You can use the handle from the new Curado 201E7 models. You will lose the clicking drag if you change the handle. There is no slot for the spring to pass through on this handle.

No

You might want to ask this in the reel forum. I do not work with the aftermarket companies.

These reels all have direct drive. The gear ratios will vary by size and model. If you need gears then why not call to order them? Just because a reel has 6.0:1 gears does not mean they will work in another model. Stella FA (larger sizes 4000+) FB, FD, FE Sustain FD, FE Stradic FI Saros F Thunnus F,...

I will pass that info along to the supervisor.

We test all the rods on a special machine made just to break rods. It lifts the rod vertical to "candy cane" the rod. Trust me the rods are much stronger than most people believe. The rods can break from being damaged prior. In most cases the graphite will get dinged by contact with something leadin...

On the bottom of the reel and one in the back of the reel on the new frame. If you are not fishing in saltwater then there is no need to worry about the frame replacement.

The 4000 spool will not work. The Stradic 4000 is built on different tooling (larger) and parts will not swap.

Shimano has owned GLoomis since 1997. We did not make any changes to the materials or components used on their rods. The NRX is actually a stronger rod than the GLX because of the new graphite and nano resin.

I do not have all the specs on the foreign model reels. I only handle the North American market. We used to receive the catalogs from Shimano Japan but I have not seen the 2011 one yet.

The new version is a different rod. Same materials and actions, but different lengths and style.

Old- 2 drain slots

New- 3 drain slots

Are you sure there is not a loop in the line that you may have wound over? When you say it is there sometimes and not others tells me there is no mechanical issue with the reel.

We advise one drop of oil per season. The gears do take grease and too much oil will remove the grease from the gears. By adding one drop you will not do any damage.

If you are going to replace the main gear then you will need to also replace the pinion gear and oscillation gear. These all wear together and will need to be replaced to make sure the reel feels smooth. If you just replace the main gear then you will have issues with noise and gear feel. Why do you...