SHIMANO CHRONARCH DESIGN FLAW

one2fish · March 09, 2007, 04:08:14 PM

On top frame of the new Chronarch 100B are 3 tiny chrome pieces of metal. One has the logo and the other two little pieces are , I suppose, on there to keep from scratching the top of the spool housing. They are very insecurely attached and I lost two of these today while out fishing. No big thing but Shimano's reputation for high quality and perfectionist design went out the window (or into the lake) with these little gizmo pieces. The reel now looks like a junky ole two bit reel until I order some parts and epoxy them on some way. Bottom line...Shimano sure lost some respect from this dyed-in-the-wool, long-time, only- reels- I- use guy....and I have at least 12 of various models at last count. Anybody else having this kind of problem with the new Chronarchs?? I hope not !!

Paul Keith · March 09, 2007, 04:22:28 PM

Sounds like you may have just gotten a bad part on that reel. I have several of them and put about 250 days a year on all of them and have never had one come loose. Sounds like just a bad part put on at the factory...How does the reel perform for you since the cosmetic flaw happened?

bassin_man · March 09, 2007, 04:23:25 PM

Thats the first I have heard this. Could be a design flaw or a flaw in your particular reel. The local Shimano rep is at the local Cabela's this weekend and I will let him know of this for sure. But then again I'm not sure how good of a rep he is since he pretty much told me the Castaic was a pos.

one2fish · March 09, 2007, 05:46:13 PM

I have had three responses from other bass fishermen that these tiny parts on the Chronarch are not securely fixed and have fallen off. My response to Shimano is that they should never have installed a part on any one of their reels that would literally fall off....much less a reel of the quality of a Chronarch. This is the first problem of this kind I have experienced in about 30 of the high-dollar Shimanos I've owned over the years. Disappointed? You bet. Especially since I have always recommended Shimano so highly. No, I'm sure not going to some other brand...but I do think their design people should know they have a problem with these tiny little, poorly-attached, pieces they put on top of these newer Chronarchs to obstensibly solve what was never a real problem (at least for me) to begin with. Nuff said.

Paul Keith · March 09, 2007, 07:38:58 PM

Like you said, not any problems in 30 high dollar reels and one cosmetic problem arises and your that bummed out...? Just because a part has come off does not mean that Shimano is about to crumble as a company. Believe me, if there is an ongoing problem with the reel they will fix it and end the problem. If that has been your ownly problem in 30 reels, you have no problems. Besides Shimono will usually fix or replace the reel without any hassles.

one2fish · March 11, 2007, 02:44:23 PM

Thanks, Paul, for setting me straight. You are right, I shouldn't let that little problem with that one Chronarch bother me. Shimano/Loomis are the ones who pretty much set the standard for the higher quality rods and reels we use. I'll leave it at that. Nuff said.

ʇuǝɹq™ · March 12, 2007, 12:21:16 AM

Quote from: one2fish on March 11, 2007, 02:44:23 PM
Thanks, Paul, for setting me straight. You are right, I shouldn't let that little problem with that one Chronarch bother me. Shimano/Loomis are the ones who pretty much set the standard for the higher quality rods and reels we use. I'll leave it at that. Nuff said.

Gotta love the hostility.

mlakrid · March 12, 2007, 06:44:42 AM

Quote from: brent on March 12, 2007, 12:21:16 AM
Gotta love the hostility.

Personally I think this entire thread should be deleted...
A guy makes an account SOLELY to come in here and

about Shimano...

I say, call Shimano... I have NEVER had an incident they didnt make right...
On an old corsair I had a major problem, the reel would seize up about every 6th turn, then I would have to disengage the reel and start over.. very frustrating...

But when I contacted Shimano they sent me another reel free of charge, and I was not even required to send the old one back.

I might add I still have the reel and it was nothing short of replacing a $15 part, which meant I paid the same price for two reals...

OH NOES!!

Mike A!
Land O Lakes, FL

OHbassaholic · March 12, 2007, 10:06:23 AM

I don't like the new Chronarchs, my opinion is that they ruined a very good product. I have two of the SFs and when they re-engineered the reel, it didn't feel as smooth in operation nor did it look as good.

I agree that Shimano will back this new reel, so make contact to get things taken care of. For me, I just won't buy one for the reasons I already mentioned.

Gabby · March 12, 2007, 04:33:55 PM

I have a couple Castaics (which I love), and a couple of the Curado SFs (from a couple years ago). I also have two of the regular Curados, and I think those are the most dependable. I can understand being a little ruffled by a small defect when you shell out the money for a high $$ reel, but I think everyone who has ever used a Shimano reel can agree that they are quality products!

I have heard great things about Diawa, and I have a Johnny Morris baitcaster - but I have just never even wanted to try anything else other than Shimano.

OHbassaholic · March 12, 2007, 10:45:21 PM

I guess I should have stated that I currently own 2 Cruxis, 2 Curado Bantams, 2 Castaics, 2 Castaic SFs and 2 Chronarch SFs. That's just the BCs! You could say that I believe in their products.

one2fish · March 24, 2007, 01:18:38 PM

JUST FOR THE RECORD: Shimano has, since my first posting, sent replacement parts for the Chronarch (gratis) and I am appreciative of that. I used epoxy glue and think that will hold these pieces on ok. No question, Shimano has very high standards for quality and a user reputation second to no one else in the tackle biz. All the 15 casting reels I now use are Shimanos...from Curados up to Calais...and I like them all..... and continue to highly recommend them....including these newest Chronarchs. Nuff said. Jim M

coldfront · March 24, 2007, 04:32:48 PM

Quote from: one2fish on March 24, 2007, 01:18:38 PM
JUST FOR THE RECORD: Shimano has, since my first posting, sent replacement parts for the Chronarch (gratis) and I am appreciative of that. I used epoxy glue and think that will hold these pieces on ok. No question, Shimano has very high standards for quality and a user reputation second to no one else in the tackle biz. All the 15 casting reels I now use are Shimanos...from Curados up to Calais...and I like them all..... and continue to highly recommend them....including these newest Chronarchs. Nuff said. Jim M

Figured once you contacted Shimano they'd make it right...if not, then I'd love to hear the gnashing of teeth...