Delaware Valley Tackle

Shimano B's respond well to tuning. Keep in mind, less is more when it comes to sanding on internals. I highly discourage the practice of opening any reel without a schematic in front of you.

No worries, you're fine.

If it's like most Quatums, there is a spring loaded latch just under the level wind. The latch needs to slid in while rotating the side plate. The side plates can be real tight first time off. I believe those sell for around $70, an entry level but not quite throw away. It may be worth sending in.

A dunk in clear water isn't usually critical. A rinse, air dry and drop of oil on the bearings and worm shaft would get you by until service time. In this case, since there is grinding I recommend and immediate deep cleaning before any more use. To send it in, just box it up securely and mail along with a work order from our website.

Spiral wrapping allows the line to flow on it's natural path, typically allows the use of fewer guides and results in a better performing rod. A bass isn't going to wrench a rod from your grasp, but if you can work with physics instead of against it, why not? The general public just does not accept the non-traditional look of a spiral wrap. One more reason to have your rods built the way you want them.

There are some quick set finishes coming on the market that can speed up turn-around on repairs but over night should be good for the most part.

You can try here http://www.tackleworks.org/ One of the advantages of a Tennessee grip is the ability to move the reel's mounting location to balance the way you like. A reel seat is a one shot proposition so make sure whoever you work with understands the objective.

Sounds like I'm in the minority here but I throw them mostly on a Med Fast spinning rod. The thing I like about them is how little movement is needed to make the tail swim. A spinning rig launches them a mile and I retrieve them just across the bottom.

Sensitivity is another item on the list of subjective terms that describe a rod's performance. The increased stiffness/weight ratio of more expensive blanks allows them to transmit vibration better. Whether or not stepping up in price is worthwhile is totally a personal preference and opinion. The point of diminishing returns on factory rods is around $275. If shopping for truly top-end rods above (or below) this price point I highly recommend contacting a reputable custom rod builder.

You can get the parts right from Shimano too. I have a couple sets I ordered for someone that never used them. I'd have to check but I think it needed the AR collar too.

The shortened tip will likely raise the low end of the lure weight rating but should fish ok with a new tip top installed.

I've been told by ABU that side plates were discontinued and found that it was just due to a color change and newer versions would fit. All you can do it try a newer model part of the same size reel.

I build them on swimbait blanks rated for the weight of the total rig.

50' = 600" 600/26= 23+ 600/29=20+ Looking at it this way it's about 3 extra cranks to retrieve 50' of line. I like faster reels when jig fishing to help catch up to a fish that picks up the bait and swims toward you. 3" extra IPT is an 11.5% increase in speed (3/26). It might seem a little more substantial when looked at as a %.

There's more than bearings that make a "lesser" reel lesser. Tolerances etc. may not allow much better casting than just cleaning and lubing the reel correctly. It won't hurt anything, just keep expectations realistic.

These things are nearly impossible to diagnose without seeing and hearing the reel. If symptoms can be pinpointed as beginning as the result of a specific incident I suggest sending it in for a look. Simple fixes can quickly turn into bigger problems if ignored too long.

The Pflueger spinning reels are great bang for the buck. I have a Ci4 in 2500 size and like it a lot as well. I don't think either will let you down.

I recommend a professional cleaning and proper lube of the stock bearings as a first step. If you've decided you want bearings I'm a Boca dealer and can supply your bearings at 10% off retail. As for gear swaps, main/pinion gear sets are directional so they must be made specifically for a left or right handed reel. PQ gears may work if the cases are the same size.

On a cost/benefit basis I recommend the following: 1. Deep cleaning/bearing flush and proper lube 2. Carbontex drag upgrade 3. Super Tuning (applies only to reels with solid spool shaft) 4. Bearing upgrade 5. Spool change if casting unusually light baits 6. Handles etc. There are a lot of variables that affect casting distance. If rod length, power, action, guide train, line used and conditions are all optimal, a bait of certain mass and aerodynamics will only fly so far regardless of spool speed. This why the biggest advantage of a well tuned and performing reel is ease of casting and the resulting accuracy. Distance is secondary in almost every circumstance except crank-baits.

It wouldn't hurt to have a 2nd hand reel gone through. In the meantime if none of the previous suggestions help and this is a newer model with the free floating spool check where the pinion shaft end contacts the spool. If they are dry/dirty it can make some noise.

Worry not. There are some economical choices that will still allow you a noticeable upgrade.

Enjoy your get-together everyone and kudos to the hosts/organizers, it's a lot of work to coordinate all the details to make an enjoyable day for a large group. Good luck and stay safe.

A similar style grip can be constructed using a Fuji SK2 reel seat and a hood covering grip.

Done, Thanks Goose!

We've relocated and are up and running at the new location. Effective immediately please ship reel for service to: Delaware Valley Tackle 116 Reid St Fort Plain, NY 13339 All other contacts remain unchanged. www.delawarevalleytackle.com mlawson@delawarevalleyatckle.com 973-459-2835 Please help me spread the word! Thanks, Mike