wow, 4 inch stick = 5/16 oz, that's some heavy plastic.

for light plastics, I would use either a scorpion mg/ scorpion or daiwa alpha/sol. you would really amaze how much sensitivity a lighter reel gets you when pairing with a light rod.

Has any try any of those teflon dry lube spray on the level wind worm shaft? (like elmer's slide-all, DuPont Multi-Use Lubricant.. ). It suppose to leave an slick teflon surface deposit on the sprayed item without the usual oil or grease that can attract dirt or other stuff that can foul and gunk up...

Take a look at your reel schematic. There should be 2 or 3 washer on the main shaft (including the metal one), you have to take them off one by one, it wont budge if you pull them all at once. a small flat head screw driver should make you job a lot easier when separating them washers.

You might have a defective level wind system. I am not quite sure that you reel is related to this press release, but I would suggest that you give them a call. Shimano people always nice and willing to help

Link to the shimano press release on early batch of curado reels

excellent reel except they installed the handle on the wrong side. Wonder how long it take for them to figure that one out.

remember folks, right handed reel is not right...

yep, quantum made the best reel. couple years back, they introduce the US600 baitcaster, according to their marketing department, it's the finnest reel ever made, sure enough, it rank on top with the best of them at birdnesting. best 150 bucks I ever spend. I have not touch the name quantum ever sin...

exceler & tierra are basically the same spec. Does the airbail and the sealed drag worth the extra 50bucks?