shimanoangler Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 Looking for a little feedback. I have several of the older, original, Shimano reels, circa 1980s, made in japan with 3 ball bearings. The reels are smooth and rugged, as the bodies are made with steel not aluminum, and I love the rear fighting drag systems. Aside from being a little heavier than their aluminum counterparts, I am looking for feedback on whether I am missing something with today's higher ball bearing count reels? I don't necessarily subscribe to the more is better line of thinking, but it seems like its a race to 50 bearings in today's reel market.... Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted January 30, 2017 Global Moderator Posted January 30, 2017 I'm a big believer in the thought that if you like it and it works up to your satisfaction, use it. The newer reels are nice to fish with, but they aren't needed to catch fish. I still use several of the B series Curados and catch fish with them just fine despite being "outdated". Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 30, 2017 Super User Posted January 30, 2017 If you like your old reels don't buy a new one because you will never fish the old ones again. Case in point is my CH50Mg, a classic that is in PERFECT condition and actually MUCH nicer than when it was brand new. I guess it's a "collector's item" for me, I never fish it anymore. 3 Quote
Super User buzzed bait Posted January 30, 2017 Super User Posted January 30, 2017 i'm still in love with my old curado 101b! Quote
RoweBoatRVA Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 @shimanoangler Drive it 'til the wheels fall off. I don't believe in the saying 'if its not broke, don't fix it' because things can be improved. The only way to know if you need a newer reel is to try one. Feel it out in the store and if you are lucky find a friend willing to allow you to get a few casts in on a newer setup. I have been working on building my rod and reel arsenal. One of my close friends let me fish one of Abu Garcia's Revos to see if I needed to go that high. I didn't feel the price was necessary at this time and I opted for an Orra. I'm positive with my lack of experience I will not be able to see the difference. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 30, 2017 Super User Posted January 30, 2017 2 hours ago, shimanoangler said: The reels are smooth and rugged, as the bodies are made with steel not aluminum, and I love the rear fighting drag systems. I'm curious about the model numbers here - I don't recall ever seeing a steel framed spinning reel. If they are working flawlessly, and you are confident they're up to the task, then fish them, and enjoy them. Shimano, then and now, are built like tanks. Quote
Super User Catt Posted January 30, 2017 Super User Posted January 30, 2017 Put new bearing in what ya got! 2 Quote
DaveT63 Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 I don't know about the older spinning reels, but I have an older Shimano Bantam Mag baitcaster from the 80's or 90's that will bomb a lure as far as my Shimano Cores. 1 Quote
Tin Man Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 I love my Shimano Bantàms. A 100 and a 1000 Professional model. I had been looking for several years for someone to rebuild them for me but everyone I contacted told me to get rid of them because parts were too hard to find. I contacted repairmen from Canada to California but no one wanted to tackle the job. That is until I found a guy who worked for Gander Mountain. He works just thirty miles from where I lived. Could have had them rebuilt years ago. Found him completely by accident. I am glad to have them back in service. I used these years ago while fishing with my brothers who are gone now. I now plan on using them for as long as I can. Made much better than a lot of the reels you can find today, without paying an arm and a leg that is. I replaced the bearings with Boca ceramic bearings and rebuilt the drags with carbon fiber washers. Ģood as new. If you like the reels I say use use and enjoy them :-) 4 Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted January 31, 2017 Super User Posted January 31, 2017 There is a huge following for classic reels like the Pixy, Steeze, TDZ, Calcutta, Chronarch D, etc. For a lot of folks no new reel will replace them. 3 Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted January 31, 2017 Posted January 31, 2017 Quality bearings in key spots are more important than total count. Vintage or even antique tackle can be not only fishable but highly effective. 3 Quote
shimanoangler Posted January 31, 2017 Author Posted January 31, 2017 It really sounds like if they meet the need, and you have confidence in it and its performance, use the reels you have. I love Custom X and Speedmaster spinning reels. Great gear ratios, rear fighting drag systems and a simple appearance, ie black. Honestly, it would be a struggle to pry these reels out of my hands. Love the look and performance of the Custom X reels and the overall performance of the Speedmaster reels. Rugged, tough and functional is all you can ask of a reel and I guess I may be a little nostalgic in that I like using vintage equipment. Thanks for the replies and posts. I appreciate it. Quote
shimanoangler Posted January 31, 2017 Author Posted January 31, 2017 21 hours ago, J Francho said: I'm curious about the model numbers here - I don't recall ever seeing a steel framed spinning reel. If they are working flawlessly, and you are confident they're up to the task, then fish them, and enjoy them. Shimano, then and now, are built like tanks. I could be wrong, but take a look at the Shimano Custom X reels, 1000, 2000 and 3000 series. I believe those reels were all steel frame bodies. Very rugged. The Speedmaster, which I also fish, were the move to graphite and titanium. 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 31, 2017 Super User Posted January 31, 2017 I believe those had a cast Al main frame and rotor, with stamped steel side plates. Could be wrong, though. There were so many variants of those reels, over the years - testimony to their solid design. Cool that yours are still catching. 1 Quote
Preytorien Posted January 31, 2017 Posted January 31, 2017 I definitely prefer an aluminum frame over graphite, which makes me a big fan of Shimano since their Al frames are solid and feel good 1 Quote
Super User Jeff H Posted February 1, 2017 Super User Posted February 1, 2017 On 1/30/2017 at 6:26 PM, kickerfish1 said: There is a huge following for classic reels like the Pixy, Steeze, TDZ, Calcutta, Chronarch D, etc. For a lot of folks no new reel will replace them. Oh yeah...I have a few of those! Actually, a pretty good pile of them 2 Quote
Super User WRB Posted February 1, 2017 Super User Posted February 1, 2017 I don't believe any fresh water reel has a steel frame, stainless steel maybe. Steel can be forged and machined, stainless steel can be investment cast and machined. The big issue with steel is corrosion and weight. Nickle plated brass frame is possible. The reels in question more than likely have cast aluminum frame with stamped brass side plates. I own several Shimano Batam 100 and 1000 reels. The issue isn't how good they cast or the drags, it's they lack instant anti reverse. You can add ABEC 5 bearings and updated drag disk, can't change how they engage the drive to the spool. I take my vintage reels out a few times a year, reminds me why I bought my new reels. Tom Quote
shimanoangler Posted February 1, 2017 Author Posted February 1, 2017 On 1/30/2017 at 9:04 AM, roadwarrior said: If you like your old reels don't buy a new one because you will never fish the old ones again. Case in point is my CH50Mg, a classic that is in PERFECT condition and actually MUCH nicer than when it was brand new. I guess it's a "collector's item" for me, I never fish it anymore. What did you upgrade to? Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 1, 2017 Super User Posted February 1, 2017 Curado E 50 & 100, Core 50 & 100 and most recently, Aldebaran 50. I had also added the Okuma Helios and Pinnacle Optimus LTE and Optimal XiHS http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumaheliospg2.html http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-5-Tournament-Class-Reels.aspx#.WJHmYvArJdg 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.