Shimano Symetre Warranty

[jdhaack]

I just got 4 Shimano Symetre reels, 2 x 1000FL and 2 x 2500 FL.  After about 5 uses each they have all began to bind when reeling.  The box states see warranty info inside, however, there was no paperwork in the "new" plastic containers.  Does anyone know where to find the info on the Shimano website, I see no info on reel warranties?

Do they even have one anymore?

 

Thanks

Jon 

[kickerfish1]

I have this problem on a previous generation Sahara. I would love to know what the problem and fix is as well. Same problem at times when I go to engage the handle it sticks or feel like it is locked in place. May be a simple internal fix. Never had this problem on my other Shimano Spinning reels.

[dam0007]

1 year. Send them in with the form from the website. Just fill it out don't worry about receipt. If it were me though I would take them apart clean the hell out of them, re lube them, and see if it's still doing it. They pack tons of grease in the reels at the factory as a lot of people don't do any maintenance.

[corn-on-the-rob]

Yea, I own 3 symetres, and after 5 months of light use all 3 started to bind, I sent them back (paid my own shipping) they "fixed them" then sent them back to me. After 2 months of fishing they are binding again. Shimano knows this is a fairly common issue with multiple lines especially symetre and will only repair within the year. Now I paid $100 a piece for "quality" reels that wont last over 1 season of moderate use. Done with them.

[tomustang]

I have this problem on a previous generation Sahara. I would love to know what the problem and fix is as well. Same problem at times when I go to engage the handle it sticks or feel like it is locked in place. May be a simple internal fix. Never had this problem on my other Shimano Spinning reels.

The problems stem from being wet, apparently a ring inside gets soaked and fattens up where the reel binds, thus calling them shimbindos, it is still a problem with several models almost 10 years from the first complaints. The symetre FL is the most current.

I've had two FJ's that didn't have a problem (boat dunked in water before) at all

[smalljaw67]

It is caused by the friction ring, Shimano fixed the problem on the better reels but it appears they left the other versions alone, call customer service and thell them the problem and they will probably send you a friction ring. The old river rats around my area use to call Shimano spinning reels, "ShimBindo" because of the binding problem when they got wet.

[k3bass]

Definitely NOT caused by the friction ring. Older shimanos had issues with the friction ring causing binding but that is definitely not the problem with the symetre fjs or newer fls.

[Choporoz]

I thought it was just mine.  Bought a used one last year and after a few months, I was having the same problem, but didn't know how to describe it.  Thanks.  "Binding" is a good description; usually the first crank after a cast, the handle 'sticks'.  I cleaned and oiled the handle and spindle shaft and the problem went away for about two weeks and then returned.  Regrettably, I don't see that anyone else above has 'fixed' theirs yet.

[buzzed bait]

http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/customer-service/service-centre1.html

[tomustang]

Definitely NOT caused by the friction ring. Older shimanos had issues with the friction ring causing binding but that is definitely not the problem with the symetre fjs or newer fls.

If that wasn't the case why is Shimano always out of stock of the friction ring for their symmetre FL 2500??

[k3bass]

If that wasn't the case why is Shimano always out of stock of the friction ring for their symmetre FL 2500??

Please explain how the friction ring on the fl causes binding?? Same exact ring is used on the stradic fj ci4 and sustain and they don't bind.

Maybe the reason it's out of stock is because that same ring is used on pretty much every current shimano spinning reel. People that are still having binding issues with newer reels are misinformed by people telling them it's the friction ring causing the problem when they really don't have a clue. The friction rings that caused problems were the OLD solid black rings. They didn't even use those on the symetre fjs let alone the newest model. The problem is internal, it will go away with a cleaning and re-lube but come right back when it gets wet.

[Darren.]

To the OP, Jon, welcome aboard.

 

You've got plenty of suggestions, just

wanted to welcome you to the forums.

 

I've never had to use Shimano warranty

services yet....

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Just sell 1 and buy 3 trions.problem solved

[k3bass]

Just sell 1 and buy 3 trions.problem solved

^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!

I've had both and would take a trion over a symetre fl anyday.

[tomustang]

Please explain how the friction ring on the fl causes binding?? Same exact ring is used on the stradic fj ci4 and sustain and they don't bind.

Oh yes, they must be all the same exact reel with a different name. Funny how people have replaced the ring in symetres and the problem goes away.

And what does it matter if parts are shared along lines? If a part is bad it will go out of stock. It does not explain why they are out of stock so fast and it always is the case with the specific friction ring part. I know because I constantly check for that part and it's never in stock for long. The CI4 is not the same reel as a symetre.

[k3bass]

Oh yes, they must be all the same exact reel with a different name. Funny how people have replaced the ring in symetres and the problem goes away.

And what does it matter if parts are shared along lines? If a part is bad it will go out of stock. It does not explain why they are out of stock so fast and it always is the case with the specific friction ring part. I know because I constantly check for that part and it's never in stock for long. The CI4 is not the same reel as a symetre.

Huh??? So since that part is out of stock that's your reasoning for saying that's the op's problem with his symetre fl??? Shimano is always out of stock on a ton of their parts, nothing new.

Once again can you please explain how the friction ring in the op's symetre fl is causing it to bind? The friction rings that caused binding were the old solid black ones. They would swell and get gooey rubbing against the inside of the rotor causing binding. The friction ring in the shimano fl is a totally different design. The same ring is used in most shimano reels, that's why I asked why they didn't cause binding in those reels also. Never said they were the same reel. The friction rings did cause binding but they weren't the only cause even years ago when the whole binding issue started with shimano spinning reels.

[k3bass]

To the op. You may want to try replacing the main drive gear bushing with a bearing. Water may be getting in around the handle and mixing with the grease between the bushing and the main gear shaft causing it to stick and bind in the bushing. I swapped mine out after it started binding and haven't had any binding issue since. Although this may just be because I haven't really used the reel much since I switched it.

[SirSnookalot]

From experience I would not send a reel to an authorized repair center for any brand.  I took a reel to a top notch tackle store, an authorized repair center, no different than any other place as they don't stock the parts like the parent company.

A company like Shimano has their parts department separate from service in this respect, the part may be out of stock for purchase but they have the part to repair the reel.  This happen to me with a line roller bearing on a stradic fi.  I did have to pay to ship it there but in fairness to Shimano fixed they reel for free after warranty and paid the shipping back.

[Crestliner2008]

For many, many years, I've used nothing but Shimano spinning reels. Within the past 5 years though, I've had this binding problem with a couple of my Shimanos (a Symetre and a Sahara). Simple fix - just go online and search "Parts for Spinning Reels". Pick out any supplier and select the friction ring for the model you have, which costs only a couple of bucks. Replace it and you'll be good to go once again.

 

These rings are very fragile for whatever reason(?). I think Shimano wanted the ultimate smooth action and therefore used softer friction rings - but I could be way wrong. In any case, replacing the ring on any reel, will solve your problem in the short term. Long term - switch to Pflueger.

[k3bass]

For many, many years, I've used nothing but Shimano spinning reels. Within the past 5 years though, I've had this binding problem with a couple of my Shimanos (a Symetre and a Sahara). Simple fix - just go online and search "Parts for Spinning Reels". Pick out any supplier and select the friction ring for the model you have, which costs only a couple of bucks. Replace it and you'll be good to go once again.

These rings are very fragile for whatever reason(?). I think Shimano wanted the ultimate smooth action and therefore used softer friction rings - but I could be way wrong. In any case, replacing the ring on any reel, will solve your problem in the short term. Long term - switch to Pflueger.

The friction ring on the symetre fl is a totally different design than the ones used on symetres 5 years ago. There is no possible way for this newer style friction ring to cause binding when reeling with the bail closed.

[EvanT123]

The friction ring on the symetre fl is a totally different design than the ones used on symetres 5 years ago. There is no possible way for this newer style friction ring to cause binding when reeling with the bail closed.

How are you so sure of this? Just wondering bc I had a 1000fl that got soaked in a rain storm and started to bind. I had already replaced the bushing with a bearing as well on the side of the reel. After the rain I removed the spool ran I rag around it and the binding hasn't happened since. What would account for this?

[k3bass]

How are you so sure of this? Just wondering bc I had a 1000fl that got soaked in a rain storm and started to bind. I had already replaced the bushing with a bearing as well on the side of the reel. After the rain I removed the spool ran I rag around it and the binding hasn't happened since. What would account for this?

The friction ring is under the rotor not under the spool. The friction rings that caused binding would swell and rub against the inside of the rotor. The newer style rings are a totally different design. They look similar to a gear with notches in them that the bail trip arm fits into when the bail is open. There is no way that these newer style rings can swell up enough to contact the inside of the rotor.

[EvanT123]

The friction ring is under the rotor not under the spool. The friction rings that caused binding would swell and rub against the inside of the rotor. The newer style rings are a totally different design. They look similar to a gear with notches in them that the bail trip arm fits into when the bail is open. There is no way that these newer style rings can swell up enough to contact the inside of the rotor.

Good explanation. I still don't get how mine was binding then not and has been good for 1 1/2 years.

[Shanes7614]

Lesson to all shimano owners... Keep them dry!!!!

[SirSnookalot]

I've got 4 Shimanos, binding has never been a problem.  Mine do get wet from water spray never been dunked, they perform just fine.  My distaste for Shimano stems from CS and bail problems, easy fixes but annoying and time consuming.  I am considering another 4000 stradic but not at $180.