1980s
Ratio: 4.7:1
Ball Bearings: 3
Reel foot number: 87-0 87-88

Another second hand deal. If only it had IAR...... If this reel was available today with IAR I'd buy six. Well certainly four! It might be my imagination, but this is the best casting, off-the-peg, Ambassadeur I own.

1990s
Ratio: 5.3:1
Ball Bearings: 3
Reel foot number: 010002

Pre-IAR model with Ultracast spool. Right hand side plate replaced with one from 5501C3 as the clicker switch design meant it was forever getting knocked on accidentally.

Schematic

1990s
Ratio: 6.3:1
Ball/Roller Bearings: 2/1
Reel foot number: 020205

Made for Bass Pro Shops in the US - graphite/composite foot, plastic levelwind shroud, soft handle knobs, Thumbar, clicker. Thumb rest removed and plastic levelwind shroud replaced with a chromed brass one. REI and REIII models were also produced in both rhw and lhw.

Why did I buy this reel? The best use I found for its fast retrieve was wire line trolling - to keep the line from going slack and springing off the spool. I should have got the REIII LH and fitted a new frame. Doh!

Schematic

1990s
Ratio: 5.3:1
Ball/Roller Bearings: 2/1
Reel foot number: 060010/13

Later model had soft paddle grips. Early spools have line level indicator on spool sides, but this isn't present on the later model. Thumb rest removed.

I have had many years of hard work out of two of these (and two of the later models). They are dented, scratched and faded now - and the chrome is wearing off the frame of one!

Schematic

1990s
Ratio: 5.3:1
Ball/Roller Bearings:
Reel foot number: 080003 19

Set up correctly it is impossible to get an overrun with this reel!

However, the Anti Backlash mechanism does restrict casting distance.

Many anglers who bought these reels, often cheaply after they were discontinued, removed the AB mechanism!

4601 and 6601 models were also produced.

Schematic