Shimano 500 size reels

**gillchaser999** · 10-11-2021, 11:06 PM

Over the last couple of years I would purchase a new Shimano 500 size reel as a new model became available.
Most have been reels less than $100 and most have been reels with Hagane gears , which are supposed to be smoother than previous models .
Not so fast Shimano .
Lately I’ve taking a few of these reels fishing and what I’ve discovered is that when under tension or load the reels bind up making it difficult to reel in .
The worse has been my Nasci 500 followed by my recent purchase , a Sadona SE500Fl . I also have a Sahara 500Fl .
Some are worse than others but all exhibit some degree of binding .
The Nasci today would bind up while retrieving a small 1/32 beetle spin lure . The reel without any load is super smooth , add a lure and it’s hard to wind .
Am I the only one whose had this kind of bad luck ?
BTW , I also recently purchased a Sienna 500fg . After oiling it up with a couple drops of Lucas reel oil , it’ll out perform all of the more expensive Hagane equipped reels .
Just wondering if it’s just the 500 size reels or all of the new Shimano reels .

**BobC** · 10-12-2021, 07:10 AM

I only have one Shimano, a Sedona 500fi. I have not had any binding problems but I do put a few drops of reel oil on the bearings as the season goes on. I bought it for its lower weight to go with my U/L TSS for balance, but truth be told I think the extra ounce of the 1000 wouldn’t have made a significant difference, and I would have liked the larger spool. I would buy the 1000 If I had it to do over. I have been using Gamma 2lb test with it and haven’t had any problems with coiling on the smaller spool.
Bob
PS This reel came with an anti reverse switch, which was a surprise. I like to be able to back reel from time to time.
B

**VaCrappieMan** · 10-12-2021, 07:24 AM

That is exactly why I switched to daiwa reels. All my smaller shimano reels have had binding issues with the exception of the ci4. I never could fix any of mine.

**gillchaser999** · 10-12-2021, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by VaCrappieMan

That is exactly why I switched to daiwa reels. All my smaller shimano reels have had binding issues with the exception of the ci4. I never could fix any of mine.

I have always been a Shimano fan , and love my older 500 Saharas , and Symetres . They’ve performed flawless . Even my older model Sienna 500’s have been great reels .
I’ve always kept my reels lubed , and now use Lucas Reel oil exclusively. That stuff is slick .
But I don’t think the issue is with the reels needing lube . It’s something in the gears themselves. They only bind with a load on them and it doesn’t take much of a load .
I have bought a few Diawas since they’ve come out with the LT reels , but I like the small 500 reels and the smallest Daiwa reels aren’t the same as the 1500’s .

And another opinion is there is a difference in a smooth winding reel and an easy winding reel . I prefer to have both .
A lot of the reels I’ve tried have been smooth winders but the effort to turn the handle offsets the smoothness .
The Pflueger President falls into that category. They are smooth reels , but require more effort to turn the handle , with the exception of my Pflueger Supreme XT . But it’s in what I call , the high dollar category

.

**VaCrappieMan** · 10-12-2021, 08:19 AM

I completely understand the size difference. I had no issues either until all of them crapped on me in a short amount of time. I too kept my lubed up and in good shape but it didn’t help in the long run. I have been super happy with my JDM daiwa reels but they are quite a bit bigger than what you are using. I have almost bought a small 500 size JDM shimano a few times but that would be a lot of dough to shell out to possibly have binding issues.

**Alphahawk** · 10-12-2021, 08:11 PM

Years back I had those issues with the Sahara line. But it has been an off and on issue with Shimano US market reels for years. That is how they acquired the nickname “Shibindo”.

Regards

**hdhntr** · 10-13-2021, 08:47 AM

not impressed with siena reel I bought on a st croix rod, binding issues from a buddy clearing out his stuff. More impressed with my President reels as they are consistantly solid with a good sized fish on and no problems.

**MtnFisher** · 10-14-2021, 07:26 PM

Have owned various models of Sedonas, Cardiff and Stradics.

Never any issues.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

**BobC** · 10-15-2021, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by gillchaser999

And another opinion is there is a difference in a smooth winding reel and an easy winding reel . I prefer to have both .
A lot of the reels I’ve tried have been smooth winders but the effort to turn the handle offsets the smoothness .
The Pflueger President falls into that category. They are smooth reels , but require more effort to turn the handle , with the exception of my Pflueger Supreme XT . But it’s in what I call , the high dollar category

.

This is a real good point. I don’t own a JDM reel but based on hundreds of reviews here I know they have both. Some day maybe….
Bob

**skeetbum** · 12-04-2021, 07:54 PM

I have lots of President reels mostly 20’s and a couple of 25’s. I’ve gotten good service from them but have worn the gears out of the one on my most used rod. I bought a Diawa regal 1000 and spooled it with 3lb crystal fireline and it does well on the TSS. I’m warming up to the idea of a couple of hundred dollars for a little reel but not yet.

My siennas do trolling duty on a couple of the rods in my spread and I’ve no issues with them, nor any expectation of them being a reel to have in my hand all day. Good enough for the job they’re doing. I use some Sahara’s in 3000 size for my saltwater trips and they’re also good for the job and so far, so good.

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