Sammies77

The best spinning reel under a hundred bucks imo is the daiwa ss1300. Otherwise I would spend an extra 40 bucks and get a new stradic fk on ebay. A lot of people like the president, but the few I had were pretty much toast after a season of hard use.

Falcon bucoo

I used to be a shimano rod fan, but they've really dropped the ball in the rod department in the past 3 or so years.

Yep, I had one that I bought around 2002, it was a great rod for the price. Really nice cork and build quality. Here's a review tackletour did on one back then...http://www.tackletour.com/reviewquarrowotc665f.html

"The reason why is because when the reels are deemed seconds, the product code located on the bar code of the box is removed from thier system." Like I you asked before in the other thread where you made this exact same post...where does it state any of your above quote on shimano's site??? Do you have two boxes from the same model shimano reel with different numbers on them??? Let's see some facts to back up your claim that reels sold on ebay are seconds. Here's the exact text from Shimanos site that you linked. I see nothing about seconds or product codes. Q: Do I need a receipt to make a warranty claim with Shimano? A: Yes; a receipt from an Authorized Shimano Retailer* is a requirement for Shimano warranty claims. Claims without a receipt will not be accepted. * An Authorized Shimano Retailer will possess a brick and mortar shop. Shimano will not warranty product that was purchased through online auction sites (i.e. e-bay etc.) due to the fact that we cannot trace the origin of the product.

The product code is removed from thier system? Where does it state this on shimano's site? Are you saying that every shimano reel box is individually numbered? Here's the exact text copied from that shimano link. Do I need a receipt to make a warranty claim with Shimano? A: Yes; a receipt from an Authorized Shimano Retailer* is a requirement for Shimano warranty claims. Claims without a receipt will not be accepted. * An Authorized Shimano Retailer will possess a brick and mortar shop. Shimano will not warranty product that was purchased through online auction sites (i.e. e-bay etc.) due to the fact that we cannot trace the origin of the product.

True, but most reels people buy on eBay don't have serial numbers. I did notice my new stradic fk has a serial number on it but it's the low gear ratio Japanese model. Not sure if shimano usa has started putting serial numbers on reels or not.

Are you talking about eBay? I've never paid a dime on shipping or taxes on a single reel I've bought on ebay.

I had the 7'1" m/h jwr. Wasn't impressed at all, sold it after I used it twice. For the price the Avid is much better. Same goes for the newer Imx rods.

Hmmmm. I didn't think you could pay any other way anymore, you used to be able to years ago. I guessif you paid them directly you could, but that's definitely not a good idea.

That's the only way you can pay on ebay is with paypal.

Yep, nothing but great reels and service from them! I've bought at least 20 reels on ebay. None of them were blemished or returned or "refurbished". It's pretty easy to tell if a reel has been taken apart. They were all in factory wrapping new in the box. I did however buy 1 reel on ebay from Japan tackle that came without the plastic bag, but it was still new.

The reason Shimano doesn't warranty ebay reels is because you don't have receipt from a shimano dealer. You could buy a brand new reel from bass pro and lose the receipt and it's not warrantied. Has nothing to do with refurbished reels or serial numbers. Don't do it!! It's blemished and refurbished! Lol

This is total nonsense. What serial numbers are you talking about? All your buddy had to do was get a refund through ebay, it's simple.

There is no "them", ebay is just an outlet for businesses and people to sell products. You have a MUCH better chance of getting a returned or screwed up reel from a place like bass pro or cabela's where everyone and thier brother has played with it or possibly even returned it. I've bought more reels on ebay than anywhere else, never had a single problem. I only buy reels from reputable dealers though. I wouldn't buy a reel from someone on ebay who has let's say one reel for sale that's "new in the box". They probably bought it and it had issues so they sell it on ebay.

The curado has 3 arb bearings and 2 stainless steel bearings vs 5 stainless steel in the citica. That's the only difference between the two reels and it's unnoticeable performance wise. People will still pay more for the curado just because it's a "curado". Then they'll tell you how it's smoother and casts farther than the citica. Lol

Yep. The curado and citica are nearly identical. If they were painted the same color they would be impossible to tell apart.

Yes. If that's how it was spooled in the picture.

No, don't add the shim back. If you do then the line lay will go back to the way it was. Is the picture you posted before or after you removed the shim? Because that's how it should look on that reel, tapered towards the bottom of the spool. Edit: I don't remember my daiwa ss 1300s having spool shims, but I may be wrong. Was the shim you removed a single thick nylon washer? Or did it have multiple washers? If there's no washer there at all now you need to put the original one back on.

I got mine on ebay for 255. Fantastic reel, plus it's made in Japan

I'd check out the new mojo bass rods, you could get 7 instead of 4 avids. I really love my avids though. Also check out the falcon bucoo casting rods.

River smallmouth aren't very picky, get the bait in front of them and more than likely they will eat it. Learning how to read the current and using it to properly present your bait to the fish is more important. Some of my favorite river smallmouth baits are: Buzzbaits Spinnerbaits X raps and pointers 1/4 oz Rattle traps and red eye shads Pearl Flukes Mann's baby 1- Kvd square bills Bandit 200 and bomber 4a's Jig-n-craw, tubes And the yum christie craw is my absolute favorite soft plastic for river smallmouth. For water temps under 40 the erie darter jr is my go to bait.

Trilene big game

Why is that?

So the level wind is better on the bb1??? I'm intrigued, please elaborate.