Any tips or things to be aware of when buying a used baitcasting reel?

[jamis]

I know many people like myself would spend money on a good conditon used baitcasting reel because the money cost less than compare to getting one new.

So what are the things to be aware of when buying a used baitcasting reel and tips?

What would you do when checking the reel in person before paying the money?

Thanks alot

[skunked_again]

i only buy used gear that has a great reputation. i also will make sure that common parts can still be had for the reel. Abu round reels are a safe bet 99.9% of the time. every one ive bought has been passed on and is still working 100%. id also ask what the reel was used for. a reel that done nothing but toss crank baits will have more wear that a reel thats fished plastics its whole life.

if i have the reel in my hand and theres line on the reel id mount it on a rod start tossing a test weight.

good luck, let us know what you found.

[cart7t]

Inspecting the reel in person before you purchase?

Make sure the thing is working correctly. 

[jamis]

  Quote

i only buy used gear that has a great reputation. i also will make sure that common parts can still be had for the reel. Abu round reels are a safe bet 99.9% of the time. every one ive bought has been passed on and is still working 100%. id also ask what the reel was used for. a reel that done nothing but toss crank baits will have more wear that a reel thats fished plastics its whole life.

if i have the reel in my hand and theres line on the reel id mount it on a rod start tossing a test weight.

good luck, let us know what you found.

The deal is someone is selling me his shimano chronarch 101B for $100 after he sold me his st.croix rod, he's saying that $100 is great deal and he said " if I were to post on this site I would be asking $180." Well To me that sounds like too good to be true, so i told him to wait and I'm not sure to get it or not.

[.RM.]

Brand new they ran NIB $269.99 seen them on different forums flea markets at lowest of $170.00

What would I look for..

First ask if it has ever been serviced, if not then

1) set the cast control cap just tight enough to have no lateral play in the spool, set all brakes to off. Then hit the thumbar and spin the spool, if you have about 10 sec of free spool the reels spool bearings has been properly lubed if not then someone.

2) check the drag star to see how tight the drags are kept at while stored. then check the drag loosen the drag star until you can thumb the spool and crank the handle freely, then slowly tighten the star and crank while thumbing the spool and feel how much you have. If you can do this and feel the adjustment no matter how small they are then the drag pads are still good.

3) if you are going to have the reel in your hands I would take my rod and mount it to do some test casting, this will give you an idea of how the reels feels mounted on the rod you intend to use it on it will also give you a chance to set the reel up and cast it to see just how it will feel fishing.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!! 

[KYntucky Warmouth]

aside from a personal inspection, trust comes into play.  Do you trust who you are buying from, personally I have bought some used reels from eBay for considerable discounts, it's tricky but you can get good deals.  I have purchased 5 used reels from a certain seller that I have a tendency to trust, they are up front that the reels have been purchased through an unnamed company, Gander Mountain, as returns for one reason or another and do their best to describe problems, if any.  For the most part the reels are pretty close to new with damaged boxes.

[cart7t]

If you have the ability to test drive the reel before buying the only thing you really need to question is whether the reel has been used in SW before.

If the answer is yes, run, fast and far away.

I don't care how well the owner claims he took care of it after SW usage, I've been burned enough times to know better.   And that especially goes for Shimano's that have seen salt water usage.   

[jamis]

Reel Mechanic

Quote: set the cast control cap just tight enough to have no lateral play in the spool

can anyone explain this, what does mean to just tight enough to have no lateral play in the spool.

THanks

[cart7t]

take any baitcaster and turn the spool tension knob all the way off till it's almost about to come off the side of the reel.  Now move the spool back and forth on the reel and notice the play it has.  Now start turning the spool tension knob back clockwise to tighten it.  Turn it slowly until the spool will no longer move from side to side any more. 

[jamis]

  Quote

take any baitcaster and turn the spool tension knob all the way off till it's almost about to come off the side of the reel. Now move the spool back and forth on the reel and notice the play it has. Now start turning the spool tension knob back clockwise to tighten it. Turn it slowly until the spool will no longer move from side to side any more.

Then hit the thumbar and spin the spool, if you have about 10 sec of free spool the reels spool bearings has been properly lubed if not then someone.

Right?

[jamis]

Thanks so much for those useful tips everyone! especially to Reel Mechanic and cart7t

[BobP]

I don't care how long the spool free spools because I'm gonna clean and lube the entire reel first thing after I buy it. When looking at a reel, I crank it and listen for any noises, vibrations or unevenness in response while cranking. It should crank smoothly and quietly.  Does the level wind move freely back and forth? Any reel parts missing? Does anything look bent or out of alignment? Take off the left side and see if all 6 plastic brake blocks are there. Look at the brass brake drum. If it's smooth and not corroded, that's good. Take a rod and a practice lure with you and make a few casts. If there's any misalignment or bent internal parts, it will vibrate - that kind of problem can be hard to diagnose and fix.  Pull line off the reel while it's in gear to see how the drag is working.  You should be able to vary the drag setting from light to heavy resistance and line should come off smoothly (if it's jerky, you can fix that with drag lube, but if there's no drag, you got a bigger problem).

[Sam]

When buying a used reel, it is wise to have a local individual who works on reels and can service the reel when you receive it.

This method will allow you to know, very fast, if the reel is in good condition or if it needs some repair work.