Abu Garcia Torno Schematics

Abu Garcia Torno Schematics

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Abu Garcia Torno™ Series Reels: Distinctive Discontinued Baitcasters

Introduction

The Abu Garcia Torno™ series was a unique line of low-profile baitcasting reels produced by Abu Garcia, likely during the early to mid-2000s. Distinct from both the classic Ambassadeur® round reels and the subsequent Revo® family, the Torno reels were characterized by a unique design featuring a partially exposed spool and often emphasized high-speed retrieves. While innovative for their time, the Torno series was eventually discontinued.

Overview and Design

  • Type: Low-profile baitcasting reels.
  • Era: Represents a specific design phase in Abu Garcia’s low-profile reel development, preceding or overlapping with the earliest generations of the highly successful Revo® platform.
  • Unique Aesthetic: The most striking feature of the Torno was its partially exposed spool, visible from the top/front of the reel. This gave it a very different look compared to most other low-profile baitcasters which fully enclose the spool within the frame and sideplates.
  • Performance Focus: Often geared towards performance applications where retrieve speed was beneficial.

Key Characteristics

Torno series reels incorporated several notable features:

  • Exposed Spool Design: This defining characteristic allowed for easy thumb access to the spool, which some anglers preferred for certain casting techniques or line management, although it also left the spooled line more exposed.
  • High-Speed Gear Ratios: Torno models were frequently offered with high gear ratios for their era (e.g., ratios around 7.1:1, sometimes designated with an ‘HS’ suffix). This facilitated rapid line pickup, beneficial for techniques like burning spinnerbaits, buzzing topwaters, or quickly taking up slack.
  • Bearing System: Equipped with multiple ball bearings to ensure smooth casting and retrieving performance, consistent with a performance-oriented positioning.
  • Construction: Likely utilized durable components, potentially including aluminum frames for rigidity to support the gearing and withstand casting forces.
  • Braking System: Employed standard cast control systems prevalent at the time, such as adjustable magnetic or centrifugal brakes.
  • Flipping Switch: Some Torno models reportedly included a flipping switch, a feature popular for specific close-quarters bass fishing techniques.

Market Position (Historical)

During their production run, Torno reels were positioned as performance baitcasters, appealing to anglers seeking fast retrieves and a unique, modern (for the time) design aesthetic. They offered an alternative to more traditional Abu Garcia designs.

Legacy

The Torno series represents an interesting, somewhat experimental phase in Abu Garcia’s low-profile baitcaster evolution. While incorporating performance features like high speed, the unique exposed spool design did not become a long-term standard, and the line was ultimately superseded by the widespread success and broader platform development of the Revo® series.

Status

The Abu Garcia Torno™ series is long-discontinued. These reels are no longer manufactured, and finding new replacement parts through official channels is generally not feasible. Torno reels are available only on the used fishing tackle market.

Target Audience (Historical / Current)

  • Historically: Anglers interested in high-speed retrieves, the unique exposed spool design, or specific features like the flipping switch.
  • Currently: Primarily collectors of Abu Garcia reels seeking less common or unique designs, or anglers specifically looking for a used Torno due to familiarity or preference for its specific characteristics.

Conclusion

The Abu Garcia Torno™ series was a distinctive line of discontinued low-profile baitcasting reels remembered primarily for its unique partially exposed spool design and its frequent offering of high-speed gear ratios. Representing a specific period in Abu Garcia’s reel development history before the dominance of the Revo® platform, Torno reels remain interesting examples of alternative design approaches, found today mainly in the hands of collectors or on the used market.