Dave's Reel Service?

[GonzoFishing]

Hey BR members, anyone have any experience with a company called Dave's Reel Service out of IL? I found them online and need to have my Curado 201E7 worked on. I upgraded the bearings, drag and handle without issue but when I tried to upgrade the small gear it started making noise and feels rough. I'm sure I did something wrong when reassembling it but at this point I give up and want to send it out to a pro. Any thoughts on Dave's Reel Service? I also know of Reel-Ex out of California which seems reputable. Appreciate the input! Thanks.

[Jar11591]

Site sponsor @Delaware Valley Tackle should be able to take care of it for you. Does great work. 

[Fat Ika]

Yes. I've been going to Mark (Dave's Reel Service) for 7-8 years. He's highly experienced with og Shimanos. I've seen him working over the years in his workshop on stacks of mostly Shimano and Daiwa. Give him a call and he'll definitely be honest with what he can do. One year a sent a few reels to Tackle Trap in AL. I thought maybe they might have more experience with upgrades for a few high end Daiwa's. That was a regret. As long as he's around, I'll use him for all my reel maintenance and upgrade needs.

[GonzoFishing]

Great, thanks for the responses! I checked out Delaware Valley Tackle and I know they have a good reputation on this forum but the whole "Shop Rate $20/hr after 1.5 hrs" thing makes me nervous about the final price. I love my little green Curado 201E7 but can't afford to spend too much on the repair. I'm hoping it falls between $50-$65 total.  

[Mike L]

I get it

But you get what you pay for 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[GonzoFishing]

10 minutes ago, Mike L said:

I get it

But you get what you pay for 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Yeah I hear you. So you recommend DVT as well? 

[Bass Rutten]

I’ve had several great experiences with Mark. I was recommended him through an older friend, an old school tournament musky fisherman who has work done there for decades before and after the son Mark took over in recent years.

[GonzoFishing]

Thank you guys for all the info. Always appreciate the help I get on this forum! I debated just selling the little green Curado and getting a new model (Tatula, Tranx or Curado) but that Curado has always been a workhorse for me and I regretted getting rid of the 301 I had. Thanks again everyone!

[roadwarrior]

https://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

[redmeansdistortion]

2 hours ago, GonzoFishing said:

Great, thanks for the responses! I checked out Delaware Valley Tackle and I know they have a good reputation on this forum but the whole "Shop Rate $20/hr after 1.5 hrs" thing makes me nervous about the final price. I love my little green Curado 201E7 but can't afford to spend too much on the repair. I'm hoping it falls between $50-$65 total.  

Keep in mind additional labor is something that needs to be compensated for.  Labor will typically be required for a reel that is excessively filthy which will require more time to clean prior to reassembly and lubrication.  If additional labor isn't billed then the business operates at a loss.  Reel technicians gotta eat too.  I've done some saltwater reels that required 2+ hours of additional labor.  Most times the customer is understanding, but every now and then you get one that feels they're being ripped off no matter what.  I typically quote jobs on a worst case basis and they usually come in under the initial quote.

[Alex from GA]

I've heard good thing about Kel's Rod and Reel much nearer you.  Castleberry, FL.

[Mike L]

1 hour ago, GonzoFishing said:

Yeah I hear you. So you recommend DVT as well? 

Absolutely!

You won’t regret it in the least. 
 

 

 

Mike

[Wildbillb]

[r83srock]

Good quote! 
 

I have sent in one reel over the years and that was a Curado K I sent to DVT last fall. He was great, very quick and professional. Called me at like 8pm his time to confirm something with me. Only time I’ve used him but if I have an issue with a reel again, he’s getting the business.

[Darth-Baiter]

i used a guy closer to me.  

 

he was fantastic.  set pricing, based on work needed.   i felt comfy with it and he was highly recommended.  it was nice knowing the $ from the get go.  i didnt have any unexpected cost because it would take him more time, or whatever.   i didnt get  a $/hour rate which would suck if he was having a bad day.  ahhahahahha..

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

5 hours ago, GonzoFishing said:

Great, thanks for the responses! I checked out Delaware Valley Tackle and I know they have a good reputation on this forum but the whole "Shop Rate $20/hr after 1.5 hrs" thing makes me nervous about the final price. I love my little green Curado 201E7 but can't afford to spend too much on the repair. I'm hoping it falls between $50-$65 total.  

I seldom have to apply the surcharge but I need to have the option for when I get a saltwater reel with years of corrosion that takes a full day to refurbish. And never charge more than the basic without permission. If anything I tend to short change myself. I also give away lord of advice here and on the phone for free. I’m happy to troubleshoot with you and/or repair if you’d like.