Direct drive ABUs

[metlhead]

I have my fathers collection of direct drive reels, and they still see use. I was wondering if anyone knew the difference between the 5000D and the 5500D besides the clicker

[Bullkllr]

5500 has a higher gear ratio.

5000D was my first baitcaster when I was a kid, mid 70s. Still have it and use it. I really wanted a "red one", but the D was all the store had. Man I thought I was hot stuff. Bought a 5500D some time later.

Love the round reels!

[BigGoonTuna]

there was a 4000D that was brown, but for all intents and purposes, it was mechanically the same as a 5000D.  kind of an anomaly because it's not a 4000 size reel.

there was also the 5000DA, which was the last knuckle buster ABU produced.  it had the "new style" rounded side plates that they switched to in 1980.