I have them in 300, 400, and 500. I bought a variety partly based on availability in the challenging supply times while outfitting for fishing after a long hiatus. The 500 is a bit big on some of the smaller rods but balance well on a 10’6” like Lamiglas XCC. The 300 do well on most everything and with braid really hold more than needed in most cases.

My favorite so far is the 400, with one caveat. I took it to Buoy 10 and deployed it the first time, and adjusted it in pole holder after 10 minutes and the real popped off and shot up against the first eye. I figured I hadn’t set in in the rod properly, only to find the casting had cracked and front half of the reel seat had snapped off. Luckily I had brought a spare rod on the boat, it had a 500.

Shimano corporate was not bad to deal with on warranty after local outlet I bought it through wouldn’t replace it due to low or no supply. I ended up taking it to Sportco and they swapped it for a new one and transferred line over. I hadn’t bought that particular reel from them but I had another of same model but LH, and it showed on membership so they warranteed it. I was pleased to walk out with a new reel.

My personal preference for the 400 over 500 and up, is the thumb spool release versus a side lever. The thumb release allows me to hold spool and release line one handed so I can steer, eat, scratch myself, run downrigger etc.

My two cents.

 

I have them in 300, 400, and 500. I bought a variety partly based on availability in the challenging supply times while outfitting for fishing after a long hiatus. The 500 is a bit big on some of the smaller rods but balance well on a 10’6” like Lamiglas XCC. The 300 do well on most everything and with braid really hold more than needed in most cases.

My favorite so far is the 400, with one caveat. I took it to Buoy 10 and deployed it the first time, and adjusted it in pole holder after 10 minutes and the real popped off and shot up against the first eye. I figured I hadn’t set in in the rod properly, only to find the casting had cracked and front half of the reel seat had snapped off. Luckily I had brought a spare rod on the boat, it had a 500.

Shimano corporate was not bad to deal with on warranty after local outlet I bought it through wouldn’t replace it due to low or no supply. I ended up taking it to Sportco and they swapped it for a new one and transferred line over. I hadn’t bought that particular reel from them but I had another of same model but LH, and it showed on membership so they warranteed it. I was pleased to walk out with a new reel.

My personal preference for the 400 over 500 and up, is the thumb spool release versus a side lever. The thumb release allows me to hold spool and release line one handed so I can steer, eat, scratch myself, run downrigger etc.

My two cents. View attachment 973876 View attachment 973876

I'm no metallurgist but it appears like that was caused from a casting flaw. I suppose that might come up one in a thousand and I'm sorry you drew the short straw. Glad you didn't loose it!!! None the less, you got a new one. Shimano is my reel of choice, I have a saltist but frankly doesn't touch what the Shimano does (IMO). Guys like the Okuma and some like the new Penn reels. Diawa has some nice ones too I'm told. Just my 2 cents worth... I'd go with the Shimano, great reel, great drag and easy maintenance/repairs.

 

I have one, love it. Look also at the new Diawa Lexa 400, which is also awesome.

 

@WillFish4Food51 that would suck to have happen! I hope that isn't a common problem with the tekotas. Mine comes with a reel seat clamp. I think I may use it. Good to hear shimano made it right. Another reason why I'm a fan boy.

@fishin"G"man and @Silver Hilton I've been wanting to try the Daiwa line of reels lately, as I've heard good things about them. It's just so hard to get away from Shimano. I have never had one fail me, and I have some well used reels that are slightly older models.

Did you guys change the washers to carbontex, or is the standard washers pretty good?

 

I have

@WillFish4Food51 that would suck to have happen! I hope that isn't a common problem with the tekotas. Mine comes with a reel seat clamp. I think I may use it. Good to hear shimano made it right. Another reason why I'm a fan boy.

@fishin"G"man and @Silver Hilton I've been wanting to try the Daiwa line of reels lately, as I've heard good things about them. It's just so hard to get away from Shimano. I have never had one fail me, and I have some well used reels that are slightly older models.

Did you guys change the washers to carbontex, or is the standard washers pretty good?

I have 5 other Tekotas with no issues. The fact it broke in less than an hours use, tells me rare defect. They would stand behind it, so it won’t be my last. I love the Daiwa Lexa 100 for kokanee.

 

I think I remember reading a quote from Alan Tani awhile ago where he stated that they were the only reel he doesn't open when new to clean out excess grease. We bought 4 NIB 500's in a package deal on fleabay a year ago for way under MSRP and they are one of the smoothest reels I've ever used. The power handle was a little strange getting used to at first (paddle handles on everything else), but now it feels pretty natural to use. Drag is really smooth out of the box, even when cranked down tight. Didn't have to change anything. Gearing allows for plenty of power. Salmon are a piece of cake. I wouldn't and haven't hesitated to use them for Halibut or Sturgeon. We use them on both the 9'6" and 9'3" Okuma Guide Selects and they balance fine. Thought they might be a little big initially as they hold a ton of braid, but with backing based on the fishery, no problems. Easy to keep clean too. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend, but I'm also a 'Shimano Boy' (since my first Bantum 1000), so your experience may vary. jc Tuna Maru

 

The new HG series doesn't come close to the toughness of the older version. Plastic vs. Metal in the bearing housing area and level wind has some issues too. Nice drag though. Shimano replaced 3 bearings in a couple of the HGs that I have, $31 each. Hearing of a new model coming out in time for ICAST Show in July, the industry debut venue.
Why they went away from a proven model is mind boggling.

 

This thread has probably saved me a lot of money.

 

@The Sailor I had the same level wind issues with my old tekota model. It simply failed after many, many years of use. All reels will have their gremlins at some point. Shimano always seems to have little issues with any reel they make compared to other makes. I agree with G man, shimano has always done a stellar job of constantly improving their products with very little issues. I will certainly look out for the bearing issues you mentioned. I will also say, I'm anal about doing PM on my reels, so I may not have this issue for awhile.

 

@The Sailor I had the same level wind issues with my old tekota model. It simply failed after many, many years of use.

I recently sent 3 Tekota reels to shimano for repair, one of which was a level wind issue. I told them to charge me for the repairs as needed, but they came back to me as good as new, with a zero dollar invoice. These reels were from 3 to over 5 years old.

 

I’m definitely a Shimano reel guy. I have two Tekota A 401s for trolling salmon and really like them. They are more compact and feel more ergonomic than the regular Tekotas. Granted they haven’t seen a ton of use, but I have not had any issues with them. The only other LC I might consider is the Daiwa Lexa. That being said, really enjoy my TEK401HGLCAs.

 

@Silver Hilton that's good to hear. There's nothing better than choosing to do business with a company that stands behind their products. Much like the Lamiglas "lifetime" warranty, there is always limits. My OG Tekotas level wind failed after 10+ years of use. I just had my reel repair guy fix it, as I figured it was a wear and tear thing. The repair bill was pretty eye popping though. It was tough to finance that $20 invoice without collateral.

 

I have a pair of Tekota 500 LC I’ve been using for about 4-5 years now. I’m not familiar with the newer HG series, but love the ones we have. Last year I took them in to a local guy and had the carbon drag washers installed while going through them. I can honestly say I noticed much difference in the drag except they worked smoother after being serviced….. only issue I’ve had with these reels is the line counter quit and needed to be cleaned out on one of them. I bought replacement parts, but didn’t need them. Kirk

 

I am a Shimano guy. I have 8 Tekota line counters. 4 300s and 4 500s. I have been using the 500s for 15+ years and have had no issues. I 4 Cardiffs that I used before that for 6 years. Been using the 300s for 12 years or so now. These reels get a lot of use for salmon and sturgeon. I have several Shimano level wind bass reels and spinning reels. I haven't had a single problem with any of them. So given my experience it is tough for me to use another brand. If it isn't broke dont fix it.