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Why new model 500 Shimano reels suck !
And some 1000 size reels too .
Why does it seem that the newer offerings from Shimano not perform as well as the older models . and they cost more .
I’m talking about reels in the $100 and less category.
I’ve been comparing specifications of older Shimano 500 reels, that I own to newer models I’ve acquired the last year or so .
These are the models and specs .
500 size reels Weight Ratio
Shimano Symetre FL 500 6.1oz 4.7/1
Shimano Sahara FE 500 6.2oz. 4.7/1
Shimano Sahara FJ 500 6.0oz 5.6/1
Shimano Nasci FC 500 6.0oz 5.6/1
Shimano Sienna FD 500 6.0oz 4.7/1
Shimano Sienna FG 500 6.3oz 5.6/1
You can see that even though the “ new lighter reels “ aren’t that much lighter than the older ones and in the low priced Sienna , the weight went up .
The big problem I’ve had with the newer models is they will bind up when you apply pressure on them .
Although the new ones are tighter specs and are smooth , it takes more start up force to get the reel to turn . Not good .
I think I’ve discovered the problem . They have tried to increase the speed of these small reels to where they just bind up .
Personally, I like a slow winding reel , especially for swimming jigs , which is what I do 90% of the time . I think panfish like a slow moving lure most of the time .
IMO , Shimano has a better drag than does Daiwa , but Daiwa has done a better job of smoothing their reels up . I need to check their gear ratios .
I’ve found Daiwa drags , tighten and loosen too quickly with lesser clicks than Shimano’s do .Smoothest and ease of start up has switched me over to Daiwa reels the last couple years , but I’ve had to go up to 1000 size reels . Daiwa doesn’t make a good $100 , 500 size reel IMO . They have a few 750 size reels but I haven’t tried one yet.
I like a small reel , it just feels more Ultralight to me even if the weights are similar. But , you’re not going to get a 6oz 1000 reel without paying more than $100 .
I’ve dug out my old Shimano Symetre and Sahara reels and oiled them up and spooled them with 2# P-line Floroclear.
I was looking at buying a Shimano Vanford 500 , but was afraid of making a $250+ mistake , because it too is a 5.6/1 ratio reel .
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
Crappie.com 2K Star General
I checked my Daiwa LT 1000 reel specs and just as I expected, the gear ratios are a little slower than Shimano at 5.2/1 .
Maybe they have found the magic gear ratio for smoothness with binding up .
I still prefer a slower reel though .
I find it’s easier to wind a slow reel fast if I need to than it is to try to slow retrieve a fast reel .
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
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I like less gear ratio in a reel also.
The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass alonggillchaser999 LIKED above post
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Nice report and some good thoughts. I’m in the slower reel club as well.
Bob
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Thanks for sharing your insights
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This problem has been going on for around at least 15 years. It is the bushing material they use in their lower end reels. If you do a google search on the term "shibindo" you will see the net is littered with discussions about this.
Regards
Crappie.com 2K Star General
Randy ,Originally Posted by Alphahawk
I looked up “shibindo” on google, you need to add “fishing reel” to the search or you’ll get some rapper ..
Anyway , it’s a difficult issue I’m referring to in the Shimano reels .
The issue I’m finding occurs whether the reel is dry or wet .
It was very obvious as I was respooling my reels yesterday.
I didn’t have any problems with my older model Symetre fl or Sahara fe , while using the weight of the line spool to add tension to the line as I wound it on the reels.
When I switched to a newer Nasci FC 500 and Sahara FJ 500 with the higher gear ratio just the tension of the line spool would make it harder to wind .
I have a shallow spool Shimano Ultegra C2000SHG that has both issues . Hard to wind with tension and the main shaft sticks at the bottom of the down stroke during each cycle . Totally worthless reel IMO .
Maybe I’m just picky, but reels have gotten more expensive and the design and quality has gone downhill.
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
Crappie.com Legend
I should have related the experience my son and I had in the 2009-2011 time frame. We experienced the binding with Sedona and Sahara. The reels were never wet. Only when I stepped up to the Stradic did the issue go away. Reels have gotten more expensive for sure. Of course I’ll spend more money on a reel than most but I am always looking for a high quality reel for a bargain price. Abu Garcia is really stepping up their game in spinning reels. I think they are really catching up to Shimano and Daiwa…and bargain wise have passed them.Randy ,
I looked up “shibindo” on google, you need to add “fishing reel” to the search or you’ll get some rapper .
Anyway , it’s a difficult issue I’m referring to in the Shimano reels .
The issue I’m finding occurs whether the reel is dry or wet .
It was very obvious as I was respooling my reels yesterday.
I didn’t have any problems with my older model Symetre fl or Sahara fe , while using the weight of the line spool to add tension to the line as I wound it on the reels.
When I switched to a newer Nasci FC 500 and Sahara FJ 500 with the higher gear ratio just the tension of the line spool would make it harder to wind .
I have a shallow spool Shimano Ultegra C2000SHG that has both issues . Hard to wind with tension and the main shaft sticks at the bottom of the down stroke during each cycle . Totally worthless reel IMO .
Maybe I’m just picky, but reels have gotten more expensive and the design and quality has gone downhill.
Regards
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Crappie.com 2K Star General
Randy ,
I never had a problem with Shimano reels of that time .
I have a box overflowing with older model reels including a couple of Stradic 1000’s . And several 500 size reels .
Think I’ll do some shopping at home.
Sure , they weigh a little more than the new ones , but they’re built to last.
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
Crappie Wall Hanger
Why new model 500 Shimano reels suck !
Randy,
I think the answer is no but do the higher end reels like the vanquish suffer from these issues?
The issues on these lower end reels wouldn’t stop you from purchasing a vanquish, would it?
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