Review: Abu Garcia Abumatic Premier 704 Closed Face Reel

With Abu Garcia releasing the new Abumatic 706 closed face reel the previous model the, can now be picked up at very reasonable prices.

The closed face reel was particularly popular back in the 1970’s with match anglers as it allowed them to fish into the wind when conditions would have proved impossible with a fixed spool reel.

The build quality is tough and workman like. Just don’t expect the finish and finesse of a Shimano. It is by modern standards a little clunky and the anti-reverse isn’t quite instant and the paintwork is a little rough in places.

The reel is small and light, weighing only 290 gms and comes with two spools –one shallow and the other deep.



But what is it like to use?

Once on the bank I found it an absolute delight. I loaded mine with approximately 70yards of 4lb line-do not over fill the spool as they do have a reputation for the line bedding in. The bail pins are sensitive, and there is little possibility of spoiling the cast, in fact very little movement the handle is needed to re-engage the pins.

The drag is smooth and relatively sensitive although, it must be said, not as good as that of a fixed spool.

One of the complaints about the early Abumatics, the 506 and 501 reels, was that it was somewhat difficult to remove the spool. This has been solved on the 704 and 706 with a gear lock button that allows the pin housing to be removed easily and quickly.

The reel is, in my opinion, at its best when fishing rivers. Proving more than capable in slow and moderate flows the Abumatic allows the angler excellent control over the float and line release can be smoothly controlled with the fingertips.

Being so small and light and easy to carry, combined with its ease of use and effectiveness on windy days, the Abumatic 704 is now a constant companion on my river fishing trips.

Abu Garcia Abumatic Premier 704 Closed Face Reel
Weight 290 grms
Gear ratio: 3.9:1.
Capacity: 140m/0.24mm
Supplied with a spare spool