I just recieved a new Citica 100dsv I ordered on line. This is my first shimano bait caster allthough I do have a scorpion and love it. My question regards the side plate for the centrifical brake adjustment. The plate feels loose even with the "key" turned in snug. Also even with all adjustment "loose" the spool spins less free than both my scorpion and my BPS Extreme. For you shimano regulars, is the loose side plate common? Will the spool and and retrieve become more smooth and free as it gets broke in? Just my luck I'm afraid I recieved a cull. Thanks in advance for your input and opinions.

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I dont know about the side plate as all mine have been tight. As far as the smoothness, they need a good day on the water to break in the factory grease. It should loosen up.

My question regards the side plate for the centrifical brake adjustment. The plate feels loose even with the "key" turned in snug.

I have never serviced one with a lose side plate. Are you making sure that the turn key is in the threads properly when your tightening it. It could be crossing and feeling tight, and not really tightening down. When I set the side plate on, I always turn the turn-key in reverse (loosen) to make sure that the treads are aligned, then tighten it down, should only take about 1 1/2 turns to tighten the side plate.. If not then return it, the side plate shouldn't be lose.

Also even with all adjustment "loose" the spool spins less free than both my scorpion and my BPS Extreme.

When you get the side plate tightened the way it should be, the bearings line up differently on the spool shaft with less binding, it will/would be smoother with a tight side plate. If it is still stiff when you get the side plate issue taken care of, then it is time to remove the spool support bearing packs and clean them out and re-oil them.

Just my .02¢

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

I Have one and love it.... I use it for small plastic's.  It has been a trooper in my Shimano arsenal.  Also have Curado 200 DPV and 200 DHSV, 300 DPV, and two Calcuttas.  One original 200 A, and a 200 B.  Give it a chance to swarm up.  Shimano is real good with repairs, or replacement parts.

Good Luck.

loose side plate...i dont know that the deal is here. i'd say make sure you are tightening it right like reelmechanic said, if not then return the reel.

not so free spool...i noticed when i first got mine that it was a little bit less free spinning than my other reels. i have since mounted it on a 6'6" MM rod and spooled it w/ 15lb test mono and toss cranks with it......casts like a DREAM!