"super Tuned" Reels

[Topwaterspook]

Have any of you folks had experience with having reels tuned ? Is it worth the expense ? Is the operation of the reel that much better ? I have several older Shimanos that I may consider having tuned. I've seen some costs as much as $80 including a gear ratio change. I'd appreciate some advice on the whole process. If you have a place to reccomend for such a service , I'd appreciate that as well. Thanks .................Stitch

[RyneB]

DVT will hook you up. On knowing if they perform better, i dont know. i swapped out my bearing in my Revo Premier with Boca bearings, but that real was so smooth and flawless before, cant really tell the difference.

[OnthePotomac]

If you would like to know what is involved in super tuning, take a look at this. I have done my own reels (Shimanos), but I will not use sandpaper on any surface. As a former tool and die worker I am aware of changing factory surface tolerances. I only used rouge on my parts. Is there a difference other than ABEC 7 bearings - not that much in my opinion, I have a 10-year old reel I have carefully maintained myself and not "tuned" and it works just as well. You can't beat regular cleaning and proper lubing.

http://jdntackle.home.mindspring.com/index%20page.html

[Crappiebasser]

I had DVT tune a Curado E and Citca E about a month ago and am very impressed with it. I haven't used the Citica much but the Curado is awesome. I use it to throw very light t-rigs and it cast a mile. The amazing part to me is casting into the wind is much easier with no backlash. The upgraded drag is pretty cool too.

[Topwaterspook]

Okay,DVT has been mentioned twice. I need more info.Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

Contact Mike at DVT directly he can get you precise explanations and prices for what you want done. I have a few supertuned reels and the biggest advantage is ease of casting. Certain reels seem to benefit more from supertuning than others. It basically makes the reel more free spinning resulting in further casts and casting the same distance with less effort when using a stock reel. I have mixed feelings about supertuning but like anything else it boils down to angler preference. Sometimes upgrading the spool bearings and good deep clean and oil / lube is all you really need.

[skeletor6]

Super tuning involves very intensive cleaning and polishing of many friction areas on the reel. After a supertune you can expect the spool to spin much more freely and easily. Although this can lead to greater distance in your casting, the main advantage it will give you is the ease of spool start up and that maintenance of that speed.

This can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing. This depends on your level of casting ability. Nonetheless, if you supertune you will want to practice with more brakes on because your spool is going to be spinning much faster than before and if you are not ready for it, this can lead to many professional overruns (backlashes). Nonetheless, it can be very beneficial as it will force you to improve your casting mechanics and you will need to apply less overall force to achieve the same distance.

Mike at DVT does really good work and offers discount to members on this forum. I also know someone who specializes on Shimano reels. Nonetheless, reels should be regularly maintained and thoroughly cleaned to increase their longevity and performance. Sending a reel in to just get professionally cleaned is a good idea if you choose not to supertune. The work they do is beyond what one can achieve on their own. As they are specialist and have the proper equipment to clean so thoroughly.

[roadwarrior]

Mike did two for me. I am impressed!

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

[kickerfish1]

For prices as a "general rule of thumb" this is what I have found as far as price ranges for common internal tuning parts for casting reels:

Deep cleaning oil/lube/reassemble - $20-$25 a reel

Supertuning - an additional $5-12 a reel but some may include it with a clean

Abec 5 or 7 or 9 bearings- $20-30 per reel

Carbontex drag- $8-15

Specialized spools - $70 -$150

There are other external upgrades like cf handles, fancy handle knobs, gears, paint, etc but outside of the gears slowing or speeding up the reel they are all cosmetic.

These upgrades are internal and will affect the performance of the reel internally. When you send a reel in start with a basic cleaning and add other upgrades as you see fit.

[Bluebasser86]

I've had a few reels done, a couple older curado B's, a couple 200e7's, and a 50e. There is a huge difference between a stock reel and a tuned reel, especially in casting distance.

[The Next KVD]

I just recently had a Citica E supertuned. I'll tell you what it is like night and day next to my stock Citica E. With everything the same: same rod, line, brake settings, spool tension setting, drag, ect. the Supertuned Citica E outcasted the stock version by 10 feet and with ALOT LESS EFFORT!! 10 feet does not sound like much, but if your fishing large flats all day that 10 extra feet per cast equates to ALOT more water I'm able to cover. Definately worth the cost, just got to find the extra $ to do ther other 15 baitcasters I got.

[shootermcbob]

I have used Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle for service on both rods and reels. I have been more than satisfied each time. Contact him, he will be able to tell you what he can do, how much, and what type of performance increase to expect. He is a sponsor here, and is on these boards sharing his knowledge frequently.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The gains that can be achieved through Super Tuning depend on the model and condition of the reel. Older Shimanos are prime candidates and sometimes out cast newer reels after being tuned. A gear ratio change is a modification, not necessarily an upgrade. Some shops will charge to Tune any model and charge extra for "Even finer polishing". This is disingenuous at best. Once polished to a mirror like surface there's really no more to be done and using finer grits to polish doesn't involve any extra work or expense. There is no advantage in tuning reels with two piece, full floating spool designs. I'm happy to reply to PM, Email or calls with specific questions.

Mike L

DVT

[Mikey]

I have thought about getting a reel "super-tuned" from time to time, but always thought by using it actually "broke" it in and when serviced & overhauled it basically was "tuned-up"..... with that being said my next reel is a MegaBass Lariat.

[.RM.]

The gains that can be achieved through Super Tuning depend on the model and condition of the reel. Older Shimanos are prime candidates and sometimes out cast newer reels after being tuned. A gear ratio change is a modification, not necessarily an upgrade. Some shops will charge to Tune any model and charge extra for "Even finer polishing". This is disingenuous at best. Once polished to a mirror like surface there's really no more to be done and using finer grits to polish doesn't involve any extra work or expense. There is no advantage in tuning reels with two piece, full floating spool designs.

Mike L

DVT

X1...

Some shop's tune as part of the service on every BC reel.....

[RyneB]

The gains that can be achieved through Super Tuning depend on the model and condition of the reel. Older Shimanos are prime candidates and sometimes out cast newer reels after being tuned. A gear ratio change is a modification, not necessarily an upgrade. Some shops will charge to Tune any model and charge extra for "Even finer polishing". This is disingenuous at best. Once polished to a mirror like surface there's really no more to be done and using finer grits to polish doesn't involve any extra work or expense. There is no advantage in tuning reels with two piece, full floating spool designs. I'm happy to reply to PM, Email or calls with specific questions.

Mike L

DVT

SO you would be able to make my Gen 2 Premier a 7:1.1 instead of 6:4.1? If so, i would love for you to make that happen.

[Greed]

I would also like to know if it would be possible to lower the gear ratio on my Calcutta even lower. This would be something that I'd like to do over the winter while I patiently wait for winter to end.