Dan Isaac

BNT 5421 ANTI REVERSE CLUTCH

I have indeed seen/heard of this. Especially on reels from over seas. I do not know why just from over seas but this is the 4th one I've heard of. Backing the drag all of the way off is allowing the AR sleeve to hang and the most likely cause was "hung" anti-reverse and when you turned the handle it broke it free but now you will have a noisy AR clutch. Tick tick tick tick? If so that is most likely the cause. AR will need changed. Dan

Grease coagulation would be the only issue I would be concerned with, and that would in most cases only effect the drag system. Easily remedied with a service, but I would caution installing a new aftermarket drag in any reel containing aluminum gears. Just installing cross/carbon sets in a reel with aluminum gears can cause issues and gear teeth rolling over. Those drags (stock) are a wet drag system and going to a lockable drag will defeat the purpose of smooth drag operation. There are ways to increase drag pressure a bit without risking gear damage. Aftermarket is not always the answer.....Dan

Sure, I use the 400C for glidebaits, and swimbait apps where quicker line pickup is a plus. I prefer the 400Ds slower 5.1 gear ratio and 27 inch per crank intake vs the 400Cs 5.7 - 30 inch per crank though for most of my big swimbait fishing. Either is a great platform and it really comes down to personal preference and cost. Dan Thank you for the kind words and vote of confidence Tom.

Bent bail wire. Easy fix. Dan

Your right on in your observation. The CT400D will do everything you need it to do and NO in my opinion the Conquests cost does not translate to better performance IMHO, and I fish both..... Dan

The CU 70i is one of the best offerings to come out of Shimano in awhile. That is one bad Lil unit. Highly recommended . Dan

sounds like one of your brake pins is loose. Reach in and see if any pull outwards. That's usually what causes the intermitent starting stopping. Dan