Is It Worth Repairing?

[Chance_Taker4]

First I appologize for the fact I do not know the specifice names of the internals of the reel. Please let me know if I confuse you with naming it the wrong word.

 

My wife has the Gen 2 BPS Bionic Plus. She has used it for 2 years and absolutley loves it. Towards the end of the season the reel was acting really strange, the handle was grinding and the drag quit working. I finally had time to take it apart and see if i could find what is wrong with the reel. The first problem I found was the "gear" that the spool slides into is broken. the spool will go into the gear but it is bent internally. The spool is fine but the gear is bent. That is the problem I found for the grinding. The lack of knowledge I have with taking reels apart I didn't want to break down the drag and see what was going on. So the drag does not engage. Whether you tighten or loosen the drag star it doesn't effect the drag and all, the line just peels of. It is next to impossible to reel in a 2# bass because the line peels off faster than she can reel it in not matter how tight I make the drag. Is it worth spending the cash to get this fixed or should I keep trying to talk her into a different reel. The only reason she wants to keep the reel is because it has the "Smart Cast" Dual brake system. Meaning her next reel needs to have a dual brake system.

[new2BC4bass]

Whenever I have a problem with my reels, I send them to someone like Mike at DVT for repair.  I am going to guess that cleaning and repair is going to cost around $20-$25 (depending on what is wrong) plus parts, plus shipping.   Shipping will probably be around $6 each way.  You'd have to talk to Mike, but if I am close on my guesses, then it probably would be better to buy your wife a new Bionic Plus.  They are on sale for $47.97 right now.

 

Also there are other dual brake systems if your wife would like to try another reel.  Can't really help you there with inexpensive dual brake reels.  I do have a couple older gold colored Carbonlites that I feel are exceptional reels for the money.  You can find ones in good to very good condition for around $50-$65.  Mine were on the higher end, in very good condition, and I have cast down to 3/16 oz. Shad Raps with them.  Very nice casting reels.  My older Patriarch XT (the blue ones) are also dual brake reels.  I not only like their looks, but they cast very well.  Was casting an unweighted 10" ribbontail worm and 3/0 hook with 1 centrifugal brake on and 3 on the magnetic brake dial.  Even used it would run a lot more than a new Bionic Plus.  My Lews Tournament Pro also has dual brakes.  Buy used.  Save a lot.  No experience with the Bionic Plus. but I would hazard a guess that any of these reels would last much longer than her current reel, and definitely would be an upgrade.

 

EDIT:  Congratulations on marrying a woman who likes to fish with you.  You are a lucky man.  Treat her right. 

[rippin-lips]

The cost effective route would be to replace the reel if you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself. The part you are referring to by your description would be the pinion gear. It's about 1" long and rides on the outside of the main gear. It's held in place by a plastic piece called a yoke the sits on two metal pins. It's probably around $8-12 plus shipping. Unless they just send you one for free. Is the reel spooled with braid? If so then it's possible that it's just slipping on the spool. Take all the line off and tighten the drag down. Can you still easily rotate the spool with your thumb. If so then it's an internal problem. Purchasing parts,repair, and shipping both ways will be about the same price as a new reel. That's what I'd do.

[Chance_Taker4]

Thanks guys. Her reel had yo-zuri hybrid on it and yes when I take the line off and tight the drag it still slips.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I agree that if you want to attempt diy it's probably fixable. Otherwise replace it. I've never seen a gear bend before. If want to email me some pics I'll help you diagnose.

[Fishes in trees]

If you are going to replace, you might as well upgrade.   Curado I's are reasonable, and a significant upgrade.  For close to the same money, you can find a Chronarch 50, which might fit her hand better.  It take that BPX reel and place it on the shelf with all the other honorably retired reels and move forward.

[WIGuide]

If it were me, I'd go for an upgrade. Not that there's anything wrong with buying another one, but there are better options out there. Even if you stick with the BPS brand, the Pro Qualifier and JM Signature edition are both great reels. Neither have the smart cast brakes, but both have the DBS breaking system which works very well and I believe is similar. My first Johnny Morris reel will be going into it's 9th season of use next year and it's had zero issues. Even though it was around $150 when I bought it and it makes it to the 10 year mark, the cost per year is very low. even though some of the cheaper reels seem like they're a better buy because they're half or less that of a higher priced reel, if they don't last they're actually costing you more money in the long run.  

[Chance_Taker4]

Thanks for all the replays everyone I got her talked into a new carbonlite reel. I wanted to get her the Pro Qualifier but she likes white reels.

[GetJigginWithIt]

Thanks for all the replays everyone I got her talked into a new carbonlite reel. I wanted to get her the Pro Qualifier but she likes white reels.

The new carbonlight reel is suppose to be very nice. I have a buddy that has one and raves about it when we fish. I do not think she will be disappointed.

[Chance_Taker4]

I loved the gold version and the black version. I still own a couple of the black ones. I think once she's used to it she will be fine.

[SMITTY0045]

The last generation of Bionic Plus reels were on sale at the Bass Pro by my for a little under $50. Just a thought

[kikstand454]

The white carbonlite is a great reel. I love mine. I'm positive she will enjoy it. I fiddles with it when I first got it and it has been a " set it and forget it" reel. Next to NEVER do I have to change a setting on the brakes or spool tension. A click once or twice- tops. It's a great reel and super light. I have mine on a 7' m veritas and its one of my favorite combos- I keep trying to find a way to throw most everything on it! Lol.