Wobbly line guide on new Lews baitcaster combo?

[Adalwolf]

Hello all new here and just got my first baitcasting combo from Dicks the other day. Its a Lews Mach 1 combo, havent used it yet, just had it spooled at the store since they offered me free line with it. I was just wondering how loose/wobbly the line guide on the reel is supposed to be? It has a bit of play in it and am worried about using it, should I just return it for a new one? Thanks.

[MN Fisher]

Nature of the beast and you can't even blame low price on it. My Patriarch is a $200 reel and even it's line guide wobbles a little, as do my President, President XT, Supreme and Fuegos - they all wobble a little.

[Adalwolf]

6 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Nature of the beast and you can't even blame low price on it. My Patriarch is a $200 reel and even it's line guide wobbles a little, as do my President, President XT, Supreme and Fuegos - they all wobble a little.

I was thinking they might be like that but was worried because it had one of those security devices jammed where the line guide was before I bought it. Thanks for the reply, that puts me at ease a bit lol

[diehardbassfishing]

Not to worry. Normal.

Also, they either work fine or broken. Nothing really in between (unless the pawl is worn - but reel is new). I suppose a line guide could become bent - but outside of that - if it travels back 'n forth fine, it's OK!

 

 

Karl

[mrpao]

As long as the line lay is good and even , you should be fine.

Make a few cast with it to see if it remains level on the spool.

[NYWayfarer]

4 hours ago, Adalwolf said:

I was thinking they might be like that but was worried because it had one of those security devices jammed where the line guide was before I bought it. Thanks for the reply, that puts me at ease a bit lol

This really burns me up when I see it. There has to be a better way to attach those security devices. 
 

Last Lew’s combo I bought the cashier had to turn the handle to be able to access the device to remove it. If she turned it one more crank I was going to say forget it and leave the store.

[FishTank]

18 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

This really burns me up when I see it. There has to be a better way to attach those security devices. 
 

Last Lew’s combo I bought the cashier had to turn the handle to be able to access the device to remove it. If she turned it one more crank I was going to say forget it and leave the store.

 

I have had those tags get me twice.  

 

Once at BPS in Louisville KY> they cracked a G. Loomis IMX 844C removing the tag. I then had issues having them exchange it, even though I just bought it and it was their fault.  The manager said that they can't be responsible for accidents after it's paid for.  They did eventually give in but what a pain that I will never forget.

 

Second was at DSG>  I bought a Shimano Curado that had a tag on the handle that was looped through the frame.  Long story, they broke the AR clutch trying to take it off.  They were nice about it and had a new shipped to my house. 

 

 

[WRB]

Buy the rod and reel separately, reel in box. No reason to purchase display products.

Tom

[NYWayfarer]

8 minutes ago, WRB said:

Buy the rod and reel separately, reel in box. No reason to purchase display products.

Tom

I agree after learning the hard way.

 

I am diligent in examining rods and combos on the racks. I have found baitcaster combos missing cast control knobs, rods with cracked or missing guides and other horror stories. 
 

Anything you buy from a big box store should be looked over from tip to butt.

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, WRB said:

Buy the rod and reel separately, reel in box. No reason to purchase display products.

Tom

Only out-of-box reel I've purchased was the used Patriarch from Legacy. They go over things to make sure they're in working order, so I figured I was safe.

 

Rest of my reels were either new-in-box or new-in-blister - I won't purchase demo or display models...ever.

[NYWayfarer]

6 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Only out-of-box reel I've purchased was the used Patriarch from Legacy. They go over things to make sure they're in working order, so I figured I was safe.

 

Rest of my reels were either new-in-box or new-in-blister - I won't purchase demo or display models...ever.

I have been fortunate enough to speak with my local DSG store manager when I visit. I ask if he has any rods or combos that are not on display yet. I have scored many an unblemished rod or combo this way.

 

It started when he got embarrassed because I inquired about a rod his store was supposed to be in stock but didn’t appear so. Come to find out it was in the “back” I was so happy he found it I forgave the ignorance. I use that experience to my advantage every time I go in that store.

[Adalwolf]

Thanks for the replies and tips on just buying the rod and reel separately. I am going to head to bps today and see if I can get a Lews LFS and a rod to go with it and maybe just return the combo just to be on the safe side. That security tag was in there tight and the guy had to tug a bit to get it out.

9 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Only out-of-box reel I've purchased was the used Patriarch from Legacy. They go over things to make sure they're in working order, so I figured I was safe.

 

Rest of my reels were either new-in-box or new-in-blister - I won't purchase demo or display models...ever.

Thats why I didnt buy the Lews LFS reel they had in stock there, it was the only one and you can see it was handled quite a bit.

[J Francho]

All of my reels have some movement in the line guide.  This is not a really tight connection, or the worm gear and pawl would wear out quickly.  Once you go to the store and check out a few reels in the box, you'll see what is normal.