I just got my new Core today . Even when i tighten the drag an crank the handle there is a little not much but just a little back play where when i stop cranking the handle will back up just a little . Since i dont have Shimano's is this normal ? Also when i push down the thumb bar an spin the spool it does not turn very much .Thanks in advance for your time.

the backplay is normal for a shimano...generally, there is less of it the tighter the drag.

as to the spool not turning, sometimes reels are shipped with everything locked down tighter than dick's hatband...loosen the cast control knob to where the spool barely rocks in a sideways motion...this should allow the spool to spin more freely, assuming the reel is adequately lubed.

lube and oil that shimano core. i bought two at a good price new and noticed that they weren't well oiled. oiled it and it went by two times on the worm gear.. a couple of the Revo STXs came without too much lube as well too.

Go to Shimano product support on this forum and see what Dan (aka Bantam 1) has to say he is here to help us

Anyone know of any super deals on a Core? I want to stay with shimano but im leaning towards other names.

check out ebay iv seen them for 275 new

Sometimes the anti-reverse bearings come over lubed from the factory. I would try cleaning it out then take a q-tip with one or two drops of oil on  it and swab it around the rollers inside of the bearing.

This thread was copied in the Shimano section. We'll see what our

Shimano Man has to say, but there is nothing wrong with your reel.

8-)

Anyone know of any super deals on a Core? I want to stay with shimano but im leaning towards other names.

Although the Core is a 10/10, the CH50MG is on sale for $181.88.

This is a great reel at a fantastic price.

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SHCSF50.html

8-)

Thanks for all the info