Abel Offers New Reel Re-Finishing Service

Got a prized Abel reel that has lost its luster? Or just want a brand new artistic paint-over for that plain black finish? Yesterday Abel announced that they can now strip and refinish any Abel reel — re-anodizing and polishing black reels, changing colors or even adding painted or fish graphic finishes. The process takes 4-6 weeks and costs from $100 to $250, depending on the desired result.
Read the full press release in the extended entry.

ABEL TO RE-FINISH OLDER FLY REELS
CAMARILLO, Calif. – In a remarkable metallurgical breakthrough – some two years in development and testing – Abel Quality Products can now strip the existing finish off a reel and restore it from dings, scratches, scrapes and the ravages of time.
Additionally, the Abel technicians now have the ability to change an existing older black reel to any desired color or fish graphic, announced Don R. Swanson, president of the California tackle manufacturer.
“The impetus for this development came from owners of older Abel reels who wanted the original finish restored or who wanted their reel re-finished in a fish graphic design. Utilizing a proprietary ‘reverse anodizing’ process, we developed the technology to strip the reel down to bare metal and re-finish it,” said Swanson.
During the procedure, minor scratches will be buffed out and the Abel reel restored to “near new condition,” he added. The refurbishing process is available on Abel Super Series and Big Game models only.
Charge to refinish a high gloss black or matte finish reel is $100. Cost for a solid color other than black is an additional $50; an Abel Artistic Finish is an extra $100 and a hand-painted Fish Graphic Finish is $150 more.
During the procedure, pan head screws for the reel foot and handle, shaft mounting screws, spool bearings, pawl screw, pawl spring, the outgoing clicker and locknut will be replaced free by Abel technicians.
The refinishing process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Reels must be sent to Abel with all line and backing removed. Upon receipt of the reel, the owner will be called by Abel within 48 hours to verify the work to be done, availability of colors and any special conditions.
For additional information or to receive a reel refinishing application form, call Abel at 866-511-7444 or visit www.abelreels.com.