Tola

Yup, I buy everything I can from amazon if the price is competitive. We're members of amazon prime so shipping is always 2 day and free or usually $3.99 for next day IF amazon is the one selling or shipping the item ( there are 3rd party sellers and I try to not use them). Then if the item is defective they'll usually send you a replacement asap and you send the bad one back within 30 days, if you don't send it back then they charge you for it. I'm not affiliated with amazon! As far as the other poster saying a bail isn't really needed, maybe so for surf casting, but show me someone who uses one for bass fishing. ;] also, besides the bail rattling, the rest of the reel is fine but I have to admit, the Daiwa lexa for $50 less is just as nice besides the hard plastic handle with rough edges.

So anew one is on the way. That's the beauty of Amazon at times. A new reel is being sent before I return the current one. I don't have a huge problem with the bail and feel it will be a non issue when in use but it just didn't seem to match the quality of the rest of the reel. The previous post is correct. It looks like a good design and possibly how it's supposed to be? I'll find out tomorrow with new reel. On a different note, I got a symetre which I returned for the opposite issue, bail was too tight and it hung open almost every cast. That was bought at a box store new.

Thanks for reply. I didn't think it was normal, bought it from amazon.com so return won't be a problem. This is my first shimano reel. I've always been pleased with their hing end bicycle components and the stradic reviews are great but many mention bail problems. I also bought a Daiwa lexa 2500 which is very nice but handle is horrible. Can only keep one and I do like the shimano more overall.

Hi, First post, have been a lurker for a while. Just getting back into fishing with my son. Bought a new Shimano stradic fj 3000, reel is very nice but the bail is very loose at the hing opposite where line winds onto spool. It works fine but is loud when closing and rattles when tapped while closed with considerable left to right play towards screw. The screw can't be tightened any further. Is this normal or should I send it back to amazon for a replacement? Thanks!