Problem With Shimano

[Choporoz]

My issue with Shimano spinning reels is only regarding the 'binding' issue.  I would feel better if the issue were better explained as to what causes it and what reels are affected.  I know that it is not all of them.  However, my Symetre gets it bad and it is terribly frustrating.  Even with all the great things I've read about higher end Shimano spinning reels...and my great experience with 'lower end' Shimano spinning reels, my psyche is rattled enough to steer me towards Lews or Daiwa next time I need a spinning reel that retails over $70.

[Dypsis]

I currently own all Shimano products other than my first Pflueger President Spinning Reel which is now my wife's (a heck of a reel for the price).  I don't know why, when I bought my first baitcaster and everything since, went Shimano, but I couldn't be more pleased.  

 

I feel this falls into a few categories.  Ford vs Chevy.  Is one actually better than the other?? Who knows.  I know some people if they have one bad experience with a product will bash it and never buy a product from then again, which is their right.  Were they in a house that always used product x and so they do as well?  Did they find a good deal on one and it treated them well and never looked back.

 

I own 7 Shimano reels now I cannot speak on these long term as most are only 6-18 months old, but other than a small issue on its first outing in 28 degree weather with the Rarenium (which was fine the next day).  I couldn't be happier and look forward to having these reels a LONG time.  They are super smooth and reliable.  I will say I do have my eye on a Daiwa TD-Z Ito 103 for my rod I just picked up last month - why, simply because I want to try a Daiwa and see how they preform.  My next spinning reel will be a Daiwa Certate.  If Dwight owns 5 and calls it the poor mans Stella - how can I not.  

[buzzed bait]

i'm not brand loyal by any means, but i have come to really like shimano casting reels.  That said, i cannot get myself to feel the same way about the spinning reels.  I like my pflueger spinning reels.  

I wouldn't jump overboard just because 1 guy said to....

[Preytorien]

I have yet to try any other brand I'm more impressed or comfortable with, and I've tried many. To me it's about how it feels in my hand, and I can't find any others that feel more refined or smooth.

[tomustang]

Kicker, no, that is why I made the post to obtain the guys' input.

My friend in Powhatan who repairs reels gave me his opinion and I wanted other input.

So......what say you?

But you didn't ask for input, you said your buddy likes Lew's and Daiwa better now and that's why you're going into their brands next.

But since you said you want input now, I don't think there's one reason not to open your horizons with the other brands, don't forget abu's reels as the lews are very similar.

[tomustang]

A person would think you are older than me since you resist change so fiercely.  Of course you youngsters often think your way is the only way. 

 

This is a fun thread.  Provided someone doesn't bop me over the head. 

There's only really one way, what you 'yourself' like. I've tested a lot of reels and came with my own #1 & #2 brand I like and am comfortable with.

[gulfcaptain]

There's only really one way, what you 'yourself' like. I've tested a lot of reels and came with my own #1 & #2 brand I like and am comfortable with.

I feel this way as well.  And all I can say my top 3 aren't any of the 3 (Shimano, Diawa, Lews).  I can't say much about Lews as I've never fished them, but the other two, well they aren't used anymore.

[kickerfish1]

Kicker, no, that is why I made the post to obtain the guys' input.

My friend in Powhatan who repairs reels gave me his opinion and I wanted other input.

So......what say you?

Well, essentially all you will find is brand preference among users here or anywhere for that matter. Nothing is really factual just opinions supported by good and bad past experiences, word of mouth, and in your case a history of reel service and repair work by your reel tech. I would look for trends or ask him what reels seem to have what problems. For example the lower end Shimano reels binding issue. This same issue is a non issue for the Stradic and above reels. Also you can look at the TWS grooving on the Tatula reels. Problem is being handled by Daiwa with new TWS parts. Some reels have finishes that are more prone to showing wear marks while some have glossy finishes that hold up better. Gen 3 Revos have well documented problems but you won't find many issues with their round reels. *** Fishing and Okuka utilize break systems that I don't care for on the adjustment side of things. These are just a few examples. Certain brands excel at certain things and at certain price points.

My point to you would be keep the reels you have with the exception of any reels like a lower end Shimano spinning reel.

Good luck

[Raul]

I also have a problem with Shimano ! ..... I like it´s reels too much, Daiwa has been a really tuff contender in my preference but there´s always this itch I have to scratch and it has Shimano written on it.

[tomustang]

I feel this way as well.  And all I can say my top 3 aren't any of the 3 (Shimano, Diawa, Lews).  I can't say much about Lews as I've never fished them, but the other two, well they aren't used anymore.

Basically the lews are like abu/pfluger/doyo but with flappy paddles

[k3bass]

I've had the exact opposite. I needed parts for two Shimano's and could not find them at all. I needed parts for an very old Daiwa ProCaster and Daiwa promptly had the parts shipped to my door. Just my experience though.

Same here. Shimano is the only company I consistently have a problem getting parts from. Either discontinued or out of stock for months or years then you have to start searching. They somehow magically have the parts though if you send the reel in and pay them to fix it.

[jignfule]

I am strictly a Shimano guy and no amount of facts will ever change my mind.

[iabass8]

[Lendiesel22]

Lmao

[thehooligan]

Sorry Sam, I'd be looking for a new reel guy after that statement, lol.

[Basswhippa]

Shimano users are superior consumers. Kind of like Toyota Lexus people. They buy the finest engineered tools that last, are serviceable, and hold their value. Diawa folks are similar. Then you have people who throw their hard earned money away on junk. Not only do they not read Consumers Reports (assuming they are literate at all) they don't even know about it. Like Dodge people for instance. The normally finance their inferior POS model vehicle and assuming that it works until the end of the loan term, it is worthless anyway. The smarter of these low end and uneducated car people bought a car warranty that could help with their jalopy. That said, had they just bought something that would last, they wouldn't have warranty issues to begin with. The very smartest of these low end guys buy 3/4 ton trucks where at least the engine is outsourced to Cummins. That way the engine will work and just the body of the truck falls apart. The maker is so bad it went bankrupt and had to be bailed out, yet people can't remember a half decade ago. This analogy applies to the Doyo reel people. They buy shiny things that look like Shimano or Diawa, but they aren't built or engineered like them. They get rough and fall apart in short order.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

word dat /\

[k3bass]

Shimano users are superior consumers. Kind of like Toyora Lexus people. They buy the finest engineered tools that last, are serviceable, and hold their value. Diawa folks are similar. Then you have people who throw their hard earned money away on junk. Not only do they not read Consumers Reports (assuming they are literate at all) they don't even know about it. Like Dodge people for instance. The normally finance their inferior POS model vehicle and assuming that it works until the end of the loan term, it is worthless anyway. The smarter of these low end and uneducated car people bought a car warranty that could help with their jalopy. That said, had they just bought something that would last, they wouldn't have warranty issues to begin with. The very smartest of these low end guys buy 3/4 ton trucks where at least the engine is outsourced to Cummins. That way the engine will work and just the body of the truck falls apart. The maker is so bad it went bankrupt and had to be bailed out, yet people can't remember a half decade ago. This analogy applies to the Doyo reel people. They buy shiny things that look like Shimano or Diawa, but they aren't built or engineered like them. They get rough and fall apart in short order.

That has to be the absolute dumbest thing I've ever read.

You are right though about comparing shimano to Lexus. Lol

[iabass8]

Shimano users are superior consumers. Kind of like Toyora Lexus people. They buy the finest engineered tools that last, are serviceable, and hold their value. Diawa folks are similar. Then you have people who throw their hard earned money away on junk. Not only do they not read Consumers Reports (assuming they are literate at all) they don't even know about it. Like Dodge people for instance. The normally finance their inferior POS model vehicle and assuming that it works until the end of the loan term, it is worthless anyway. The smarter of these low end and uneducated car people bought a car warranty that could help with their jalopy. That said, had they just bought something that would last, they wouldn't have warranty issues to begin with. The very smartest of these low end guys buy 3/4 ton trucks where at least the engine is outsourced to Cummins. That way the engine will work and just the body of the truck falls apart. The maker is so bad it went bankrupt and had to be bailed out, yet people can't remember a half decade ago. This analogy applies to the Doyo reel people. They buy shiny things that look like Shimano or Diawa, but they aren't built or engineered like them. They get rough and fall apart in short order.

[HoosierHawgs]

I think my Lew's will last longer than new American cars just FYI

[Basswhippa]

Call me what you will,   but I wasn't standing in line to buy a Ficht ,  or one of the new Evinrudes and I for darn sure would never finance something like that.  Give me a tried and true black engine or hammer.   I purchase my lesser equipment similarly, with care.

[Chance_Taker4]

I personally HATE shimano. To me the reels are overpriced. However I dislike new Daiwa. The Tatula seemed cheaply made. I only buy three brands when it comes to reels; ****, Lew's or Abu Garcia in that order.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Just buy a abu round reel choose your size 1500,2500,3500,4500,5500,6500,7000, and be done with it.at least you wont be posting things like "what sound is this" my reel wont cast" and my fav "I cant find this part on there website and when i called i was put on hold for them to tell me 30 mins later that part is obsolete...there i let it out lol

[kcdinkerz]

If your only sticking to one manufacturer your missing out. I own lews,shimanos,Abu,and daiwa reels and love them all though some do get used more than others.

[roadwarrior]

We will always have favorites, so fish what you like and perhaps listen to advice

from people you trust. I fish both Shimano and Pinnacle. I like their products and

have experienced exceptional customer service. Many of my reels are more than

10 years old, my newest is the Shimano Aldebaran. Every reel I own is better today

than it was when it came out of the box.