I have a citica that I was wondering if it possible to change the gearing to a lower ratio. I know they make a 5.5:1 ratio in the right hand mode, but not left. I figure if I can change the gearing it will give me a cranking reel and then I can get a higher speed reel for other applications that I would use more often.

Thanks

Change the crank and the pinion gear. I dont see why it wouldnt work.

I've done it with Curados going from 3.8 to 6.3.  It cost me $30 for the gears but that was a few years ago.  Call Shimano America and see what they say.

Thanks guys.  I am gonna give them a call and give it a shot.  I figure worse comes to worse i screw up and send it off to DVT to fix my mistakes

You can't put right hand gears in a left hand reel.

You can't put right hand gears in a left hand reel.

X2.......................

You can't put right hand gears in a left hand reel.

That makes almost to much sense

They might have them via JDM channels. I suppose you could try Japan tackle or Plat, but it's going to cost you.  I know lefty crankers have been a big hole in Shimano's line up for a long time.  About all I can suggest is to look elsewhere.  Daiwa makes several lefty low IPT in left hand models.  I personally use a righty for cranking, but have found the Alphas/Sol platform to be perfect for this.  They're not too hard to find on the used/eBay market, and there are some pretty cool, inexpensive performance upgrades available, like Carbontex Drags and ABEC 5 stainless bearings (both upgrades I've put in my three Sols and Alphas) that really bring the reel up a notch, if you're interested in that kind of thing.

Check with Shimano if the Chronarch 201E5's gears will work?

Like JF said there is a hole in the lefty cranking reels with Shimano.  I went with a used Cardiff 101 and had it tuned to get my affordable cranking reel.

Parts and labor add up to a good start toward an inexpensive extra reel

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I tried to use a right handed reel and i just can't do it...to many years fly fishing and using a spinning reel with a left hand retrieve i guess.

 

So it sounds possible and not super expensive so i guess i have some decisions to make....

If I'm not mistaken, E series gears do not work in G series reels.

If I'm not mistaken, E series gears do not work in G series reels.

I actually have both an E and G series and i am not partial to which one i would be making the change to other than obvious cost differences.

 

It seems dumb that if you can make a gear swap on your own that Shimano doesn't offer the reel in a different gear ratio.  I was also looking at TW and they had last year's Revo WInch reel on sale for $159.99 which is what got me to thinking if i wanted to spend that much on a reel that i won't use all the time or modify an existing reel and save a little coin.

Let Shimano know.  They've long said that marketing entry/mid level left hand models in the US just isn't worth it.  I guess they figure anyone that specialized wilstep up to the Chronarch line.

Lefty 5.2 PQ's were all over eBay (may still be) in the last week or so for $~50.00. Citica E's (which can have 5:1 gears swapped into it) are $50-70.