written by dusty1808 on 25/10/2013
I have had my Evo 5500 for three years and unfortunately they were poor straight out of the box.
Both bail springs have been replaced, now bail arm doesn't engauge at all.
The body is not sealed at all and allows the ingress of water into the gear and bearing housing.
Because of this the main shaft roller bearing and runner are pitted with rust and the reel feels terrible.
They need regular maintenance, cleaning, grease and oil if not they won't last a season.
The most annoying attribute is they are so clanky and rough nearly all the moving parts have way to much play especially the rotor guard.
The only positive is their size which is perfect and the drag is smooth although it takes fourteen turns to go from locked up to freespool.
In conclusion diawa rods are great but the reels are cheap and tacky.
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