I have several old Stradics of various sizes, the oldest models with wood handles.
One is quite dear to me and with it I have tried to revive the AR bearings to no avail. They all need the AR addressed. No parts to be found. Is there anybody out there that can fix these for me?
Quote from: Joel.B on December 09, 2025, 12:03:09 PMI have several old Stradics of various sizes, the oldest models with wood handles.
One is quite dear to me and with it I have tried to revive the AR bearings to no avail. They all need the AR addressed. No parts to be found. Is there anybody out there that can fix these for me?
So there are to my observation only 2 or 3 types of Shimano AR innards, they differ by the size of the inner sleeve and the number of rollers (and springs). But there's lots of Shimano AR assemblies for different Shimano spinners. They differ by mounting hole and peg location. I have a TON of them. Especially older ones. But many don't have labels or packaging.
So that's a long winded way of saying take closeup pictures of the top and bottom and a few measurements. I'll likely either be able to get you a direct replacement or one whose guts can be harvested to achieve the same goal.
You've already paid me with the entertainment you've provided via storytelling. I'm a #### storyteller but I got parts.
Ha!
Those older Shimano A/R's were pretty well made. The metal, instead of plastic, springs were nice, but yeah, a nit-picky thing to reassemble.
My main issue was the on/off switch corroding so badly, prolly a Saltwater issue.
I did more than a few Saturday morning seminars for tackle shops, and Shimano would always be there, in the old days.
Folks would bring in their Shimano for free repairs by the (2) techs from Shimano, and the sales representative.
These guys were sharp & impressive with their knowledge of fairly over-complicated reels.
But, 7 out of 10 times, they deemed a reel not worth their time —- and just handed the angler a new reel out of their truck.
Shimano & Daiwa are decent reels —- but way too many plastic and unique parts.
I got rid of all of my Shimano and Daiwa parts a few years ago. A shop couldn't stock all the parts needed anyway —- too many variations, and too many models.
Then Shimano decided to not continue parts support after maybe 3 or 4 years —- even on the high end Stella's, and others.
It has been better for me to move on.
Best, Fred
Quote from: foakes on December 09, 2025, 06:36:53 PMThen Shimano decided to not continue parts support after maybe 3 or 4 years —- even on the high end Stella's, and others.
Huh, you can still get most parts for a '08 Stella SW and all parts for a '13 Stella SWB?
Quote from: boon on December 10, 2025, 12:30:12 AMQuote from: foakes on December 09, 2025, 06:36:53 PMThen Shimano decided to not continue parts support after maybe 3 or 4 years —- even on the high end Stella's, and others.
Huh, you can still get most parts for a '08 Stella SW and all parts for a '13 Stella SWB?
Right, Boon —-
Most, but not all. On a $1,000+ spinning reel, all parts should be available for as long as the company is still in business.
As for most of the less expensive Shimanos, it is a clown-bus deal trying to get parts.
I respect the guys who do work on them, and my hat is off to them.
And I choose not to work on plastic/graphite reels.
Above my patience and pay-grade.
Best, Fred
Quote from: foakes on December 10, 2025, 12:56:35 AMOn a $1,000+ spinning reel, all parts should be available for as long as the company is still in business.
I agree with you there. It will be a crying shame when, in the not too distant future, some of this high-end fishing gear is permanently retired for want of a relatively mundane but very specific part.