I was looking at the two smallest sizes of Trion spinning reels today and noticed that the handle had a lot of play in it. Are they all like that, or was it because it was a display model?

I have a 4520. Nice little reel. What exactly are you referring to with regard to the "handle" play? The knob?

I have a 4520. Nice little reel. What exactly are you referring to with regard to the "handle" play? The knob?

It was where the knob connects to the arm.

I love my Trion. The arm probably wasn't tightened down.

i got one size up from the smallest and paired it with a 5'6 ugly stik pro-lite earlier this year, its one of my favorite combos. if there wasnt the slightest bit of play between the knob and the arm then you wouldnt be able to reel it, right? you certainly dont want the knob locked in place or real tight where it gets worn down. ive had no problems from mine and have landed bass up to 4lbs so far on it, great for throwing lightweight lures too...

I have two pflueger trions and they are great reels. No noticeable play in the handle.

Sounds like the handle wasn't tightened down all the way. Next time hold the spool with one hand and turn the handle with your other. If it is loose this will tighten it up.

Agreed, I have one and don't think there's any noticeable play. If the whole handle assembly feels loose then it probably needs to be tightened with the directions above. IMO it's been a great reel for the price, mine has been beat up pretty bad and dunked in a pond/creek/mudhole more than a few times. Haven't had any issues with it in ~yr.

I think what he means is NOT where the handle screws in to the sideplate, rather where the wooden knob connects to the end of the handle. The knob spindle on those is riveted to the handle. There is no bushing or bearing.

Mine has a little play side to side, but not excessive. A drop of heavy oil will do it a lot of good.

Trions are bad **** little reels. I have the 25 size going on 4 years now and it's literally got hundreds of fish to it's credit. The $40 reel that thinks it's a $140 dollar reel...

I think what he means is NOT where the handle screws in to the sideplate, rather where the wooden knob connects to the end of the handle. The knob spindle on those is riveted to the handle. There is no bushing or bearing.

Mine has a little play side to side, but not excessive. A drop of heavy oil will do it a lot of good.

Trions are bad **** little reels. I have the 25 size going on 4 years now and it's literally got hundreds of fish to it's credit. The $40 reel that thinks it's a $140 dollar reel...

Yes, that is exactly what I was talking about.

I just bought a Trion 4520 and it's a heck of a reel for $30. I've been terrorizing the local bluegill population with it.

There IS a little play where the rosewood knob connects to the handle, but I wouldn't call it excessive. Maybe .020" or so. Like Bilgerat said, there's no bushing or bearing in there so a little play is necessary. If it fit too tight, the knob wouldn't turn.

Tom