Fishing Victoria Forum

Hi guys, been away for a while. Anyway, was after a new semi cheap real for reddies and trout so looked at a new Sienna but was dissapointed to see they have gone from 3 ball bearings to just 1 ball bearing. I have a Sienna 1000 but wanted a 2500. I passed on the idea of less bearings for a few reasons but anyway saw a Sedona with 3 on sale so thought that'd do. I spool it up though and try the drag and its all crap lumpy. I'm thinking maybe a washer has an edge, catching or whatever so open the drag.
Its just got 1 lousy felt washer, that's it. What happened to having a few, multi disc drag washers? Luckily I kept from years ago an old Tica which had a great drag, super smooth fibre washers. I tried one and it fitted great and now the drags good, thankfully as I was thinking I'd done my $75. Am I right in thinking Shimano quality is on the drop because this recent experience with the Sienna getting less bearings and the Sedona getting just 1 lousy rubbish felt washer is telling me personally they are.

Make a quality, affordable product and build a reputation.

Release an 'updated' version which is **** but popular because of the name for slightly more money.

Rinse and repeat.

Yep, seems that way. I was gobsmacked when I saw the 1 crap looking washer.

Is it only the cheaper end Shimano reels or will it effect the stradics also.
Had them.for a few years and no problems yet

I think the drop in quality is restricted to the lower entry cost reels, the medium to high end reels are still good quality.

hornet wrote:I think the drop in quality is restricted to the lower entry cost reels, the medium to high end reels are still good quality.

I agree the old Sienna FD were pretty much bullet proof but the newer ones are like a showbag look good on the outside but are full of sh!t

My 2c worth
I wouldnt purchase a new Shimano hi level Reel-Why
Costs Heaps and there are 2 many bearings to stuff up
I have 6 Twin Power and 6 Stradic 2500 ,2002 Reels-All made in JAPAN - Less mooving parts too go Bad
Ive got a few later model 2500 and 3000 Twin Powers and they stuff up more than the older ones
Stick with the old ones-Made in Japan-Quality built in by the operator ,not a Proceedure from a distant country

Price you pay for previously higher spec ideas and technology like arc spools for example filtering down the lines. Things that aren't exactly necessary like ball bearings are replaced by cheaper bushes in order to maintain the reels market price point.

As for the drag, just clean the washer and lightly regrease with decent drag grease. There's nothing wrong with a single felt washer in a budget reel. In fact I have a Daiwa Certate 2004 finesse custom that has a single drag washer as you can see here (part number 4)

Penn Slammers from dinga are <$100 and have a really nice drag with a couple of carbon washers if you want to look at something other than shimano

4liters wrote:Penn Slammers from dinga are <$100 and have a really nice drag with a couple of carbon washers if you want to look at something other than shimano

Interesting I've never really considered them before might be worth a look.