I remember a few years ago they recalled this reel because of some drag problems. I had gotten one before the recall and shortly thereafter began having those drag problems. For whatever reason, I never took it back in to a dealer or sent it back to Shimano. I heard that they had in the past and were still offering an exchange for the updated reel model (minus the problems) for anyone who sends this recalled reel back to them. But I'm hesitant to just send it back to Shimano without some kind of guarantee that they'll send me another reel in return. Also want to make sure I have the correct address and protocol for sending it back. Has anyone done this and gotten a replacement reel back from Shimano and if so, how did it work? Thanks!

They'll exchange it with another style reel, Call customer service @ Shimano USA for details...
(877)577-0600

Call Shimano and get a Return Authorization Number. Don't just send it in and hope for the best. get the customer service number off their website.

Thanks guys, I will do that.

Krome Brite:

Address is:

Shimano American Corp.
Attention Fishing QC Dept.
One Holland Drive
Irvin, CA 92618

Phone 1-949-951-5003

I did this last year, if it's the silver model just ship it there and they will send you a brand new Corvalus. If it's the gold 'A' model, an additional $25 is required.

It's the silver model CS 301. I called the Customer Service number off their Web site and that Rapid Robert gave above today and talked to a guy that told me to fill out the Reel Repair Request Form from their site and send with the reel. I clarified that this is the process for the recalled CS 301 and he said yes. I also asked for a Return Authorization Number as stickfisher said above, but he said he couldn't give me one. I will try giving the number DrifterWA provided above a call tomorrow. Thanks again guys. Just want to make sure I have all my bases covered and my reel don't get lost in the system somewhere without me getting a replacement one. By the way, just to clarify, it's not going to cost me anything besides shipping the old reel back to them to get the replacement, right? They'll pay shipping cost to send the replacement to me?

Krome Brite:

It has always worked for me......recently, I had trouble with a bail on one of my spinning reels.....called them to get a price........they sent it Free, paid shipping and all.

Ohhhh I got rid of a some "level wind" that was a new model 7+ years ago, upgrade was better......but I still sold it.....Curado's for me, on the level wind.

That's interesting, I have the gold model and when I asked the Shimano rep about problems with this line of reels he said it was only the silver ones that had issues, the gold one was fine. Are they allowing the return of the gold model for $25 because it has issues too, or is it just good customer support and PR?

I don't know of any issues with the gold A model, just the silver model. I'd bet it's more a 'keeping the customer happy' move than anything else. Good on Shimano for taking care of customers!