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Shimano Sienna 400 FA Bass Fishing Reels
Bass Fishing Reels Manufacturer: Shimano
Shimano Model: Sienna 400 FA
Review Category: Bass Fishing Reels
Purchase: Bass Fishing Reels I bought this as a combo at the Sports Authority (it came with a graphite PMS 66 MC medium action rod, which I have reviewed separately). I have been very pleased with Shimano spinning reels, and when I saw this combo available for about $40, I went for it. The Sports Authority has some great deals on Shimano combos going on again right now. I bought this as a catfishing rig, but I frequently use it for bass as well.
Things I like about the Shimano Sienna 400 FA Bass Fishing Reels: What I like best about this reel is that if I'm out fishing and there's a problem with some of my gear, it's never the reel. Never having to think about the reel is something I take for granted. The reel is smooth and well-balanced; it has 3 ball bearings which is more than enough to make it hum like a sewing machine during a retrieve. The bail has a roller where the line goes across it, and you certainly can cast far with this reel. The anti-reverse works well, and can easily be turned off with the flip of a switch. The drag is conveniently located on the front of the spool for easy access -- a feature that has come in handy more than once. Switching spools is quite easy as well, and the spools come with a clip to secure your line while not in use.
What I don't like about the Shimano Sienna 400 FA: The number one thing I dislike about the reel is that it didn't come with a spare spool. I would have paid a little extra for the convenience of a spare spool, but it really wouldn't have been that big of a deal ... if spools were readily available. No sporting goods retailer I've talked to has carried them. The guy at Bass Pro who I asked about spare spools said something like, "If I wanted to start a business next door to here it would sell worms and spare spools for Shimano reels." Obviously this is a widely felt problem. Another of my Shimano spinning reels has a convenient double sided crank (this doesn't), and the handles on that crank are an easy to grip concave piece (as opposed to the "barrel T" handle on this reel).
Bass Fishing Reels Sienna 400 FA quality: Shimano's fishing reels remind me of the saying, "It runs like a Swiss watch." If you play with one in the store you can feel what I mean. Anyway, I would describe this reel as high-quality and precision-engineered.
Sienna 400 FA summary: These reels are not only highly functional, they manage to look good while doing it. The line capacity (240 yards of 8 lb. test, 200 yards of 10 lb. test, etc.) makes it a good reel for some pretty sizeable fish. The good thing is that it's also a good all-around bass/panfish reel. If this reel were a woman, I wouldn't say I'd marry her, but I'd probably date her until I found out she didn't have a spare spool. So out of spite to Shimano for not including a spare spool on this excellent deal of a reel, I give 4 stars.
Rating for this Shimano product: 4
Author of this review on Shimano Bass Fishing Reels: Fishin' Phil
Date: 2004-03-02
Usefulness Rating: 4.8 out of 5.
5 reader(s) voted.
This Shimano Bass Fishing Reels review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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