Reel Foot Scratches + Saltwater

[reason162]

My Exist/Airity both have scratches/chips on the reel foot where it's inserted into the reel seat. They stay in freshwater so I'm not too concerned.

My Stella and Vanquish...both magnesium reels, are fished in saltwater. So far no paint scratches, but if that were to happen on a magnesium frame - bad news, yes? I've tried the heat shrink tubing trick and they just get chewed up, so not sure how much protection I'm getting.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated.

[SSS]

I use thick tape for reel foot. Use it until you begin seeing it shreading, and then replace.

[dragon1]

^^^I do this as well^^^

[Bantam1]

The Stella should have a clear plastic decal in the box that is made to wrap around the foot to prevent damage to the finish. Modern reel seats are plastic or composite materials that should not damage the finish, but just in case you can use the clear decal to provide extra protection.

If you do end up getting chips or damage you can simply use some clear nail polish to coat over it. That will also prevent any corrosion from starting.

[reason162]

The Stella should have a clear plastic decal in the box that is made to wrap around the foot to prevent damage to the finish. Modern reel seats are plastic or composite materials that should not damage the finish, but just in case you can use the clear decal to provide extra protection.

If you do end up getting chips or damage you can simply use some clear nail polish to coat over it. That will also prevent any corrosion from starting.

I will look for the clear decal, thanks Bantam! So far the Stella and Vanquish paint has held up perfectly, even without any protection. Shimano knows how to finish a reel lol

[sorendalager]

In concordance I have noticed chipping on the reel feet of all my Daiwa and ABU baitcasters, but not on my Shimano reels, so I think Shimano are doing something better in that regard…

[jvelth74]

I use shrink tubes for reel foot protection, similar like this Youtuber:

[dragon1]

I like the nail polish idea for SW, I literally use Sally's clear for all my hard baits, and to protect the painted heads of all my lures, especially after touching them up with nail polish and then the hard clear.

I also use it to reinforce cracked/worn epoxy on the guides of my rods.