Bail springs breaking

panger · #1 15-07-2003, 07:03 PM

I just had the bail spring snap on my Daiwa Spinstar Z. Luckily it didn't affect my fishing too much, still managed to catch a PB flathead on it. Daiwa are sending me a replacement free of charge.

My question is how often does this happen? It hasn't happened to me before. I opened up my old retired Shimano FX2000 to compare the spings and it's bail spring is built completely differently to the Daiwa and looks pretty unbreakable. Is this just a weakness in the Daiwa design?

Wacko · #2 16-07-2003, 12:29 AM

Bad design??? Dude, you are talking about an $80 reel.
You get what you pay for I guess. Thats not to say it's a bad reel, but Daiwa have to cut corners somewhere to sell the reel at that price.
I just bought a Daiwa Samurai reel for my Dad and they are absolute and utter crap. Bought it cause' he does'nt fish that often so thought a cheaper reel would suffice- bad move- I feel like throwing the thing in the bin!
The higher priced Daiwas on the other hand are very good reels. I own the older Regal-Z and it's performed beautifully throughout the years. Also bought the Mid-priced Daiwa (can't remember the model/ it's not the Laguna) and this one has performed quite well also.
I'm impressed that Daiwa are giving you a new part. Is the reel new/under warranty still??

Wacko.

panger · #3 16-07-2003, 01:12 AM

Wacko,
I know what you mean but what I'm saying is my Shimano FX is an even cheaper reel which doesn't look like it could even have the same problem. Given the money paid I'm still very happy with the reel, I'll just be much more careful when closing the bail.

The reel has had a bit under a year of fairly constant use. It is under warranty but I'm guessing a failed spring would not technically be covered because it's due to normal wear and tear. Anyway the Daiwa guys didn't even ask whether it was under warrantly and said it would be free.