Shimano drag washers and bearings

[Bigassbass]

I bought a Shimano Ci4 2500 reel in 2020 the drag never worked well I didn't think compared to other reels I've owned.  So after reading on here how you can replace the shaft bearing, I ordered up some fine bearings from a company that makes bearings not fishing reel parts.  Put the bearing on this morning and it's a world of difference in the drag and reeling in line!   I also replaced the felt drag washers with new felt, I like the soft feel.  I am disappointed in Shimano cause they don't use high end parts in their reels least not the Ci4's  never will I buy another one!  I've fished with this reel very little.  Maybe I got a dud that I should have sent back right away but still I don't see the quality matching the price.

[cadman]

I have (6) CI4 2500's from the same model year and never an issue. I did clean the stock bearings when I first bought it because manufacturers have a tendency to over oil and grease everything. Other than that the reels are performing flawlessly. Shimano does have a tendency to put in really good bearings. They really only need a good cleaning and maybe Carbontex drag washers if that is what you like. JMO

[Bigassbass]

I think maybe I got a lemon, like I said it's better now since I replaced washers and bearings.  And I could have bought a returned reel, ya never know.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The bearing under the spool has no affect on the drag itself. Most likely the felt was dried out or sticky. I junk them for carbon drags. All that bearing does is lateral support. It would have to be completely seized to even notice 

[Bigassbass]

I've read carbon drags over time wear the metal off the spool and small reels really don't need this kind of drag.  Also high end reels like Shamano Stella have felt drag washers if felt isn't good which is what you're saying why would Shimano put felt in their high end reels? I think felt is used so reel repair people make money fixing and cleaning reels but I know for sure some metals against others will wear away and work like a fingernail file, what's your thoughts on this?  And if the bearing under the spool doesn't affect the drag what does it control, the line take up?

[Cravin]

As long as I can remember the drag weight was just a foot note, Stay in the intended parameters of the reel and forget about it. ?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

1 hour ago, Bigassbass said:

I've read carbon drags over time wear the metal off the spool and small reels really don't need this kind of drag.  Also high end reels like Shamano Stella have felt drag washers if felt isn't good which is what you're saying why would Shimano put felt in their high end reels? I think felt is used so reel repair people make money fixing and cleaning reels but I know for sure some metals against others will wear away and work like a fingernail file, what's your thoughts on this?  And if the bearing under the spool doesn't affect the drag what does it control, the line take up?

Drag wearing metal is total BS. That particular bearing is just for support and may add a little bit of smoothness on a long run that never happens in bass fishing

[Bigassbass]

Well this really is an interesting topic, I think all brands of fishing reels have the same issues.  My take is not to take them apart and look at how they are made cause then you'll see they are not the jewels you think you bought, they are just fishing reels, some good, some not so good.  I'll take your word on metal wearing as BS.  

[Bankc]

Carbon drags wearing metal may be more of salt water issue, where big fish can make multiple long runs and it can take hours to bring a big fish in.  In bass fishing, I don't think you'd put enough stress on the drag to see that happen for many decades, if ever.

 

The bearing under the spool will help startup of the drag, as it'll lower the inertial requirements of the spool.   It its effects would be pretty minor, even compared to a plastic bushing.  

 

You might of had an issue with something not lined up propearly or some other internal problem.  I know I've had a reel that the drag would occasionally get loose and no matter how much I tightened it down, it would just spin with very little resistance.  When that happened, I could back the drag fully off and re-engage it, and it would work.  But when I backed the drag off for storage, there was always like a 10% chance it would start slipping again the next time I pulled it out and tightened down the drag.  This was when it was fresh from the factory.  After a while, I took it apart and cleaned it up and re-assembled it and it's worked great ever since.  I wasn't able to find out what the issue was, as when I had it apart, everything looked fine.  But there was definitely something not right with it.  

[Bigassbass]

Thanks for that info, makes sense all of it.  I have cleaned up the reel and given it another chance, Ci4 reels are light and fun to fish with, I like my 1000 better than the 2500, maybe thats my problem. 

[jimmyjoe]

   I bought a Stradic Ci4+ 2500FA. Defective. Retailer replaced.

   I bought a Stradic 2500FK. Defective. Dealer replaced.

   I bought a Stradic Ci4+ 4000FB. Defective. Dealer replaced.

   I bought a NASCI 1000. Multiple problems. Shimano replaced.

 

   Never .... never ..... NEVER put mechanical objects up on a pedestal! Not a reel, not a car, not a watch or computer or a TV. No matter how expensive, mechanical objects are made by people.

 

   And people are imperfect.   ???              jj

[Bigassbass]

So what brand of reel did you end up buying, and I do understand the hype about brands and mechanical objects.  lol  I wish I would have taken my Ci4 back while it was under warranty.   

[JustJames]

Let me guess Jimmy got another Shimano.???

[jimmyjoe]

2 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

Let me guess Jimmy got another Shimano.???

 

   Absolutely correct! I got the defective ones replaced with good ones ..... and I'm happy as a clam with them.

 

   EVEN MERCEDES BENZ SOMETIMES HAS LEMONS.   ?      jj