Materials and Bearings
The Abu Garcia Cardinal reels, the Series 4 included, use aluminum for the body casing and the reel spinner-arm. To give smooth reel action, Garcia sets the spinner with eight ball bearings in a housing, packed with grease to prevent rust and erosion. Under the aluminum casing, Garcia uses a polymeric body and rotor for a lighter weight reel that is corrosion resistant.
Oscillator and Bail Release
The oscillator and bail release are tow components of the Garcia Cardinal 4 that allow line to be reeled in a prescribed direction, allowing for the line to be spread evenly across the spool. Without the oscillator, the line may stay in one location, making for off-center coils and tangles. The bail-release mechanism allows for the casting action with the line going out, but when snapped back into position, lets you reel the line in across the spool and drag the lure through the water without jerks (unless done intentionally).
Screws, Nuts and Fixtures
Garcia reels like the Cardinal series, including the 4, use lightweight, aluminum or polymer nuts, screws and fixtures. Using these materials prevents rust, corrosion and loss of integrity in the flow of the mechanisms. Oscillator nuts, screws and bushings are used, as well as specialized nuts and screws with bushings and gaskets, for the aluminum arm for spinning, and to affix these parts to the body and housing.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
