Komodo 463 - After two, four, and five years of abuse

[boon]

I feel you on the level-wind synchronisation. The reels that use a disengaging LW seem to have narrower spools and place the level wind further from the spool so the angle doesn't get too extreme, but I still make a point of centering the level wind before I drop a jig.
I haven't noticed a difference in long-term longevity of the levelwind components, although we generally fish these reels with light lines and drag due to the type of fishing we're using them for (predominantly kabura jigs).

[JasonGotaProblem]

I will say this, for that $30 extra not only did I get the sideplate and the roller clutch, but it also has the spool tensioner knob etc and bearing included/already installed. Just those would have cost more from Shimano than the I think $43 total I paid for the whole thing.

I think this is my first okuma. But I'm already becoming a fan.

[JasonGotaProblem]

With the new plate and roller installed, the remarkable smoothness is back. I couldn't help wondering if I was comparing a basically dry reel to a greasy one, but I don't grease heavily I'm a thin coater.

It's possible it was something else. But either way it's better now and I'm a happy camper.

[jurelometer]

With the new plate and roller installed, the remarkable smoothness is back. I couldn't help wondering if I was comparing a basically dry reel to a greasy one, but I don't grease heavily I'm a thin coater.

It's possible it was something else. But either way it's better now and I'm a happy camper.

On the parts order, same thing when I ordered a replacement for the other side (left) sideplate. It came fully loaded for a whopping $8.00.  I was not happy with the design flaw that led me to needing a new one, but looking at the competition: 

Shimano Tranx: unlike the Komodo, the Tranx left sideplate just twists into place with no locking screw.  Plenty of stories of it coming off at inopportune moments, probably from getting bumped sometime during the day.  There are even tutorial videos  on how to make a leash for your Tranx sideplate     Replacement part currently on backorder at  Shimano USA - $31 USD.

Daiwa Lexa:  Probably  the best of the three -  you don't need to take off the sideplate to adjust the cast control, and the sideplate is secured with a large retained screw, so no parts fall off when you take the sideplate off.  I didn't look at replacement cost, but you are less likely to need one.

I hope that Okuma puts some pressure on the other big reel makers to step up their parts game.

On winding resistance-  synchronized levelwinds do twice as much travel as disengaging levekwinds (inbound and outbound vs. inbound only), and half the travel at higher velocities, so the levelwind worm needs much  more frequent oiling.  Using the oil that comes with the reel lasts me a half dozen trips,  maybe half of that with TSI (which a like better for casting).  Could that have been your issue?

-J

[JasonGotaProblem]

Can't rule it out. But all I did was swap the plate. I didn't add or remove any lubricant. we are comparing a freshly serviced reel (the prior condition) that had winding resistance, to a reel that had been used and rinsed on one trip. So it should be the opposite effect.

Also as I think about it, the difference was noticeable just spinning the sleeve with my finger in the clutch while plate was removed from the reel. I can never rule out being just plain wrong. But it really seems like the clutch was the culprit.

[jurelometer]

A bad roller clutch will do that too.  Anything from a bad roller or two not fully disengaging and adding minor resistance all the way up to locking up in one or both directions. Since the resistance happened just spinning the clutch sleeve on a detached sideplate, and then disappeared with a fresh clutch/sideplate, It seems to me that you nailed it.

I really don't like roller clutches.

-J

[Cor]

With the new plate and roller installed, the remarkable smoothness is back. I couldn't help wondering if I was comparing a basically dry reel to a greasy one, but I don't grease heavily I'm a thin coater.

It's possible it was something else. But either way it's better now and I'm a happy camper.

On the parts order, same thing when I ordered a replacement for the other side (left) sideplate. It came fully loaded for a whopping $8.00.  I was not happy with the design flaw that led me to needing a new one, but looking at the competition: 

Shimano Tranx: unlike the Komodo, the Tranx left sideplate just twists into place with no locking screw.  Plenty of stories of it coming off at inopportune moments, probably from getting bumped sometime during the day.  There are even tutorial videos  on how to make a leash for your Tranx sideplate     Replacement part currently on backorder at  Shimano USA - $31 USD.

Daiwa Lexa:  Probably  the best of the three -  you don't need to take off the sideplate to adjust the cast control, and the sideplate is secured with a large retained screw, so no parts fall off when you take the sideplate off.  I didn't look at replacement cost, but you are less likely to need one.

I hope that Okuma puts some pressure on the other big reel makers to step up their parts game.

On winding resistance-  synchronized levelwinds do twice as much travel as disengaging levekwinds (inbound and outbound vs. inbound only), and half the travel at higher velocities, so the levelwind worm needs much  more frequent oiling.  Using the oil that comes with the reel lasts me a half dozen trips,  maybe half of that with TSI (which a like better for casting).  Could that have been your issue?

-J

I have never seen the slightest movement of the Tranx 500HG VBS knob (Sideplate lock) away from it's locked position, never have I heard of it happening to someone else either.   It is actually extraordinarily tight.   The sideplate is also attached to a shaft that is held in place with an E clip.   In the unlikely event of the sideplate actually unlocking itself it may be conceivable that the spool could drop out.   Although the sideplate would probably be attached to the line and could hardly be lost in that way, if it were to drop on the ground it would for sure need replacing, it is made from very soft alloy.  

[jurelometer]

I have never seen the slightest movement of the Tranx 500HG VBS knob (Sideplate lock) away from it's locked position, never have I heard of it happening to someone else either.  It is actually extraordinarily tight.  The sideplate is also attached to a shaft that is held in place with an E clip.  In the unlikely event of the sideplate actually unlocking itself it may be conceivable that the spool could drop out.  Although the sideplate would probably be attached to the line and could hardly be lost in that way, if it were to drop on the ground it would for sure need replacing, it is made from very soft alloy.  

Oooh.  Interesting...

Looks like there are some different sideplate designs depending on the model. Looking at the schematic, it looks like the Tranx 500 for the USA market also has the latch that you described, but I have not seen one live myself. The Tranx 300/400 that I have seen, and the current version in the photos on the Shimano USA site do not have that flip out latch.  You just twist the sideplate. 

I also saw a video with a similar Tranx sideplate with a latch on the bottom that also had to be slid forward (or backward?).  One failure scenario mentioned was palming the reel while pumping the rod, which is improper technique with any sort of load, but very common (these guys watch too many Bassmaster videos).

Having the reel fly apart is one method to encourage proper technique, but I would say a bit excessive.   How about just administering a mild electric shock?

You can see the vulnerable type of sideplate being opened in the video below:

Just like I wouldn't want snap-lock connectors holding critical mechanical parts on my car,chainsaw, or washing machine, I don't want one holding a serious saltwater reel together. The latch on the 500 looks like an improvement, but I am personally not comfortable until there are some threads involved.

-J

[Cor]

Firstly, I can't get the video to play on forum, it just flashes on the screen, but could take URL direct to Youtube.   Could be my end, Ive had issues with Youtube for many years, I don't want to watch their annoying adds nor do I want to pay them

The side plate on on the 400 shown in the video is completely different to the one on the 500HG that I use and others have here.  One lady here uses a 400 Il,l ask her to show me sometime.
I am not sure if I like the side plate mechanism on the 400, because the risk of the spool dropping out is real, I have 2 spools slightly damaged after dropping out my hand on to my workbench.  $$$

[oc1]

As I recall, it was Penn that introduced the twist-off side plate with the Jig Master and Squidder.  The Penns had the same problem that modern low profile baitcasters have now; the twist-off side plate freezes because there is a tiny bit of grit under it or the plastic has swollen. You have to remove the side plate often just to keep it operational.  I would not worry about it falling off accidentally.  Worry that you will forget which way it is supposed to twist and where that little latch is.

Twist-off is integral to low-profile baitcaster design because the alternative it horrible.  The alternative is tiny screws threaded into polymer or soft metal to hold the side plate on. It would also need oil ports and another way to make coarse adjustments to the casting break on some models.

[jurelometer]

The captive screw assembly  for the Lexa is pretty good, and the Komodo one is not bad. 

But agree with  you on the twist on/off sideplate.  The external brake adjustment on the Lexa eliminates the main need for taking the sideplate off in the field, but it is also nice to be able to get  into all of these reels easily when the spool bearings get noisy.  And customers will also prefer a smooth surface without screw holes on the palming side. 

More features is a much easier sell than more durability.

I don't know how well executed the exact mechanism in Tranx 500 is, but I am starting to think that from a basic design concept it looks to be the best of the bunch so far.

-J