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[azafai]

if the original poster looks for a good low profile on budget then nothing beats a Curado quality and price wise.

[Matt]

Abu Record is an excellent reel.

[Jewelz]

I always recommend the same one... For the price its just a really good deal, and its fantastic.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/59120

[noobfisher]

Been reading and researching everyone's suggestions.  I'm really undecided now between the c3/c4 open faced circular style bait caster over the low profile bait casters.  Any reason why one would be preferable over the other style for a noob getting into Steelheading?

[typhoon]

Smoothness, line capacity, drag, quality, weight, cost.

Abu C3/C4 has them all except weight (and looks- they're quite boring).
 
The Curado 200 has much less line capacity (you may need to move to braid for more $$$), and weaker drag. Curado 300 and Abu Revo have them all cost a lot. Calcutta is bulletproof but heavy and expensive.

I decided to get the C3 as my first reel and expected to upgrade to a shimano later, keeping the Abu as a backup or guest reel.
 
I'm ignoring the low end bass reels because they'll explode on a hot fish in fast current.

[milo]

I'm ignoring the low end bass reels because they'll explode on a hot fish in fast current.

LOL! So true!
Found it out the hard way back in my noob days.

Abu C3/C4 has them all except weight (and looks- they're quite boring).

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I find the blue and gold c4 to be a thing of beauty:



Another vote for c3/c4. The initial cost of the reel, the price to quality ratio and the availability and pricing of spare parts can't be beat.
Furthermore, you can upgrade them with special washers that make them as smooth as any 400 dollar reel.

http://www.smoothdrag.com/

[typhoon]

Good one Milo. I find that it looks like a beer keg. Maybe that's the appeal??

I have upgraded my C3 with dual bearing worm gear, ceramic pawl, and ABEC7 ceramic bearings and casting distance improved by 50%.
I think it is smoother than my buddies Calcutta TE at way less than 1/2 the price.
Abu upgrade parts are readily available and relatively cheap.

[frozensalmon]

btw are c4 made in sweden too ?

[ejeffrey]

if the original poster looks for a good low profile on budget then nothing beats a Curado quality and price wise.

I have a Curado and love it.

[milo]

btw are c4 made in sweden too ?

Yes, and so are the C3 and the Record.
All others, including the low profile Revo, are manufactured in China.

So, once again, for the record: Ambassadeur c3, c4, and Record are the only 'classic' Ambassadeur models still made in Sweden.
You can't go wrong with any of those for the money.

But if money is not an issue, and you can afford to have it professionally serviced twice a year, treat yourself to this Ambassadeur:

http://www.purefishing.com.au/feature2010/reels-2010/morrum-ivcb/

Cheers,

Milo (loves all Ambassadeurs)