Shimano CH Ci4+ reel foot cracked?!

[MarkH024]

I was doing some routine maintenance with my Ci4+ and just by handling it, the top foot that inserts to the reel seat cracked right off.  Now i'm frantically trying to figure out where I purchased this, and if I'll get it taken care of or not. I'm skeptical because I've had the reel since 2014 at least.  The reel is was in almost mint condition. I've never dropped it, stepped on it, or anything like that. Typically when I'm done fishing I remove my reels from rods, do my maintenance and have them in my shop drawer until I go fishing again.  I've had this reel paired mainly on a Dobyns 705cb.  I can't understand for the life of me how this happened.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Anyone propose a potential fix if I can't get it replaced?  Any info is appreciated.

As much as I love(ed) this Ci4+ this may put an end for me buying another or any other reel using the same material.  This was my first heartbreak from Shimano...

[Ktho]

Hope that's not a JDM reel, if it's not Shimano will most likely take care of you. Fixing it on you're own would be quite difficult I believe. You'd have to drill into the remaining part of the foot and broken part and put in a stud and then epoxy it back together but it'd never be like new again.

[kickerfish1]

That's a shame. I did see a Stradic CI4 that had the reel foot cracked and broken as well. These were the only 2 cases I have seen it happening but the common theme seems to be the material. It could have cracked when tightening or loosening the reel from the rod. Almost like the release of pressure caused it to give way. I would take a picture and send it to Shimano. I would be willing to bet they will replace it. We aren't talking about a bearing going bad or the gears getting worn, this is failure in the material they use.

Please follow up to see what they say.

[iabass8]

I would just call shimano and ask if they can replace it. Worst case is they say no and you're in the same spot you're in now.  I cant think of any permenant fix for a reel foot. JB weld probably would give out after a while with stress placed on it.

[MarkH024]

I plan on emailing the photos to Shimano as well.  I will follow up to the thread with their response.  I'm hoping they replace it like Kicker said because of the frame material but i'm skeptical.  I can't find any proof of purchase and don't recall if I registered it on Shimano when I bought it or not.  I did buy it brand new so it's not like it was preowned.  

Iabass- I was thinking of some JB weld or something but like you said, it might work for an outing or two if lucky before I think it'd snap right off again.  

Thanks for the responses so far. I'll update you guys.

[Raul]

I´m sure Shimano will replace the frame, but this situation is not new to me, my very first baitcaster, a Silstar Starlite I had the same fate, the reel foot cracked when it hit the floor after it slipped from my hand, that day I said: "never again I will purchase a composite frame reel no matter from whom it is".

[MarkH024]

I'd completely understand Raul if i dropped it but it's never been dropped or stepped on or anything like that. I loved this reel and it's caught me 100's of fish. If they replace it I will take it, but if they do nothing I will be in your shoes, no more composites for me. I'll get a Metanium instead. Maybe they'll upgrade me if i suggest it, lol. Wishful thinking. 

[kickerfish1]

What rod was it paired with? I am just trying to think if there was a way that the rod and reel were not a great fit together. I have had rods and reels that the reel seats and reels didn't play nice together. It almost seemed like I had to force it a bit more than necessary. By forcing it, there may have been just enough pressure to cause something to fail. In this case it was the reel foot but it could have been the reel seat area (Thinking about those early NRX reel seat issues) Just a thought, though it may not be the case here.

I like your idea of possibly paying a bit more to get another reel like the Metainum or maybe give the Curado 70 a try? It has the Hagane body of the the CI4 material. Not sure how this material would fair long term as the only other reel that I can think of that uses it is the Stradic FK.

I wonder why companies are getting away form magnesium framed reels. Never seemed to hear about Steez or Core reels with frame issues. I know the material is light and is quite expensive but I would rather shell out a few more bucks for something that is reliable and is not going to fail that some kind of reinforced composite/graphite blend or whatever it is...

[MarkH024]

Dobyns 705cb glass. Mentioned that in my original post.

[kickerfish1]

35 minutes ago, MarkH024 said:

Dobyns 705cb glass. Mentioned that in my original post.

Sorry my mistake, I read that in your post but did not retain it. I have the same exact rod I that has a Citica E on it without issue. I haven't had an issue with any Dobyns rod reel seat in the 5 I have had.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you can't get a new reel out of them see if you can get the frame and I'll swap it out for you. Trying to reattach the reel foot will just lead to more aggravation. 

[MarkH024]

9 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

If you can't get a new reel out of them see if you can get the frame and I'll swap it out for you. Trying to reattach the reel foot will just lead to more aggravation. 

Thanks I appreciate that. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

The frame ($70) is out of stock til nearly August so hopefully Shimano can help some other way.

[Raul]

5 hours ago, MarkH024 said:

I'd completely understand Raul if i dropped it but it's never been dropped or stepped on or anything like that. I loved this reel and it's caught me 100's of fish. If they replace it I will take it, but if they do nothing I will be in your shoes, no more composites for me. I'll get a Metanium instead. Maybe they'll upgrade me if i suggest it, lol. Wishful thinking. 

Yup, I understand, I dropped mine, you didn't but still, after that lesson I don't trust composite frame reels anymore. The experience did leave me heartbroken, I worked all summer to purchase it, had to go back to fish with my old Shakespeare spinning reel.

5 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

What rod was it paired with? I am just trying to think if there was a way that the rod and reel were not a great fit together. I have had rods and reels that the reel seats and reels didn't play nice together. It almost seemed like I had to force it a bit more than necessary. By forcing it, there may have been just enough pressure to cause something to fail. In this case it was the reel foot but it could have been the reel seat area (Thinking about those early NRX reel seat issues) Just a thought, though it may not be the case here.

I like your idea of possibly paying a bit more to get another reel like the Metainum or maybe give the Curado 70 a try? It has the Hagane body of the the CI4 material. Not sure how this material would fair long term as the only other reel that I can think of that uses it is the Stradic FK.

I wonder why companies are getting away form magnesium framed reels. Never seemed to hear about Steez or Core reels with frame issues. I know the material is light and is quite expensive but I would rather shell out a few more bucks for something that is reliable and is not going to fail that some kind of reinforced composite/graphite blend or whatever it is...

Steezes a Cores have magnesium frames and the reel foot is metal, not composite.

[kickerfish1]

Good to know Raul. I was thinking the reel "feet" would be magnesium as well. 

[MarkH024]

Update:  I need to send it to Shimano so their reel technicians can evaluate the problem......

I think I'll probably be twisted into having to buy the frame when it's available unless they swap it out or replace it for me but I'm doubting it.  I will update you guys when Shimano "evaluates" the problem. 

[kickerfish1]

Thanks for the update. Please check in when they notify you how they are handling it and at what cost to you.

[EllisJuan]

On 6/5/2016 at 1:32 PM, kickerfish1 said:

That's a shame. I did see a Stradic CI4 that had the reel foot cracked and broken as well. These were the only 2 cases I have seen it happening but the common theme seems to be the material. It could have cracked when tightening or loosening the reel from the rod. Almost like the release of pressure caused it to give way. I would take a picture and send it to Shimano. I would be willing to bet they will replace it. We aren't talking about a bearing going bad or the gears getting worn, this is failure in the material they use.

Please follow up to see what they say.

Yep.  My buddy has a UK rear drag Stradic CI4+ and had the reel foot break right in half.  He ordered the replacement part from a UK distributor and it is getting repaired now.

[MarkH024]

Well I got an email telling me the frame is back in stock, however I haven't heard a peep from Shimano CS since I sent it in.  They have had my reel since June 10th.  I suppose I'll give them until after the holiday weekend to contact me.  I have no idea if they'll fix it, replace it, stick in my ear...whatever. 

Has anyone ever dealt with Shimano reel service in CA?  IS the wait time like 5 decades and the reel will be obsolete? Lol.  I have no pressing time to have it back but would like it back asap if I can just order a new frame.  

[WRB]

You should have a RMA number from Shimano to track it.

Tom

[MarkH024]

Just now, WRB said:

You should have a RMA number from Shimano to track it.

Tom

Do they notify you of that number or do I just call in and ask. No one has emailed or called me and I filled out the service form thoroughly.  Thanks Tom

[Nathan Burton]

Following. Best of luck to you sir. Keep us posted.

[MarkH024]

Ok fellas, just got off the phone with Shimano in CA.  #1, outstanding customer service and the gentleman (Doug) I dealt with couldn't have done a finer job.  #2 it was in a bin for technicians to work on tomorrow, however after describing the issue the CS rep asked me to hold.  He returned to tell me that there is no need to have it serviced as they will send me a brand new reel!   I should have it next week.

With that said, I was questioned on my receipt of purchase and I was honest and told them I didn't have it and it is over a year old, actually about 2 years now.  But because the reel was kept in such great condition they didn't hesitate to replace it.  So, it pays to take care of your stuff and keep your receipts. If I sent it in and it looked like it went through world war 3, I'd probably be paying for a new frame.

By the way, I've caught 100's of fish with that reel and have managed to keep it in pristine condition. Same goes for most of my reels though. I'm OCD like that..

Case closed.

[Nathan Burton]

Wow, that is some phenomenal customer service. Glad to hear they took care of you.

[lakeannaangler]

Glad to hear it worked out for you. I wish every company had customer service like shimano and lew's. Hard to find that nowadays