i might agree with you on that as well.  I baby my stuff for the most part and i would say that most or all of my stuff is worn at a pretty equal rate EXCEPT the ci4+....  it has more scratches and wear on the top of the line guide area than any of my other reels by far.

How is it getting dinged up? I haven't had that happen, but I keep my reel in a sleeve when I'm not using it. Just normal dings or what? I want to ensure this doesn't happen to me.

How is it getting dinged up? I haven't had that happen, but I keep my reel in a sleeve when I'm not using it. Just normal dings or what? I want to ensure this doesn't happen to me.

 

yeah just normalish looking scratches.... i would say that i take equal care of all my equipment (but more so this one combo as it is by far my most expensive).  for some reason it just seems to show the small scuffs and scratches much more so than my other reels of the same and different brands....  no big deal since it still performs like a beast, but sucks that it is easier to scratch.

Thanks. I'll continue to be careful. Surprising coming from Shimano. I've always thought their paint jobs were top notch.

Scratches don't effect the reels performance. It's like a car, they don't do anything but you still want it to look pretty.

Thanks. I'll continue to be careful. Surprising coming from Shimano. I've always thought their paint jobs were top notch.

 

 

Scratches don't effect the reels performance. It's like a car, they don't do anything but you still want it to look pretty.

 

yeah it's just cosmetic, the reel is still incredible.  it just sucks to look at my $275 reel that looks like i've drug it behind my truck when compared to my other reels that look nearly new out of the box....  

Showdown update: Ci4+ is a wild child. Digging it though. Finally found something that feels good on the Zodias. I might do a lengthy write-up at season's end or before; JDM Met prices are still falling and I think Mets are going to soon be attainable for those who previously wrote them off due to price.

 

Plus, showdowns are cool.

 For less than $50 more I chose the '13 Met over the Chronarch.  I have more faith in the mg frame over the long haul.

 For less than $50 more I chose the '13 Met over the Chronarch.  I have more faith in the mg frame over the long haul.

That was my thought also at first. I own both, and I can't say I see much difference. The Met is overall a tiny bit smoother, but I feel like I get more sensitivity with the Chronarch. The Met may end up being a little more bulletproof, but so far so good on the Chronarch. I haven't had any issues a couple other people have talked about due to scratches. For me, it's a toss up. I guess if you put a gun to my head I'd pick a Met because I've never heard anything negative about them from anyone.

I have concerns about long term durability of aluminum micro gears under heavy use conditions. But I suppose replacing a gear set every 2-3 years wouldn't be the end of the world.

Good point. I've fished mine for almost two seasons now. I don't think there's been anything noticeable with the gears. Time will tell. I kinda just trust Shimano's reputation for durability.