a big THANK YOU to Bantam1, Shimano, and TT

[greatbarracuda]

Here's the story:

I've been looking for a Calais 201 handle for some time. Being a Canadian, I contacted my nearest authorized Shimano warranty center to see how much a new handle would cost me. $90! Youch. Given that I only need the actual handle and not the knobs/bearings, that's more than it'd cost to go carbon fibre (despite my grievances with the look of carbon fibre handles on Calais reels). So for the longest time, I searched for a used handle. No luck.

When TT introduced this forum, I figured, why not? So I fired a PM off to Bantam1, asking if they had any old Calais 201 handles lying around from reels that had been warrantied or anything that he'd be able to part with at a reduced cost. Sometime after providing me with another contact from Shimano Canada and looking around himself, this was part of a PM I received from Bantam1:

"I found a new one that will go out to you today at no charge."

WOW! $90 handle, for free! I couldn't believe it! I'm not even geographically in Bantam1's service range (being located in Canada and all). THAT, my fellow tackle enthusiasts, is great customer service. So great that I'm still sort of in disbelief. Awesome awesome awesome.

Thanks TT for facilitating this and providing this avenue for us to look after all our precious little Shimano trinkets. Thanks Shimano for being so focused on delivering the best customer service in the industry. And most of all, thank you Dan (Bantam1) for taking the time to personally help a guy out. It's much appreciated.

Best Regards,
gb

[Bantam1]

No problem! This is why this forum is here. We want to provide support to all of our customers, and I have no problem helping a brother to the north either

Now go put that reel to use and catch some fish!

[Nitroman77]

Now if I could just get my knobs off my conquest 51.. Thats pretty sweet that they sent one out to ya!

[Cal]

Now if I could just get my knobs off my conquest 51..

You realize the bolts holding the knobs in are countersunk, right?

[Cal]

great.. now everyone is going to want a free handle

[Bantam1]

Remove the plug on the top of the knob and then remove the brass flat head screw and all of a sudden the handle will come right off

[BassFreak]

From my experience Shimano has always been on top of their customer service. Many instances I've asked about parts that I have broken myself or lost. and all they ever ask me is for my address. Items shipped before the phone call is over and when I ask how much it is.. well. they just say thank you..

IF theres 1 thing Shimano is great at, its their customer service!!!

[mhood]

Yea...I had to pay for my 250DC handle!

[Nitroman77]

haha yea I got the nut off....