I recently traded up to the Symetre from a Pflueger President both in a 2500 series reel.  I like the reel for the most part but one thing does bug me.  The handle pivots inward and many times I find it is blocking the bail as I'm either releasing or engaging it.  Does anyone else find this annoying?  What's the purpose of designing it this way?

I have a Symetre 2500 (couple of years) and have never had a problem like this (actually any problem)...

skillet

It's probably loose and needs tightened up.  Some reels have fold up handle designs for making them more compact for storage.  If you loosen them some then the handle will fold inward.  Not sure that's the problem here cause I don't have a Symetre, but it's something to look at.

You can loosen the other side and adjust it in or out. Make sure it is real tight when you have it right.

As others have said, it sounds like the handle is not tight.

You should have posted in the Shimano Support forum.

I recently traded up to the Symetre from a Pflueger President both in a 2500 series reel. I like the reel for the most part but one thing does bug me. The handle pivots inward and many times I find it is blocking the bail as I'm either releasing or engaging it. Does anyone else find this annoying? What's the purpose of designing it this way?

It's not a design flaw.

Post in the Shimano section. If there is a simple answer,

Bantam1 will tell you what needs to be done. Otherwise,

the reel should be returned for exchange or sent to Shimano

for repair or replacement.

8-)

Just returned from fishing.  Just as others have suggested I tightened up the handle and it's working GREAT!  Very simple solution.  Thanks to all.