I'm going to say something VERY controversial

[SkyChimp]

Shimano reels are overrated.

There. It needed to be said.

[LBM]

Come on Skychimp don't hold anything back. This is the place to share your experiences with Shimano products. I'm ready to read any and all evaluations of their products. Sure I'll be able to read positive responses as well since this is a good forum to exchange that kind of info on fishing gear.

[Barnacle Bill]

Shimano reels are overrated.

There. It needed to be said.

Thats all right. So is lobster but I still eat one once in a while. LOL

[SkyChimp]

I have a couple of Shimano spinning reels, most recently a Spirex with Quickfire II and Fluid Drive II. Love it.

Based on my experiences with their spinning reels, I bought a Curado SF low profile and 2 Cardiff round baitcast reels. I had always owned mainly Abu Garcia baitcasters, which always gave me flawless service. But I figured as good as my spinning reels were, I couldn't go wrong with the Shimano baitcasters.

Within a few days, the Curado had developed a pronounced rattle and scraping/ringing sound when cranking. Took it apart and lubed it. That took care of the noise and feel for awhile. But after a little use I got the same rough, loud feel and sounds. Decided for the cost, it really wasn't performing as desired. So I decided to return it, but didn't buy any replacement.

The Cardiffs were ok, but compared to my Garcias, they seemed clunky and rumbly (I don't know how else to describe it). It was hard to appreciate that feeling until i had it on the rod and began casting and cranking with it. I opened them up, too, and lubed them. I discovered a plethora of soft plastic gears which no amount of lubing seemed to fix (and you can only lube a reel so much before you reduce performance).

The other quirky thing I discovered about the Cardiffs is that the level wind didn't move when casting, or when line was pulled out against the drag. This results in line being stripped off the spool and the level wing not keeping up with it. So, you could be in a position where, for instance, your line is coming off the left side of the spool, and the level wind is on the right. This results in uneven recovery of line when cranking it back in. That's fine for awhile. But after so many casts I tended to get a lot of tangles and I convinced it's a result of this weird set up.

My Garcias have level winds that move whenever the spool does. I never had had the extent of problems with these reels that I've had with the Shimanos. In addition, the Garcias seem to be more precisely built, with much of the gearing made of brass, and the few plastic gears being very hard.

Anyway, I returned the Cardiffs as well. Replaced all 3 reels with Garcias. And I couldn't be happier.

Of the 3 Shimano baitcasters I bought, I wasn't pleased with any of them. Maybe I'm just picky. But they weren't cheap. It seems they should be made with better quality components. And that level wind issue seems very peculiar.

Shimano is "the" brand most people recommend. I convinced now their baitcasters (at least their mid-priced baitcasters) are overrated. Cheaply built, in my opinion, and overpriced.

[LBM]

Thanks Skychimp that is a good evaluation report well put. That is the kind of info I like to have in my memory banks when I'm in the toy store looking to buy my fishing toys. Bet other folks will appreciate this kind of info also.

[CrappiePappy]

what, pray tell, is the proof of that "opinion" ?

Personally, I've used a lot of different reel brands, over the years (spinning & baitcasting & spincast). I've trashed a few, in my time ... but still have ALL of my Shimano reels, and they still work just fine. Even with meticulous maintenance, I've managed to destroy Johnsons, Zebcos, Diawas, Mitchells, and Shakespeares. And, without any maintenance to speak of, I still have Abu Garcias & Shimanos that perform very well.

What brand of reel do you think is superior, and why ? I'm not disputing your claim, and I don't intend to get into any arguments over it (and I hope the other members will comply, as well) ... I just would like a more comprehensive explanation. ............. cp

[stray]

I haven’t had any of the more expensive reels, but I wouldn’t chance trading my “Spidercast” spinning reel for any other. I got it after an Ebay purchase that wasn’t as described. I bought a couple rods that were supposed to be “ultra light action” when they got here they were light action. After contacting the person that was selling them we agreed that I would buy this spidercast reel for half is normal price and he paid the shipping to me (and I kept the rods). I then got a Discovery IM7 rod form a small tackle shop here this is the best set up I’ve fished with. But like I said I haven’t used any of the expensive rods or reels. I’ve looked a Wal-Mart, Bass Pro, and other tackle shops to see what kind of deal I got and haven’t been able to find anyone that carries this reel (Wal-Mart had a spincast reel)

This reel has 8 ball bearings, instant reverse stop, and very smooth. The only thing I had gone wrong is the screw that holds the crank in came out; this was easily fixed with a little bit of blue “Locktite.” The rod is so sensitive that I can feel the weight of a 1/16th oz jig at 30ft of water (you can see the rod tip move about a half inch with a 1/8th oz jig). This is my second Discovery rod the first on I dropped it and landed just right on the boat windshield, the next fish I caught the rod broke.

[SkyChimp]

Proof of my opinion? An opinion is a subjective judgement not based on proof. So I'm not offering proof, because then I wouldn't be offering an opinion.

I'm simply stating my opinion of the Shimano reels I've purchased. I think they were substandard for the aforementioned reasons. They felt sloppy. They were noisy. They had plastic gears that, in my opinion, should have been metal. The level winds only moved when cranking. In comparison to my Abu Garcias C4s, it seemed Shimano cut corners and charged a premium for it.

You may disagree, and I respect that.

Also, I hesitate to say what's best. I don't know. I like my Garcias. Maybe not the best, but, in my opinion, better than equivalently priced Shimanos. I also like Pflueger. I've used a low-profile President (but do not own one) and, in my opinion, it outclasses the Shimano Curado. I own a few Browning spinning reels that I like. I also own some Daiwas, which seem well made (at least as well made as they should be for their price). With all those brands, I felt like I got what I paid for. With the Shimanos, I felt like I got less.

Based on my experience, mid-priced Shimano baitcasters are overrated. They are highly recommended. But in my experience, they don't offer any advantages over some alternatives. And they generally cost more.

I knew this may be a controversial subject, hence the title. I don't mind debating. Everyone has their favorites. It's like Ford vs. Chevy.

[CrappiePappy]

on your definition of "opinion". You just made a seemingly "general" statement about Shimano reels - I was just wondering "which" reels, in particular ... or if you were actually referring to ALL of them. No debate needed.
On the subject of baitcasters .... you're right - Curado's are very popular. I don't own one, myself. My two primary bc's are an old Shimano Bantam Mag 10X (worm fishing) and a Shimano Calcutta 200 (crankin). My best spinning reels are 2 Shimano Spirex 2000's and a Mitchell Spidercast. They've all performed great in the years I've had them ... so no need to "upgrade" or switch brands.
My first "real" baitcaster was a Abu Garcia 5500c .... and my second purchase was a 5000 (red reel). They were both great reels, so I'm sure AG is still making quality stuff. (I still have/use a 2500c ... got it rigged on a 8ft fly rod for Crappie fishing with minnow/float)
Have you ever taken a look at the Okuma line ? They look pretty nice, and lots of bb's ... they just seem a bit heavy for my taste.

I think Shimano got a lot of marketing value out of "customer service", in the past ... but I hear they are starting to charge, for repairs/service, as much or more than the other brands.
Good thread .... will be checking back to see what others have to say. ........... luck2ya ........cp

[Barnacle Bill]

I'm glad you clarified that as to being about bait casting reels. I had one once and didn't like it (Shimano Bantam). Someone gave it to me because they didn't like it so I gave it away too. But I love their spinning reels. I have some that are very old and still work good and recently bought a Symetre 750 but haven't had a chance to try it yet. It sure feels good in my back yard! LOL. I also like Pinnacle reels because of their light weight. Never a problem with them either.