shimano baitcasting reels quality

[22hertz]

I bought my first baitcaster a year ago, a Curado I and have nothing to compare it to except older Shimano spinning reels.

For the price I paid I'm very happy with it.

Something I notice is some guys equate (plastic/carbon) light weight to cheap.

You can get light weight by using expensive metals and processes which does feel more solid and premium but it raises the cost.

If good quality plastic or carbon is used in non-stress areas it allows a lighter product at a lower cost.

I understand this and I'm OK with it. Some people want to feel the premium in their hands but you have to pay for it, and Shimano offers that if you're willing to shell out $400.

[Nick S]

On 5/7/2016 at 9:24 PM, J Francho said:

There's that too, but that's for every reel. 

So how can a AR bearing cause front to back movement of the spool when it's engaged? There will always be movement backwards unless you are holding the handle tight. If the handle is tight and spool still moves forward and back it has nothing to do with the AR bearing. 

[J Francho]

The anti reverse (AR) bearing prevents backwards movement. There is a bit of play before the rollers are pressed into the the small leaf springs, locking the spool. Shimano uses big rollers. 

[PitchinJigz]

On May 4, 2016 at 6:02 PM, J Francho said:

I think in the realm of $200-ish reels, most companies have caught up with Shimano and Daiwa. 

I disagree, I own a Lew's Team Lite that seemed nice right away, but in a matter of 1 1/2 years, it hasn't held up very well. However,  I haven't had that problem with my Curado's at all, and they're $60 less. It doesn't hold a finger to a Tatula Type-R either.

[Nick S]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

The anti reverse (AR) bearing prevents backwards movement. There is a bit of play before the rollers are pressed into the the small leaf springs, locking the spool. Shimano uses big rollers. 

Yeah I understand what an AR bearing does. I just don't get how that causes forward and back play in the spool like you described. The anti-reverse bearings locks the main shaft not the spool. If the handle is held tight and the spool still has forward and back play the slop is in the gears or where the spool pin seats in the pinion gear. 

[J Francho]

Dude, put your thumb on the spool and rock the handle. It's that simple. Jeez. 

[Nick S]

52 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Dude, put your thumb on the spool and rock the handle. It's that simple. Jeez. 

You keep saying back and forth or "for and aft" play in the spool. The only thing a sloppy AR bearing would cause is BACKPLAY in the handle. If the handle or spool has play in both directions when one or the other is held tight that play is in the gears or where the spool pin sits in the pinion gear. It's that simple. DUDE!  

[Master Bait'r]

Lol.  If you think Shimano has taken a dive then by all means don't buy one.  There are plenty of options out there and nobody is forcing you.  

 

These threads are always hilarious though.  I'm sad I missed 4 pages of ranting and arguing over minutia!  

[GetJigginWithIt]

10 hours ago, J Francho said:

Dude, put your thumb on the spool and rock the handle. It's that simple. Jeez. 

Franco,

Reverse what you are saying. He is talking holding the handle so it cannot move. Then use your thumb to spin spool and the spool has play forward and backwards. Sounds like to me it could be a bad pinion gear.

[J Francho]

10 hours ago, Nick S said:

You keep saying back and forth or "for and aft" play in the spool. The only thing a sloppy AR bearing would cause is BACKPLAY in the handle. If the handle or spool has play in both directions when one or the other is held tight that play is in the gears or where the spool pin sits in the pinion gear. It's that simple. DUDE!  

I have owned 20+ Shimano baitcasters.  Clearly, you do not understand what I'm saying.  You want to call it backplay, then fine.  Use your term, though it isn't actually a word.  I'm totally done debating semantics.  I'll let you be righter than me. That work for you?

@GetJIgginWithIt: It isn't a bad pinion gear.  23 Shimano baitcasters do it.  I'm not the only  one that notices.  You can't feel it while fishing, and it's not a defect, just a trait of the design.  It's not something everyone might notice, it's so minor.

Again, I'm done with the discussion.  Sorry for using the wrong word.

[Raul]

Nobody gives a dang about handle backplay when the reel lasts 2 decades, has caught more 10+ lbers than you will ever wish to catch in your lifetime nd it's still going to catch thousands more fish performing flawlessly for you after an initial investment of $120 ( it was serious money 20 years ago ).

[Glenn]

And scene....