just thought I would share a great ending to a frustrating situation. I had a Shimano Calais 200A that was given to me as a gift about 7 years ago. About 6 months ago it seized up on me. I talked to Shimano and they said to send it in and they would repair and service it and send back to me for $30. I got it back and and in the next tourney it did the same thing. I sent back in and they repaired it again at no cost and sent back. After 3 days of fishing into it, it started seizing again. I was obviously pretty frustrated at this point so I called and sent it in again. Chinh, their service supervisor called me personally and apologized for the inconvenience and said the cement on right side insert plate came loose after 7 years of use. I used it literally every time I went fishing. He told me they would get it taken care of and today a brand new reel showed up in the mail. Despite some frustrations, these folks obviously stand behind their product because 7 years after buying it they sent me a free reel. I only own Shimano reels and after this won't be buying anything else.

Good people. Sent me a new reel,in exchange,for a reel that was not working properly.

Rod warranty is awesome too!! I've fished with the Compre Rods for years if they break replaced with the newest rod no question asked. Doesn't matter how old the rod is either I just broke one that is over 10 years old!!!

Shimono is interested in maintaining there reputation. customer service is the best way!

I think Daiwa is right there also.Years ago I broke a rod tip on a dicontinued rod/reel combo, let them know, and received a new tip in a couple of weeks, without paying in advance.