The last thing I need is another ABU multiplier, right? Thing is, I have been hankering for an old Ambassadeur 5000D for a long time now. Something about the ‘direct drive’ which intrigues me and so like an itch I had to scratch I kept an eye open for one. Well, not one but two came up for sale recently as a job lot and I made a successful, low-ish bid.
So what is the direct drive all about? Firstly I have to say it does not sound to me like the 5000D is a true direct drive reel as it has a drag. A true direct drive does not have a drag, you take in or let out line simply by turning the handle one way or the other. The drag on 5000D is adjusted not by a normal star wheel but by a knurled nut. It allows the spool to slip as required but the reel has no anti-reverse mechanism on it. The handle winds forwards and backwards so the fish can take line or line can be wound in. From what I have read the 5000D was designed like this to meet the demands of the USA market where bass fishermen wanted to be able to control big fish which made sudden dives for cover. Fiddling with a star drag was ineffective and direct drive was seen as the answer so ABU obliged with the ‘D’ variant. My experience of large pike is that they too make powerful dives when you get them close to the boat and I plan on getting at least one of these reels working for that job.
The 5000D is pretty rare and not a lot of them find their way on to the market. These two date from 1974 and are in the usual dark green colour. I believe a very small number were produced in pale gold but I have never come across any of those. Both of my reels are in well used condition and will take some work to get back into full working order. Spare parts will obviously be a problem as only a few of the usual 5000 parts fit this model. Initial scouting online suggests I may have to get some parts from America.
As you can see, one of them is missing a handle oil cap for a start. Both reels look to be well used so the chances are the drags will need to be replaced. Cosmetically, it would be nice to fit new side plates but these are like hen’s teeth so that may never happen. The notion of stripping the reels completely and getting the end plates stove enamelled is floating round in my mind but that would be a big step to take. I am just happy to have a pair of these old gems and will get great enjoyment out of fiddling about with them and finally do some fishing with them. My Ambassadeur addiction goes from strength to strength……………
Update: 29th October 2020 – I found some Carbotex drag washers for the 5000D’s on ebay in USA. Ordered a couple of sets. Finding a handle nut is proving hard though! May look at replacing the handles completely.
Looks like I have found an oil cap and some drive shaft washers for these reels now. I would love to find a pair of side plates though!
June 2021 – I am really taking my time with these reels! I now think one of them requires a replacement drive, the one in the reel is very sloppy and I don’t have much faith in it. For now they are both dismantled and I will put them together again this coming winter.
Claretbumbler 