Shimano Reel is Cr*p Shocker!

[Houseplant]

My Shimano GTE-B Baitrunner gave up the ghost today ruining my chub fishing trip and destroying about £15 worth of braid. I'm not happy

 

Fortunately, I hade my pike rod to keep me entertained. Anyway, the reel is just under 2.5 years old and while I admit it's had some heavy use, I've taken good care of it. The spool doesn't move with the turn of the handle causing the line to be laid in one place. I've never been happy with the reel. The glitzy cosmetics started to come off on its first few outings and it's never been as smooth as my 10 year old Shimano reels.

 

Ironically, I didn't want this reel when it was first released and specifically ordered from a store that had its forerunner left in stock. They surprised me by sending the GTE-B at no extra cost!

 

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/forums/Baitrun...-GTE-t3974.html

 

Is it worth writing to Shimano to see if they can offer a free repair this far down the line or shall I stick it in the bin? I certainly wouldn't want to pay anything for a repair.

Edited February 23, 2008 by Sipadan

[chesters1]

always worth a try but few reels are repaired by importers just replaced if they break.

spares are thing of the past in most cases.

if its the bailarm spring gone they are pretty samey on most modern reels so spares of those could be available as they dont last long!

Edited February 23, 2008 by chesters1

[Peter Waller]

Just remind 'em that Okuma give a five year warranty!

[Ken L]

Okuma give a five year warranty!

 

They do but be careful what you buy. I have an 5 size Epix Baitfeeder reel that's crap. The reel stem flexes under load and makes it impossible to keep pressure on a big fish whilst reeling in.

That said, some of their TOTR stuff looks nice.

[Neil G]

Well if Shimanos bike products are anything to go by it doesn't surprise me that their reels are sub standard as well