I own a 6500 C3 and a new 6600 C5, along with a little graphite Ultra-mag, and two small cardinal spinning reels. The C3 I got as a wedding present from the wife 8 years ago, and she still works just great. The reel is okay, too. My Ultra-mag I have never had any issue with and I have had it for over 15 years.

I also own many Fenwick and Berkley (abu, berkley, fenwick, and a few others are all part of the same group) products for one simple fact. If I have ever experienced any issue with any product, I returned them to the manufacturer and have either had it fixed or repaired, less the cost of shipping. Shoot, one time I even bought an old Cardinal spinning reel at a garage sale for 50 cents, called them up to find a reel handle, they had me send it in for them to fit one, and I ended up with a brand new reel. No charge.

Sorry for your woes, but please save the product bashing for companies that do not stand behind their products. If they step up, then hey, they are on the right track.

Andy