New Shimano 4000's

[eaglemaniac]

Hey Deewar: Has Shimano released any info on how to differentiate between there new fix and older stock? eman

 

[Deewar25]

not that I've seen, but its pretty obvious the first time you take it out on the downrigger (my first one wasn't brutal, but it did keep slipping away slowly). Best check is to hold onto the reel while cranking the drag as tight as you can, if it keeps spinning, its hosed. It should tighten so you can't tighten any more (without too much effort).

 

[cby]

I have used Shimano GT4000's for 7 years. In that time only one has cracked and replaced no questions asked. They are by far the best reel for the price they are currently at. You need to take care of this reel but no big deal.
1) Make sure there is about 30-50 yds of backing on the reel
2) Before you reel up your rods and go home for the day, reel them in with no tension. really easy.
3) Enjoy this awesome reel for cheap for many many years.

I have an MR2 Islander as well but I love the price of the GT4000's.

cby

 

[Big Green Machine]

I kept tightening the drag on mine because all I could hear when she was loaded up on the Downrigger was click, click...slow drag creep. I had to constantly either take up slack or tighten. Now I think I over tightened it. I can't loosen the drag, it's like seized. It's one of the early 4000 models. Any suggestions?

 

[Dave S]

Email Shimano and tell them the issue. They should replace it. Might need proof of purchase though.

Good luck.

 

[Gronk]

I bought one of the new 4000's about 2 months back when my old 4000 split apart. It also had the creeping drag problem. I ended up taking it back to the store where I purchased it and got my money back. I'm also still waiting for my old reel to be replaced but it must be busy in shamano land

 

[Big Green Machine]

My reel was purchased at Gone Fishin in either PA or Nanaimo about a year ago. I can't remember which store. I am leaving Qualicum tomorrow to return home to Kelowna. I hope I can find the receipt and I hope they will exchange it for a newer model.

 

[dohboy]

dave did u talk with shimano

 

[Dave S]

They haven't got back to me but the Westshore Sport fishing store says they will take my reel and get me a new one from Shimano. I gotta get on this.

 

[Dave S]

So I've got to send back to Shimano's local Authorized repair center in Surrey.

Deep Blue Marine Sales
(604) 581-5914
Address : Suite 800 10281 Grace Rd
Surrey , BC ,
V3V3V7

They have parts in stock to repair and then they send back. Talked to them today and they were helpful.

 

[Hog Tide]

just got my 4000s back after 4 months at deep blue sales.

apparently they replaced a part, im not sure what was replaced but i have my original spools and line.
i dont know why it took so long but they figured it out. im really not impressed that it took 4 months to take care of this.

 

[Deewar25]

took my dud back to Westshore a couple months back - gave me a replacement within a week, running absolutely perfect for me now (think I've had 4 trips with it). I 'believe' they were supposed to fix mine though but Craig wasn't around and they just replaced instead. Works.

 

[Enniberg]

I purchased a 4000 from Nikka in Steveston in May - used it for the first time in Ucluelet art the beginning of July - drag was impossible to tighten - frustrating!

Took the reel back to Nikka and they replaced it with a new one. Had exactly the same experience the first time I used it, put it away in frustration for a couple of days, but then gave it one more try - worked like a charm, brought a lot of fish to the boat, including a 36 lb spring - very smooth.

I have no explanation for this, but as for now, I'm happy

 

[abbyfireguy]

I have two older 4000's and two of the new ones. THe new ones had reel creep and the older ones a bit as well. I took the reels apart this week and the amount of grease on the shaft and drag washers was huge..
Removed all the grease and replaced the drag washers with carbontex ones from Mike's Reel repair. The drags now crank down much tighter.
All for $5.00 for all 4 reel drags. Cheap fix and a better grabbing drag .
After fixing level wind reels for 20 years, I was shocked with the wad of grease plopped on the center shaft. Simple error causing major issues with purchasers.

IAFF Local #18 (Vancouver Fire Rescue)

 

[Fish Assassin]

My friend got his New 4000's back from Shimano with the new upgrades done to them and they suck even more then when they went in. They creep a little less but when you loosen the drag 5-6 times around the drag still does not let lose till you pull the arber away from the casing. What a birds nest waitng to happen. This is just stupid. Way to go Shimano. Take one bad thing and make it worse.

They better do something quick. I want the old reels back.