Shimano Corsair

Killertraylor · 03-13-2001, 07:22 PM

I have 2 Shimano Corsair 400's that I use as backup reels (or 5th and 6th rods when I feel like making my boat look like a porcupine). I took them both in along with my 4 calcutta's to Ollie Damon's last fall for servicing and haven't used the Corsairs since. This last weekend I rigged one up to sturgeon fish and it kept freespooling when I was reeling in. The handle would actually turn backwards even when the reel was "in gear" and reeling. I tested the second one when I got home and it seemed fine. I took it to Ollie today thinking they put it back together wrong and he told me to ship it off to Shimano and they would just send me a new one because it was a recall. Has anyone sent their Corsair back and got a new reel from Shimano? I called Shimano today and got a real a-hole service rep who was ****** that I actually wanted to talk to a person instead of just get the shipping address off their recorded menu. He wouldn't promise anything and just gave me the address to send it back to. I noticed that the Corsairs have changed and are now gold - did they come out with new ones because the old ones were defective?

SureSet · 03-13-2001, 07:35 PM

KT, I sent my 401 back two weeks ago and received a new 401A in return. I had a very similar situation in that my 401 wouldn't lock properly and would free-spool unexpectedly. My reel was still under a year old and I sent it with my receipt. Even if your's is not under warrenty, I'd send it back and see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The 401A has only been out two times since I received it and has worked flawlessly.

Good Luck.

SureSet

[This message has been edited by SureSet (edited 03-13-2001).]

Shannon · 03-13-2001, 07:41 PM

I'll be damned. I also had purchased a Corsiar reel and had the free spool problem as well. I sent it back to Shimano in California and they gladly sent me a new one. Upon receipt of my new one I took it back to Fishermans Marine in Or. City and traded for an Abu Garcia.

Steelheadman · 03-13-2001, 07:54 PM

I have a silver 200 Corsair that my boss gave to me as an award. Haven't used it. Wonder if Shimano would give me a new one for it. I'd rather trade up for a Stradic.

Pete · 03-13-2001, 08:06 PM

Anyone have a spare receipt

, I bought my 400 in '98.

HOGTIDE · 03-13-2001, 08:19 PM

Ya know...I have 3 of these Corsairs (silver) and they all have worked flawlessly so far, 'bout 3 years. Great drag-excellent gear engagment. I love 'em. Wonder if I was just lucky and got a good batch, or if fate is going to catch up with me? Hate to exchange something that is actually working well.

Killertraylor · 03-13-2001, 08:37 PM

Wow - Sounds like the guy at Ollie Damon's was right. I have the same dillemna as Hogtide. One of my corsairs works perfectly, but I guess I'd rather have 2 new ones if they'll replace them. Like I said, they are the 5th and 6th reels out since I prefer the Calcuttas. The guy on the phone didn't say anything about a receipt even though the warranty is only one year. I think I bought mine in 99. I recently bought a Daiwa Millionaire 300A-CVZ because it felt a lot like the Calcutta. I haven't fished it yet, but I'm eager to see how it performs. Anyone else have one of these Daiwa reels - it's the $200 model, not the cheaper Millionaire.

SlimPickens · 03-14-2001, 05:51 AM

I sent two of the silver models back last Nov. Got the new gold models in about a week. Didnt have a receipt for one of the reels, but said i sent in the warranty card. Write a good explanation letter and state the reel disengages and goes backwards, and the drag loosens up. It worked for me! The new models are much improved.

Jeffhead · 03-14-2001, 06:25 AM

I sent my *** silver Corsair back to the factory last Nov and they sent me the updated version the same week. They actually made a mistake and sent me back my old reel, but the rep I spoke to on the phone was very curtieous and had the replacement to me in 2 days. The new one is much better than the old one, but I will buy an ABU or a Curado next time. The first one didn't free spool, but the drag system on it was either full on or full off and nothing in between.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

PS,
I have read here and on Bob's board that some of the local shops will give you a credit toward another reel if you take it back to them, even without the receipt!!!

------------------
"Never be afraid to try something new."

Remember, amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

Pete · 03-14-2001, 06:49 AM

Jeff, would you mind naming the shops that might offer an exchange deal, if you know?

Does anyone have the phone number for Shimano warrentee service? The number on my warrentee card is "no longer in service", just like my Corsair.

Never mind, I found it ... they have a new area code: 949.951.5003

[This message has been edited by Pete (edited 03-14-2001).]

GoFish · 03-14-2001, 06:57 AM

The silver corsairs are prone to the free-spool problem. If they don't look like they have been abused, Shimano has been taking them back and exchanging them for the newer version which comes in gold. For a replacement, check with the retailer where you purchased the reel, or try one of the larger tackle shops. I wouldn't wait too much longer though as most of the retailers feel this problem is behind them.

THE REEL HEY_YALL · 03-14-2001, 07:48 AM

Even the Gold Ones are sheeit.

They should have a warning label that says " Warning: may self-destruct for no reason"

Simon Peter · 03-14-2001, 07:57 AM

I bought one of these when they first came out cause they "felt so smooth" at the store. Shimano should be embarrassed at the junk they put out.

I kept loosing fish while drift fishing cause the drag would loosen up after several casts and then when you hook up there is no drag to fight the fish.

I took back the reel to BI-Mart and they swapped with no questions asked. Had the same problem with #2. My wife hooked up a nice chrome steelie while back trolling. I noticed the rod "tapping" like she was getting a bite..... I told her to wait but finally I looked down at the reel and the fish was actually ripping out line!!! Finally she picked it up and tried to set the hook but the drag was butter and the fish just jumped and threw the hook...... needless to say I was on the phone the next morning to the blessed reps of Shimano.

I wanted to trade for a Calcutta, but they would not do it. They replaced it with a new reel which I took down to GI Joes with the explanation that I have received the reel for my birthday but really wanted a Calcutta. They upgraded me for the additional cost and I have been happy since.

Let's send a message to Shimano - DON'T BUY the CORSAIR. You will hate it!