Shamano reel servicing

[Fishbone]

I have a 20+ year old Shimano bait caster that hasn't been used much till this year. Even though it seems to function okay, I would like to have it cleaned and lubed over the winter.

Should I use the factory service or a private reel service guy.

Where are the private service individuals found?

[Hook Set]

From what I've read, members on the forum have been very pleased with "reel mechanic's" work.

[Dan:]

I would try to find someone local. You'd probably be able to find someone fairly easily through google or the yellow pages. It'll be a lot cheaper than shipping your reel.

[roadwarrior]

Put that one in a display case and buy a new reel.

The Curado CU200 E7 is THE BOMB!

8-)

[nUgZ]

Put that one in a display case and buy a new reel.

8-)

I agree. Even a top-of-the-line reel from 20 years ago isn't as some of the cheaper reels available today. Technology has come a LONG way.

[K_Mac]

I would ask around at the local bait and tackle shops to find who they recommend. There is no doubt that the newer reels are superior, but that reel may serve the purpose for you very well. If newer was always better Roadwarrior and I would be in trouble.

[b.Lee]

I think reels are meant to be used not looked at. It would be a different story if it was broken. But if you like it and it still works, and all it needs is a tune up. I say go for it.  I still use till this day Ambassador Reels from the 1980's.  Great quality, still casts long.   

[Fishbone]

This reel is a bantam model and casts very well. I was out yesterday for the first time with my new Curado E5.  The Curado will cast lighter lures but backlashes easier than the old one. Probably because it's not set up right yet and I need to get used to it.

The old reel is like favorite slippers and can hold it's own with the new one, which is a big bonus. I now have 2 good reels.

I may try Reel Mech for a clean and lube since he is a site sponsor.

Thanks for your comments.

[Crestliner2008]

I'm sure Reel Mechanic would do you justice; however, if you join some local Fishing Forums in your area, I'm sure there are some local folks that service reels as well. I always like to support my local economy whenever I can. Plus....no shipping charges!

Also, you can call around to local bait/tackle shops for local information.

[jbtcardfan]

I recently shipped my Curado 200 to Paul's Bait & Tackle in St. Louis for it's first service since I bought it 5-6 years ago.

I found them on the Shimano website.  I'm sure there are others closer to you that may still carry parts for the older reels like they do.  Will advise how their work and price came out when I hear from them.

[.RM.]

This reel is a bantam model and casts very well. I was out yesterday for the first time with my new Curado E5.  The Curado will cast lighter lures but backlashes easier than the old one. Probably because it's not set up right yet and I need to get used to it.

The old reel is like favorite slippers and can hold it's own with the new one, which is a big bonus. I now have 2 good reels.

I may try Reel Mech for a clean and lube since he is a site sponsor.

Thanks for your comments.

What is the model of the reel.

Let me know this and I may be able to tell you what I can do for it...

Tight Lines!!!

[Fishbone]

It's a Bantam Magnumlite 2000GT. It works fine and feels as good as the Curado. The Curado, of course, is more free, but really doesn't out perform it by that much.

The Bantam was $80 back in the 1980's, and so may be in the same class.

Anyway, a clean, and more importantly, a lube job would be good for it. 

[.RM.]

It's a Bantam Magnumlite 2000GT. It works fine and feels as good as the Curado. The Curado, of course, is more free, but really doesn't out perform it by that much.

The Bantam was $80 back in the 1980's, and so may be in the same class.

Anyway, a clean, and more importantly, a lube job would be good for it. 

I see from the schematic that the reel is a 2 bearing 1 bushing spool support reel from (87).

The things that could be done would be upgrade of the bearings to ABEC5 and the measure/upgrade of the busing (palming side plate) to ABEC5 bearing pack.

The drag pads probably can also be upgraded (custom cut from Carbontex) but I probably would have to test it to see if the AR dog could hold anymore backward torque from hook set or heavy fish fighting on quality newer drag pad composites....

Then of course all the polishing of the reel...

PM me if you need more info.............

Tight Lines!!!