Best reel cleaning service?

[TylerT123]

Just bought a Shimano Curado K, it’s making a whining sound which I am not too concerned about but I’ve been thinking about getting it cleaned and maybe super tuned before spring. What are some good cleaning services? I’m kind of worried that if I get it super tuned then it’ll screw something up. Anyone had their reel tuned? I’ve heard good things about DVT.

[Mike L]

Call Delaware Valley Tackle who's a site sponsor. 

None better

 

 

 

Mike

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I'll be happy to help if you'd like. If you send reels provide your screen name and I'll apply a members discount. As for Super Tuning, damage can occur if you're heavy handed but my process is very gentle. Contact me if you have any questions. 

 

Mike 

[rippin-lips]

Best is subjective and people have their preferences. Ian Shields is considered the BEST in the tuning world. People from all over the country send him reels, many of which are costing $800-1,200 for a single one. He knows his stuff and how to get maximum performance out of a reel. 

[TylerT123]

2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I'll be happy to help if you'd like. If you send reels provide your screen name and I'll apply a members discount. As for Super Tuning, damage can occur if you're heavy handed but my process is very gentle. Contact me if you have any questions. 

 

Mike 

Do you do all of the reels or do you have (co)workers that clean/tune them? What grit sandpaper do you use? Do you use tools like a Dremel Multitool? Do you use any products that leave a residue? Is there a noticeable difference in casting if you just polish the friction points versus sanding and polishing them? What are your most popular reel services?

 

I hate grilling people like this. I just want to know what care my reel will be in and I like to do my research and execute with minimal variables. I would like to clean it myself but I am worried I’ll screw something up. Thank you!

[roadwarrior]

DVT

 

[fishballer06]

@Delaware Valley Tackle currently has nearly $1k in reels for me (including a Curado K). I don't trust anyone else. 

[burrows]

Since it's the new k I would call shimano and talk to them about it that reel is a new reel should not be giving you problems already. I've dealt with shimano customer service before and they are very helpful.

[Oregon Native]

Shimano is good for sure....but just talked to Mike at DVT and sent in three spinning reels.  This will be a first time using him but have heard a "lot" of good.  Anxious to see his work.  Chances are there will be some other reels needing love here soon.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

7 hours ago, TylerT123 said:

Do you do all of the reels or do you have (co)workers that clean/tune them? What grit sandpaper do you use? Do you use tools like a Dremel Multitool? Do you use any products that leave a residue? Is there a noticeable difference in casting if you just polish the friction points versus sanding and polishing them? What are your most popular reel services?

 

I hate grilling people like this. I just want to know what care my reel will be in and I like to do my research and execute with minimal variables. I would like to clean it myself but I am worried I’ll screw something up. Thank you!

I tune a lot of reels but don't over sell or make crazy claims regarding casting distance etc. in order of cost effectiveness my recommendation is:

deep cleaning 

drag upgrade 

super tune(on appropriate models)

model specific adjustments 

spool bearings

misc

 

i do all sanding by hand and polish with a soft buffing wheel. I'm a one man shop and do all the work personally. Feel free to call or email to put your mind at ease. 

[Burtonxj]

52 minutes ago, Burro said:

Since it's the new k I would call shimano and talk to them about it that reel is a new reel should not be giving you problems already. I've dealt with shimano customer service before and they are very helpful.

 

New or not. A lot of guys go through them regardless. 

[68camaro]

I've only used DVT and they were great.

[burrows]

2 hours ago, Burtonxj said:

 

New or not. A lot of guys go through them regardless. 

I presume that you are saying that the reel gets used alot when you say "they go threw them" I'm aware of that however my opinion still remains the same especially because the reel is less than a year old.

[new2BC4bass]

8 hours ago, TylerT123 said:

Do you do all of the reels or do you have (co)workers that clean/tune them? What grit sandpaper do you use? Do you use tools like a Dremel Multitool? Do you use any products that leave a residue? Is there a noticeable difference in casting if you just polish the friction points versus sanding and polishing them? What are your most popular reel services?

 

I hate grilling people like this. I just want to know what care my reel will be in and I like to do my research and execute with minimal variables. I would like to clean it myself but I am worried I’ll screw something up. Thank you!

You do not remove material or the reel could be ruined.  You polish.  Please consider letting someone like Mike that knows what he is doing do any tuning.  If insisting to do it yourself, check out some youtube videos on the subject before starting.  There are also a few articles on the web describing the correct procedures.

 

I've purchased quite a few used reels.  The only two I had problems with were due to people working on their own reels when they didn't know what they were doing.  The last one cost me more to fix than what I paid for the reel.  However, I did have it tuned and upgraded while it was there for repairs.

[kschultz76]

I’ve used Mike at DVT in the past for several reels, send your reels to him with confidence. If you have further questions for him pick up the phone and give him a call, he’s a great guy and will be happy to speak with you. 

 

Ive also used Bryan at the Tackle Trap to service and tune several reels and again been very happy with the results. 

 

I can can easily recommend either of them for service and tuning. I’ve had every reel in my rack serviced and tuned and have had zero issues. The process has noticeably improved everyone of them. 

[DogBone_384]

16 hours ago, Mike L said:

Call Delaware Valley Tackle who's a site sponsor. 

None better

 

 

 

Mike

X2 ... he’s got three of my reels right now...

[TylerT123]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

You do not remove material or the reel could be ruined.  You polish.  Please consider letting someone like Mike that knows what he is doing do any tuning.  If insisting to do it yourself, check out some youtube videos on the subject before starting.  There are also a few articles on the web describing the correct procedures.

 

I've purchased quite a few used reels.  The only two I had problems with were due to people working on their own reels when they didn't know what they were doing.  The last one cost me more to fix than what I paid for the reel.  However, I did have it tuned and upgraded while it was there for repairs.

You lightly sand some things..?

[TylerT123]

6 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I tune a lot of reels but don't over sell or make crazy claims regarding casting distance etc. in order of cost effectiveness my recommendation is:

deep cleaning 

drag upgrade 

super tune(on appropriate models)

model specific adjustments 

spool bearings

misc

 

i do all sanding by hand and polish with a soft buffing wheel. I'm a one man shop and do all the work personally. Feel free to call or email to put your mind at ease. 

I feel a lot better now, especially since it’s a one man shop, still saving for a rod so it might be a couple of months before I can send my reel in. Thanks for the help!

[kschultz76]

As others have said if it’s a brand new reel and making an unexplained noise then take it back and have it replaced by the retailer or by Shimano. Have you tried popping the side plate off and pulling the spool check for any debris then reinstall it?  Also check all the brake shoes on the spool and try turning them all off. 

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, TylerT123 said:

You lightly sand some things..?

I read this article several years ago.  I was thinking it had said not to remove any material.  Somewhere around the 4th page the author tells you the grits he uses.  http://super-tuning.home.mindspring.com/i1.html

 

Personally I am not a tinkering type of guy.  I let the professionals do their thing.

[Burtonxj]

8 hours ago, Burro said:

I presume that you are saying that the reel gets used alot when you say "they go threw them" I'm aware of that however my opinion still remains the same especially because the reel is less than a year old.

 

Nope. Many get new reels, break them down, and get them re oiled / lubed up...or super tuned.  They’ll often preform better than new.

 

But another vote for DVT. He did a couple of Stradics for me. 

[TylerT123]

1 hour ago, Burtonxj said:

 

Nope. Many get new reels, break them down, and get them re oiled / lubed up...or super tuned.  They’ll often preform better than new.

 

But another vote for DVT. He did a couple of Stradics for me. 

Yeah, I haven’t taken my reel apart but I’ve heard that Shimano over greases their reels and it makes a gunky mess.

2 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

As others have said if it’s a brand new reel and making an unexplained noise then take it back and have it replaced by the retailer or by Shimano. Have you tried popping the side plate off and pulling the spool check for any debris then reinstall it?  Also check all the brake shoes on the spool and try turning them all off. 

I took the spool out, wiped the spool shaft down, cleaned the inside of the pinion gear, turned the brakes off, cleaned and oiled the brake pipe, oiled the worm gear. I did everything I could and I bought the reel out of state.. I feel like it is on the handle side where all the gears are. So maybe there’s grease somewhere?

[rippin-lips]

Depending on where you live there might be an authorized Shimano repair shop. For instance Tackle Trap in AL is an authorized Daiwa repair shop and I believe Shimano too but I’m not 100% sure. You shouldn’t have to spend money on a brand new reel though in my opinion. Find a way to exchange it if at all possible. Shimano customer service is pretty good and they should take care of the problem free of charge. Either by exchange or repair. You will probably have to pay for shipping it to them though. Most places don’t cover that part. Shimano US 877-577-0600

[kschultz76]

33 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

Depending on where you live there might be an authorized Shimano repair shop. For instance Tackle Trap in AL is an authorized Daiwa repair shop and I believe Shimano too but I’m not 100% sure. You shouldn’t have to spend money on a brand new reel though in my opinion. Find a way to exchange it if at all possible. Shimano customer service is pretty good and they should take care of the problem free of charge. Either by exchange or repair. You will probably have to pay for shipping it to them though. Most places don’t cover that part. Shimano US 877-577-0600

What he said!  Excess grease would not make it whine. And generally all manufacturers over grease at the factory because most people don’t spend the time or money to maintain them, Shimano is not alone in this regard. 

[TylerT123]

I poured some oil in the small ports on the reel, sounds fine now. But I wasted a lot of oil trying to find the problem..