Shimano Spinning Rod Reel Seat Help

[ChrisD46]

The series of Shimano spinning rods I'm interested in (new Sellus split grip) is nice for the money - but some reviewers complain of a wider than normal reel seat which can cause the frame of the spinning reel to canter a few degrees sideways while reeling and / or cause a feeling that the reel is not locked down and secure . In order to combat this problem I thought about tightly wrapping some electrical or friction tape around the reel frame ends where they secure into the Shimano Sellus rod reel seat to "beef it up" a bit and cut down on gap space between the reel frame ends and the reel seat width space .  Your thoughts ? ...Anybody with a Shimano Sellus spinning rod encountering the same problem ?

[Fisher-O-men]

I've tried using electrical tape to take up slop in reel seats.  Did not work for me.  Layers of aluminum foil worked better.  I still think there must be a better fix.

[ChrisD46]

After additional research - there were only two promising fixes I found : 1 . Is Friction Tape (sold at Home Depot ) which you could use to build up either the reel seat of the reel frame ends . The 2nd fix was a 3/4th inch X 1/16th inch cork strip for rods that could be purchaced by the foot and  placed on the reel seat (available from here) : http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Surf-Rod-Building/Cork-Tape-per-ft .

[F14A-B]

Have you tried you're reel on the proposed rod yet to see if it's a problem? Seems as though you are contemplating the rod, rather than owning it. My recommendation is the first sentance of my reply.. Only then will you know, if you cannot do that, I would consider a different rod.

[ChrisD46]

Have you tried you're reel on the proposed rod yet to see if it's a problem? Seems as though you are contemplating the rod, rather than owning it. My recommendation is the first sentance of my reply.. Only then will you know, if you cannot do that, I would consider a different rod.

Good comment - I actually tried this rod at the store today using a Abu Garcia 2500 series spinning reel as well as a Shimano 2500 series spinning reel : Both worked quite well ... The key (per the salesman) is to center the front "foot" of the spinning reel frame into the front reel seat insert first , then center it and finally hold the reel in place while you tighten up the rear of the reel seat (what we were always taught to do ?) .  * This reel seat is very light weight graphite / polymer material and I believe with care and occasionally checking to make sure the reel is snug in the reel seat there should be no real issues . I would also caution against reeling down on a big fighting fish with this rod vs. lowering the rod tip and reeling with less pressure on the line and reel . Finally , the store had 5 Sellus SUSX68M's (Shakeyhead model) so I checked them one by one to pick out the one with the best straight spine , made sure all guides were straight , wraps / epoxy were perfect and no nicks or imperfections .... Hard to beat for $49.00 ! I will pair with my older (but still excellent ) Shimano Sahara 2500 , 10 lb. Sufix 832 braid , 7lb. Sniper FC leader , 1/8th oz. Spot Remover jig head with Zoom Swamp Crawlers or Roboworms on the business end for Georgia spots putting the feedbag on for winter .

[F14A-B]

That's great, sounds like it worked out just fine.

It also sounds like you got you're rig all figured out as well.. Hope you catch- em good!

[ChrisD46]

Alonerankin2 - Thanks ... If I have a good experience I would possibly look at the Sellus Drop Shot model IF there was an opportunity to compare four or five of the same model side by side . You have to remember these rods are made in China and at a $49.00 price point the workmanship , sorting , quality , etc. is going to allow what is acceptable at the price point to go through as "good" versus having a straight rod blank guides with good wraps (it can be done - I just had to go through a few to find "it"). In fairness to Shimano - the initial quality is better than other manufacturers at this price point ... I'm not too hard on my equipment and maintain it well ...Time will tell how the Sellus series holds up - however looking forward to the journey !

[Preytorien]

I have a Sellus (white kind) and I've noticed that the reel seat is a good deal more pronounced than say my Compre or Crucial

 

With any of my reels to keep a nice snug seat, I wrap the ends of the reel foot with a couple wraps of pipe thread tape then seat it. Seems to keep any play at bay. I just hope it's not causing sensitivity issues for the rods.....doesn't seem to be

[Dwight Hottle]

Just as a heads up Shimano makes a plastic reel foot shim that solves the problem of loose fitting reels seats. You can call them & they probably will send you one n/c.

[ChrisD46]

Just as a heads up Shimano makes a plastic reel foot shim that solves the problem of loose fitting reels seats. You can call them & they probably will send you one n/c.

Thanks DH - good to know just in case .

[ChrisD46]

I have a Sellus (white kind) and I've noticed that the reel seat is a good deal more pronounced than say my Compre or Crucial

 

With any of my reels to keep a nice snug seat, I wrap the ends of the reel foot with a couple wraps of pipe thread tape then seat it. Seems to keep any play at bay. I just hope it's not causing sensitivity issues for the rods.....doesn't seem to be

Good alternative if required ... I thought about friction tape but it possibly would build up more than necessary.

[SirSnookalot]

I've run into this situation several times, easy fix.  I put  about a 3" shim on the reel seat, newspaper, cardbord, leather all work fine, trim it once you have the perfect fit.