I have a new shimano metanium mgl 2016 and there is sometimes a little play when i turn the handle to re engage the thumb bar. Is this normal or is there something wrong with it?

Yea, those are actually junk reels. I will give you $150 for it. Better take it now.

lol yeah right

I was looking for advice but thanks anyway

Now is there only play in the handle when you play with it or does it have play when it’s left untouched as well?  

Does it affect your ability to catch fish? I have owned 100+ Shimano reels over the last few years and I have heard of this "play" in the handle, but it has never, and I mean never impacted my ability to catch fish. 

I love the reel i just dont know if its supposed to be that way. Its the first one i have ever owned...so i dont know.

11 minutes ago, ironside1983 said:

I have a new shimano metanium mgl 2016 and there is sometimes a little play when i turn the handle to re engage the thumb bar. Is this normal or is there something wrong with it?

Nothing wrong. The kick lever doesn't always land in a tooth of the trip ratchet when you depress the thumb bar.  Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Rotating the handle forward will set the lever. It's not play. It's not a problem.

Thank you.... someone who actual has some advice.

I've just never spent that much on a reel and i got it from japan and i wanted to make sure I didn't get taking for a ride.

Some reels will have alittle more play in the handle than others. It comes down to fit and finish. 

I have several aldebarans and one has more handle play than the others. Its still a great reel but when comparing side by side, its very noticeable.

 

Normal.  Most Shimano reels have some play in them.

14 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Does it affect your ability to catch fish? I have owned 100+ Shimano reels over the last few years and I have heard of this "play" in the handle, but it has never, and I mean never impacted my ability to catch fish. 

100+!   Now we know the real reason why they are sometimes sold out. 

 

I only have 9 Shimano's, but they all have a little play or they are doing what Phish Li said. As everyone else has said, everything is normal. Just go fish and have fun!