After what happened to me this week at a large chain sporting goods store I have sworn off buying combos.

I purchased a Pflueger reel and All Star rod combo this week. After getting it home and putting some line on the spool I went out to the backyard to try casting and I noticed the brake didn't work at all. I tightened it to the max and the spool would still spin freely. I know that on my Abu Garcia reel the brake knob fully tightened will stop the reel from spinning.

I also noticed the spool was a little loose on the sides so I unscrewed the brake knob and it seemed to me something was missing. I checked the parts list and there was indeed some washers or something missing from under the brake knob.

I returned it and when I went to make the exchange with the salesperson we noticed the brake knob for the only other combo like it in the store was missing! Someone was messing with the combos in that store. Rather than try my luck with a possible tapered with combo I upgraded to a seperate reel (In a box) and rod purchase.

I feel bad for someone that might have purchased that combo and swore off baitcasting because they didn't realize the brake was not working.

You've got to expect that, being that they are out on the floor for anyone to mess with. Plus the way some of the stores place their anti-theft devices looks like they would really jack up the merchandise.

Combos are good for what they are.  Recreational and entry level fishing.  Anything a little more serious than that and combos start sucking.  I used the Quantum ones for years, but they are long gone now.  Operation Upgrade is in full swing ;D

Even at Bass Pro Shops,  the reels right at the counter will be missing cast control knobs.

I gave up buying reels from chain stores.

good post....i worked for sears back when they sold the fishing/boating stuff, and yep....people will steal all kinds of parts off the combos. try out everything before you buy it.

sometime i'll post about the kid that took a big rapala lure out of the box and shoved it into his pocket. i had never seen a shoplifter ask for help before that one  ;D

sometime i'll post about the kid that took a big rapala lure out of the box and shoved it into his pocket. i had never seen a shoplifter ask for help before that one  ;D

Hahah! That's too funny! ;D What happened with that one?

sometime i'll post about the kid that took a big rapala lure out of the box and shoved it into his pocket. i had never seen a shoplifter ask for help before that one

Ouch!  

Now that is pure stupidity... ;D

Karma is almost instant..... 8-)

Tight Lines!!!!