I have been a Shimano guy for 20+ years... I own a bunch of them and work on a bunch more for friends. Well, my Shimano days are coming to an end (at least for new purchases).

I have noticed a large number of Shimano spinning reels in all price ranges having the same problem - they bind up when wet. This binding causes the handle to get stuck in place when you stop winding. Not a good thing when fighting a fish and a pain when fishing a technique that calls for a bunch of pauses.

Suggestion - the next time you buy a spinning reel, get a mid/higher priced Daiwa or Quantum.

I still like the Shimano casting reels but both Daiwa and Quantum make reels that are as good if not better.

IMHO

I actually mailed a Stradic back to Kozi Shimano with a nicely worded letter that told him that since I spent $114 on the reel I didn't have the heart to throw it in the trash can so I would like him to do it. I was mailed back a new reel two days later with no letter or anything. I gave it away swearing off Shimano spinning reels forever.

When we were fishing the Sassafras my dad even had his Sustain reels bind up - unacceptable.

I now use Quantum 100% and have never had any issues with them - even during a Deep Creek wind/rain/ice/wind/wind storm.

thanks for the heads up. im buying a new spinning reel this week and it looks like i will be buying a quantum or daiwa.

This is total blasphemy!

Try the new Curado to see just how high the bar has been set for mid-range low profile baitcasters. I have some Diawas that I like but I have never been happy with a Quantum purchase.

Baitcasters aren't the issue with Shimano - only the spinning reels. Shimano, although I use Quantum, makes a very good baitcaster.

David - if you go with Quantum spinning reel and don't want to spend a lot of money get the Catalyst, or the Kinetic. For the price both of them are very good reels.

thanks for the info greg. im also looking at the daiwa capricorn. a friend of mine let me use his and it was a very smooth reel. we were even throwing medium sized crankbaits with it with no problem at all.

I used to use Diawa's and always liked them, too. John L. is a good resource for Diawa. Either way you will be fine...

I totally agree about the spinning reels binding up when wet....It's very frustrating. I won't be buying any new shimano spinning reels, too bad I have like 6 or 7 already...

Although its not too diffecult to fix the binding after you get home, you shouldn't have to do that everytime it rains on your gear.




PS Bass Pro is having a sale on the Quantum PT Energy spinning reels, they are 70-100 bucks.

Has anyone tried the 2008 version of the Stradic or Saros? I'm wondering if they maybe addressed the binding issue in these models..... anyway, I got a Pflueger Supreme to replace a stradic and love it.... kinda funny looking, but very light (magnesium) and smoooth. I bought another one soon after.....xt model

This post was last modified: 09-28-2008 08:10 AM by Bob T..

I have even seen the Shimano Sustain reels bind up in wet weather - at the Sassafras my dad had to stop using his Sustain reels because they kept binding - all the while my Quantum Energy's had no problems. I am surprised he didn't throw his reels in the water.

There is a ton of information on the web about the issue so I am completely amazed that Shimano has not at least addressed it.