac]

Great reels. My friends dad swears by them and still uses them to this day! They still make them (5500 models) and arent bad reels for $50-$60, I just prefer the low profile design.

[032490]

I like the older reels and have several of them. My favorate is my 5500c highspeed. I found an old 5000 red reel last year that someone was throwing away, the thing had never been used. I use it now. They are so much better then the new ones which are made in China.

[Redfishr]

That was the only ambassador that was KINDA direct drive.
The old direct drive reels had the handle spin backward when casting and basically no drag system.
The handle on that green ambassador you show only turns backwards when a fish takes drag and the drag is adjustable. The handle will not turn backwards when cassting like the old direct drives.
Its not that bad, you can feel when a fish is about to run and just move your hand.
I had one for many years as a kid and caught hundreds of trout on it with never a busted knuckle.
Now if you go after bullreds and jackfish.............look out.

[Gilbert]

I don't let any of my reels drive.



I did have a couple real direct drive reels like the poster above me said. The handle would spin in reverse when casting. Watch your fingers when you cast.

[Kylie Howard]

ahhh ok i see the difference. i had looked at some antique stores at sme direct drive reels but never found one in very good condition, then i stumbled onto this one. im gonna use it but i reckon ill still be on the lookout for a nice real DD too

[bountyhunter]

Not to give out my age..........but yes I've got one. I got it the first year they came out and it was my prime bass reel. I also did a lot of saltwater fishing with it up on the Chesapeake Bay back in those days. You really had to watch out with a big fish as they could quickly bust you knuckles with the crank when they made a run. Glad I never used it to fish for reds....