Tsunami Shield 5000 spin fishing reel inside look and how to service

[@joycedimaggio3816]

Lol I thought it was another parts reel. Interesting never saw that tool. Always learning something new from you. Thanks Dennis.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I learned something too. It was the first time that I took one of these apart - Best wishes, Joyce - Stay well - Dennis

[@wadee170]

Hi Dennis I recently purchased the 6000 and want to say thanks for posting this video. I know what to expect from seeing your video. This coming weekend will be my first time using the 6000. I'll keep you posted on the performance.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the note Wade. Good luck fishing with your new reel - Dennis

[@chepachii]

Thanks Dennis,you would of helped many with this vid.On a funny note there is a vid on you tube where a guy attempts to do a tear down on one of these.He doesn't have a tool and tries all manner of things but ends up holding it absolutely stumped, I laughed so hard my wife was asking what was I watching It was one of the funniest things I've seen for a while.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmmm - yeah it was a good thing the customer included the wrench or I may have been that guy - Thanks Dennis

[@johnguzo6522]

Hi Dennis, working on a Tsunami TSSHD5000. Have the special tool. No schematic but thanks for the clockwise , counterclockwise info. Have a great week Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW - glad to help. Best wishes - Dennis

[@LoveDdragnoice]

​@@2ndChanceTackleWow this look extremely similar to my Ozark trail saltwater spinning reel

[@cjmoundalexis2567]

Hi Dennis, As always a fine preview, review and completion ! Thanks for all your many efforts... Best Regards, Cons

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks CJ - Are you watching the open this week? Pretty odd to just hear the shots and not the crowd, although I understand there will be a fake crowd noise on some of the coverage - Stay well - Dennis

[@timolean5846]

I have the 6000 I think I read that the body has adhesive and you needed a heat gun to remove the side. But yeah they definitely don’t want you to be doing home maintenance on the reel.

[@ChrisSchwamb]

Interesting! I'm a new owner of a Tsunami SaltX-4000 which also has a frame machined from solid stock. The drag system seems to be the same on the above reel. The internal gearing is CNC machined from solid stock. The side plate is held on with torx screws which should be idiot proof when it's time to service the guts. One major concern with Van Staals which have a similar side plate design is that when you open the reel the threads chew up the rubber seal. It looks like you would run the same risk with the above reel. Thanks for posting this.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I haven't seen the SaltX yet, but I was disappointed with the Shield. Sounds like the SaltX addresses my concern over the gearing if Tsunami has gone to the CNC cut ones. The Shield has "O" rings for seals on the case, but water did get into it....somehow. Thanks for the note - Dennis

[@blindabinda1234]

@@2ndChanceTackle the shield is water resistant not waterproof. So I guess they really aren't made to be totally submerged in water. Most people seem to have good luck with them.

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Of all the modern reels this has been one I’ve been really interested in because of it supposedly being a sort of poor man’s sealed reel. From what you found I’d say this is not as sealed as I have been led to believe. I’m not sure this reel was actually designed to be dunked like a Van Staal or Saltist. I really don’t think it is. I find this video to be a little discouraging as far as buying one of these for surf fishing. I think I’ll just keep using my tried and true vintage reels! Thanks Dennis. This is one I really wanted to see.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The seals were there. I don't understand how the water got in, but it did. Not sure if it is a design issue or just an odd occurrence - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

2nd Chance Tackle I honestly had been considering getting one of these mainly for two reasons. I don’t put braid on my vintage reels and I only have 1 surf reel right now that I use that way - an Emblem X 5500T Daiwa big pit/carp reel. I got brand new for $11.95. I put super slick 30 lb braid on it and it really casts far. I liked what I read about the Tsunani Shield as a poor man’s sealed reel for surf fishing. The price is right but after your video I’m not sure I want it anymore. The failed seals give me pause. I would like another braid surf reel but I’m leaning toward the Daiwa BG. It has overall great reviews and the way I maintain my reels the sealing is just not as important in the grand scheme of things. For the purposes I’ve mentioned what modern reel for braid would you recommend? It will never take the place of my vintage reels as nothing built today that I can afford could ever do. I have backed braid on one spool on a Penn Spinfisher 704 greenie with mono and it does okay. Those vintage reels were not made for braid which doesn’t stretch very much the way mono does. I don’t think the fish much cares about mono or braid anyway.

[@mikemcelveen2973]

Hey Christopher, I know you are the Mitchell guru and I had a question about a clone Mitchell 300 named a Seaway Marvel I found mint with the box. I haven't ever seen one before so I dont know if it was a good find or not. It seems they are hard to find and I know it was made in Japan but that's about it. I should be getting it in the mail next week. Any input? Sorry to interrupt your thread with Dennis.

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Mike Mcelveen Hi Mike! Let me ask you a question. Is this Seaway reel a Mitchell 300 clone or possibly a 302 clone? Another question would be does it have a red plastic oil port in the side plate? The reason I ask is that the only reel like this I’ve seen before is a 302 clone with that same red plastic oil lube port in the side plate as a Mitchell 302. I don’t have one of these but I have held and examined one and it was a decent reel. The Japanese clones never have the same quality gearing, metallurgy and paint finish as a French Mitchell. The original Mitchell 300 is a very over-engineered reel with four nice gears in the mechanism. I’d love to see the reel you’re getting. It has made me very curious. I have a 300 and a 300A and they are truly iconic spinning reels. There were a lot of Japanese clones of Mitchell reels but I only have personal experience with a 302 clone. There is a reel branded as a “Match” reel that is also a 302 clone. By the way, I am a retired baptist minister, not a guru. LOL

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Mike Mcelveen Mike go on the internet and search for your reel onGoogle. I found the one you bought on EBay as well. On the ORCA Reel Talk site there was an entire discussion about your 300 clone. These guys know their reels and from what I read, you got a good one at a fantastic price as it is worth at least twice what you paid for it. Many of them are purchased here and end up back in Japan. They are fairly rare - imported in the late 60s but the Seaway Co. From Chicago. From all I have read it is a very nice and desirable reel. I mean I wish I had bought that 302 clone I found. Having the box and papers and all is great. I read the description from your seller. Almost was surprised he sold it after reading what he said. Here’s a good research tool - look up images of your reel on the internet like on Google. Click on some images and then click on the little caption under the image that says where it came from. That’s how I found the ORCA Reel Talk discussion. If you get that article, scroll down and there is a guy who wrote an entire article in a Reel Digest specifically about these clones. Might be interesting to contact him if you really want to seriously research this. Thanks for asking me the question as I learned something I totally didn’t know. Have a great week Mike!

[@Yimmy523]

Hey Dennis I was wondering if you have any tips for fixing a faulty bail on this reel I've tried bending the bail wire and still no luck. It seems like the bail kicking pawl or possibly the kicking pawl spring I've searched high and low and can't find a fix any input would be greatly appreciated

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If it is the trip lever, try spraying it down with a penetrating oil to loosen it up. You should be able to check both functions when the rotor is removed. There is one problem that may cause it that is not associated with either part and that would be a worn trip ramp on the reel body. If the ramp is worn, you cannot do anything to fix that, except replace the body - Dennis

[@PhillyJohnny]

One of the biggest complaints with this reel is the pot metal (Chinesium as Tackle Advisors would say) main gear. Supposedly some are good and some won’t last at all. I never heard any complaints about the seals. Good to know....

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I echo your concerns on the strength of these gears. I do not like that metal in this reel - Dennis

[@Native20559]

I suspect that the excessive torque that Dennis found on the side plate probably contributed to the leakage and seal failure to some degree. I suspect that the seals are better at shielding against splashed water rather than dunking or worse, reeling underwater. Dennis should probably have replaced the O-ring before reinstalling that side plate since it was evident even from the video, that it was compromised; I also would have used removable Threadloc on the threads to minimize leakage and eliminate the need for heavy torque on the sideplate. Just my approach, not a criticism of Dennis; heck with his experience he can teach me oodles more than I currently know, it’s just as a “arm chair quarterback” so to speak, these changes seemed obvious to me. I have (4) of the Tsunamis, ranging from the 3000-5000 Shields and the 6000 Salt-X and really have been impressed by the quality of all of the reels thus far. However, I’m smart enough also to recognize that you shouldn’t fish the Shields real hard given their price and Chinese mfg. The Salt-X gets the hard use and is superb at anything you throw at it! I think there’s a lot to be said for their design though given their price. Thanks Dennis for the video review!

[@armandoreyes1891]

Very nice case on this reel, but sub par quality gearing. I am sure for not much more they could have placed machined or forged gearing .

[@jplee3]

I have the 3000 and 4000 models which say that you need to remove the sideplates counterclockwise. Also that they use 243 threadlock :( if you heat it up itll likely damage the o-rings/seals too. How did you manage to get the sideplate off? I got one side off which wasnt locked in but the left handed side that the handle is on wont budge. Ive tried heating it up but no go. Also cant figure out if it comes off clockwise or counterclockwise. The right hand side came off counterclockwise. Another video showed that one side comes off counterclockwise while the other comes off clockwise. Im really confused....

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yeah - so another annoying this about the reel. The 3000 and 4000 turn one way and the 5000 turns the other. Go figure. The screw was hard to turn, but finally hand strength got it to free up

[@jplee3]

@@2ndChanceTackle i thought i saw or heard that the 5000 and up reel sideplates come off differently (one clockwise and one counterclockwise). Is that true? And would the same apply for the 3000-4000?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the 5000 and above come off in the opposite direction of the 4000 and belo

[@Fromizzle22]

Any reason you can think of why there’s no clicking noise when I adjust the drag knob anymore?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Check under the spool to see if you have a spring loaded click tongue and a click ratchet. The click tongue may be tightened against the ratchet rather than sitting between the grooves. To avoid that, put the spool on first, turn the spool in a counter clockwise manner to seat the click tongue and then tighten the drag. Just a guess, but probably a good one - Dennis

[@chrisammons1141]

Hey I got the shield 3000 but want a bigger knob what would I need to get.....thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I think you can go with the larger Gomexus knobs that are available on Ebay and other sites - They make the knobs between 25MM and 45MM. My guess would be the lower end of that range for the 3000 size reel. Probably no bigger than the 35mm - Dennis

[@anthonygregorio2208]

Hi Dennis. I own the Tsunami shield 4000 and fished it heavily this summer at the beaches for fluke. One day it took a good hit from a wave and next thing i know the handle is locking up. Guessing a big piece of sand or grit got wedged somewhere but it eventually cleared. I decided to send it in for servicing anyway to my local tackle shop. They do all the reels for the local private charter and party boats. Well he just started working on my reel and says he cant open it with the special tool and even using additional leverage. He thinks they put Locktite in it. He doesn't want to mess with it anymore for fear of damaging it. Any suggestions?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

These side plates are on very tight. Tell him to red the instructions that came with the reel. Some of the side plates come off with a clockwise turn and some come off in the traditional counterclockwise manner. The 5000 comes of in a reverse thread by turning it clockwise. So. It may just be very tight or they may be turning in the wrong direction

[@anthonygregorio2208]

2nd Chance Tackle ok thanks

[@anthonygregorio2208]

2nd Chance Tackle Hey Dennis. Update on my Shield. Tsunami took it in and discovered they had actually used the wrong kind of loctite. They’re sending me a whole new reel.

[@jplee3]

@@anthonygregorio2208i’m wondering if I have the same issue on my Shields. I was able to open one sideplate but not the other. I’ve heard mixed things about Tsunami support and am wondering if I’ll actually get any help with this :( what number did you contact btw?

[@anthonygregorio2208]

@@jplee3 I brought it back to the tackle shop I bought it from and they contacted Tsunami. I couldn’t get through to their customer support for weeks.

[@johnnybarbar7435]

Why not lightly coat all surfaces of the main gear with grease while you are in there to repel water and salt?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can. It won't hurt, but it doesn't help much either

[@johnnybarbar7435]

@@2ndChanceTackle LOL, It may not help business at the shop but it will sure prevent corrosion until it can be cleaned properly.

[@rontruocchio5744]

they could of just as easily made the side plate extension with the four holes in a shape that excepts a socket or open end. i guess that would of been to easy.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yup! I don't get it

[@Luke-do1ek]

Man Denis. I hate this reel. First fish on my shield 5000 was a nice size blue but the side plate fell off and the reel fell apart in my hands. Then they sent me another one landed a couple more blues and this clicking would happen when I reeled in reel was shot

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I was not impressed by the inner gears. They appear to me a lesser quality metal and not what you would expect from a reel in this price range. Thanks for the feedback -Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That 5000 would be light but OK for a typical 6-8 pounder, but if it as the 15 pound class, your are right, it would be under-sized. Those fish can run and will tear up tackle. It's unfortunate, but many manufacturers have eliminated the A/R over-ride with the introduction of the anti-reverse clutch. I still prefer the over-ride option, even if I do not use it that much - Thanks Gary - Dennis

[@thevernonposse]

On this reel I put Penn grease on anything threaded with a seal keeps the salt buildup to a minimum

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That is a good practice. Thanks for sharing - Dennis

[@goosecreekrods3133]

Where do you get the Tsunami tool?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Contact Tsunmi directly. I was fortunate in that the owner of the reel sent it to my with the reel. That tool is included with the purchase of the reel. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@ozwaldozarmiento5616]

Hi senior i got one 4000 tsunami shiel and it start to make noise i from mexico nobody wat to open that reel i need make it the servise you video dont shou haw open the reel and dont say nathing about the anti rebers help me please

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You need the tool that comes with the reel in order to remover the side plate. This one screws on. The problem is that the two models 3000/4000 and the 5000/6000 do not screw on the same. One uses a clockwise rotation and the other uses the counter-clockwise threading. The instructions for removal are in the manual. Best to get that before you do the servicing - Dennis

[@ozwaldozarmiento5616]

@@2ndChanceTackle Hello sir, thank you for your answer, my reel squeaks from the anti-reverse part, as I clean and grease it, and the grease that it has inside is no longer sticky, it is like melted, as if mixed with water that could have entered, which I need do. Gracias sir.

[@AnNgocLam]

I’m from vn and i have one. What a pity ! I can’t sent for you to prepair.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you. At lest I tried to show how to do it in a video! Best wishes - Dennis

[@AnNgocLam]

@@2ndChanceTackle i cant find wrench same.

[@timolean5846]

Man I’ve been trying to get it off spinning it clockwise and it comes off counterclockwise. It’s a 6000 Tsunami shield.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Go figure. They had two different attaches for the 5000 and 6000. One comes off clockwise and the other is counter-clockwise. What were they thinking????? One of my lease favorite reel manufacturers! Thanks Dennis

[@johnguzo6522]

Tsunami 5000 very dirty when I opened it up

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I wonder what fishing conditions cause that

[@thevernonposse]

People get these reels and do crazy shit to show people that it's a sealed unit if they just fished them normal they probably wouldn't have half of the issues lol

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I've seen a lot of abused reels come into my shop that I would like to hear their story....if reels could talk. Hardly a week goes by without one coming in that makes me wonder - Thanks