Howdy Storm,
oh yes,they are the same as the older generation abu's.Omoto made them for abu some years ago and copied them well,a bit anway.
yeah,they are good.
I'd reccommed one to any serious plugger.
check out the thread Monty and I started a while back,I believe it's called "what are you using",,,
if you want one just go on ebay and search Omoto Hubilie.
powerful,smooth and built with bronze gears and brass chrome plated frame.
I beat up on the big fish with my new Tica and a Hubilie 777-s3,totally kicked ***!
this is what I have from Omoto.
1-hubilie 777-s3=7000 abu
2-hubilie-666-a3=to a 6500 abu
3-Jungle-5000=to the hubilie 555 just different outside and the same inside as an abu 5500.
4-jungle-6000=to a 6500 abu
got these before the season started.
Ray at stingraytackle will be getting some in soon,production has not started yet. but you can ask him about them,he's a true stand up guy like I am and a straight shooter.
believe me,you will smile if you get one.
Heck,just ask JimmyZ.
check this
:http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ead.php?t=2868
go to www.stingraytackle.com and check out the Tigre series,it's just a rebaged newer model VS-10 and some with 2 speed too.
oh,and to answer your question about plastic,only the levelwind gear is on the palm side.
R-P