Shimano ELF Reels

I bought a Shimano ELF 2500 for the other half to join me when I go for a flick, I managed to get a minute after work to pull it apart and was pleasantly surprised to find that it contradicted every word that the fella at B.C.F tried to paint it with - literally a throwback reel and some more curry that I won't mention here. Every word in the exploded diagram and the user manual and on the box was written in Japanese - so tending that this was not destined for the Aussie market originally?

So the Shimano ELF 2500 & the Shimano Raider Mexican Fire Barra Magnum 2pc for $199 - this in anticipation for our Darwin trip at the end of the year.

Anyhow some pics from the inside, it is identical to the Stradic's without the Paladin gear enhancement, the lower pinion bearing and the line roller bearing - I personally like the old school locking lugs on the handle spline unlike the screw in handles which can cross thread easily on newer reels. All these are pretty omittable in 99% of scenarios, personally as long as you look after the bushing in the line roller with good oil like Inox MX5 (with Teflon) it wont seize like a bearing.

Anyone looking for a cheap and sturdy reel (3 Ball Bearing + 1Anti Reverse Ball Bearing) and wants something better than a entry level Saros or Symetre or the lower models eg: Sedona, Sienna etc should look into this reel, as its identical to a Stradic and higher internally and has some neat features. Also the exterior is unique and pleasing in a sculpted way unlike other Shimano reels of todays standards.

The pictures below show the reel after cleaning and during reassembly with Inox grease & oils.

Update: The Shimano ELF reels have the following features - Shimano Reliance, ARC Spool, 3D Gears, X Aero Wrap, SR 3D Super Ship (predecessor to X Ship?), Saltwater ok etc. Some of the other features I cant read because its in Japanese...

[CLAY]

i myself looked into the elfs b4 i bought my 5 stradic c14 but found it too hard to get info for them, but i will say now if i knew this then i woulda went the elfs for shore, awsome looking reel

well done on the info slazmo

[vxcalais]

These are def a Japanese marketed model. The shallow spools are worth a look as well. They are import versions as their not even on the Shimano site. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SHIMANO-E...-/140911981703

These ones are sent out of Japan, Shallow spool in first pic.

[Nix88]

The new symetre look nice.the elfs I have seen on eBay but never actually used them.slazmo is there any provision in that reel to add any extra bb

Yeh one bearing in the line roller to replace the bush, another in the worm drive in the pawl to replace the inner bushing and possibly in the handle itself. I doubt that any of these would make the reel any better? Honestly 3bb and 1 at bearing is sufficient for most work, just keep up servicing & bushes would suffice.

For a reel of it's price it's very comparable with the Stradic range and better than the symetre and saros as these are still running locomotive spool oscillation, it works but worm drive is a cut above in my humble opinion.

[vxcalais]

Originally Posted by SLAZMO

Yeh one bearing in the line roller to replace the bush, another in the worm drive in the pawl to replace the inner bushing and possibly in the handle itself. I doubt that any of these would make the reel any better? Honestly 3bb and 1 at bearing is sufficient for most work, just keep up servicing & bushes would suffice.

For a reel of it's price it's very comparable with the Stradic range and better than the symetre and saros as these are still running locomotive spool oscillation, it works but worm drive is a cut above in my humble opinion.

I agree. Daiwa have mananged with many good reels to get away with bushes over roller bearings. Less damaged caused when silt gets in as well. These are top class reels.

[Jules01]

Good work and info Slazmo!!!

[matt jorg]

Great work mate, are the elfs a graphite frame??
Awesome value $ if they are as good as the saros I really rate that reel!
Cheers matt

[agz_67]

let me know how ya go with it mate. i bought one a while back as a cheapish but solid beach reel in the 4000 size. not sure if it was just the one i got but my braid kept getting cut at the bail join every few casts. other than that the reel was awesome and would buy another one if the line problem was just a one off.

Originally Posted by matt jorg

Great work mate, are the elfs a graphite frame??
Awesome value $ if they are as good as the saros I really rate that reel!
Cheers matt

Yeh full graphite frame, gave it a real good workout this morning and rate it smoother than my FJ Stradic of all things...

What I like about the ELF's is that design, looks timeless, nice and boxy design of old world shimano! Again think that this reel is a great starter and something people should consider if they're looking for a honest reliable reel.

It's got everything I would want in a reel, if they come down in price I may get one or two for the future.

[lukereneeseth]

good entry level reel. bit better quality than the Seido but still under the Saros. You get a lot of performance out of $100. If your a fan of the JDM reels at a small price then give the Shimano Complex BB a go @ $150. At least you get the 1 piece bail, X-Ship, both maintenance ports, weight reduction over the Elf, 6 bearings and aero wrap.

[MiSCrEANT]

I have one myself and they are great reels for the price. Got mine for 70 at PLAT.

Originally Posted by matt jorg

Great work mate, are the elfs a graphite frame??
Awesome value $ if they are as good as the saros I really rate that reel! Cheers matt

I too have the Saros 1000F - had it since early 2008 and caught a lot of fish on it and its been literally everywhere with me! Still a horse of a reel and goes strong, just keep it serviced and they will last a lifetime. My reels Paladin gear coating wore off in the first week, and the drag was replaced with Carbontex 1.5 years ago, and its still a fantastic reel, compared to the ELF, I would go the ELF for dollar value. The new Saros is a bit ugly in comparison to the last series and I cant really rate it internally, however from common knowledge its just a uprated Symetre which I do not like the current series at all...

Originally Posted by lukereneeseth

If your a fan of the JDM reels at a small price then give the Shimano Complex BB a go @ $150. At least you get the 1 piece bail, X-Ship, both maintenance ports, weight reduction over the Elf, 6 bearings and aero wrap.

The only problem with the Shimano Complex BB is that or even with any JDM reel its not a AUSDM landed reel, being so complex internally itself and trying to get spares through Shimano Australia would be a nightmare for someone getting into the game (they cant even send me parts I asked the first time and they were AUSDM reels) - if they could crossmatch the reels parts with others that would be fine. Not many people can or are willing to do this as one minute difference could cost you more than the reel in the end.

The ELF's are landed and have the 10 year warranty and are simplistic enough for any knuckledragger to service and maintain (no disrespect to anyone) - going JDM for $150 as you can encounter a lot of wins with features stated but on the flipside you could end up in one hell of a mess with getting parts if anything goes wrong. Dont get me wrong, I would like to have a Shimano Complex myself...

My post wasnt really anything to do with ELF Vs. JDM options - just stating my opinions about this reel for any rewbies that wanted a decent little reel with bang for buck.