Grading a Reel

Appearance

Mechanical

-- MINT MINT - Original factory condition, never used M10 EX All functions work properly, no wear
A10 UNFLAWED Looks mint, but no guarantee as to if it had ever been used M9 EX- All functions work well, though some wear apparent. Spool fully adjustable, strong click, strong brake, smooth level-wind.
A9 EX Hard rubber still polished, edges sharp, markings sharp, machining markings sharp, plating intact, no corrosion, pitting, chips, or scratches M8 VG All functions work well, though complete adjustment may not be possible. Slight spool dinging, some click wear, brake pressure may not be maximal
A8 VG Occasional light scratch, minor-normal plating wear, rubber edges may not be sharp, minor foot imperfections, clean, crank knobs tight M7 VG- Normal use and wear. Spool "sloppy", click weakening, levelwind slight wobble
A7 VG- Small chips, some plating wear, screw slots obviously used, light cleaning required, surface defects M6 G All functions work, but some may be fairly worn, some gear noise, click may slip or be very weak, brake pressure weak, levelwind needs a new pawl
A6 G Chips, small dents, scratches from normal use, light corrosion, foot filed heavily or bent severely, buggered screw heads M5 G- Functions work, but with some difficulty, click or brake not functional, levelwind jams, broken tooth ow worn gears
A5 G- Larger chips/scratches, heavier corrosion, light pitting, Slight bends in pillar or crank, knob pins bent over or loose, may need small replacement part (such as a screw, nut or bearing cap) M4 F Functional problems requiring replacement parts to make operable
A4 F Has a significant problem, heavy corrosion, buggered screws, cracked rubber plate, small broken part, missing major parts (such as pillar line guide, click button), foot seriously damaged M3 F- Major functional problems, possibly due to missing or broken parts that are not easily replaced
A3 F- More serious problems, broken foot or other frame part, bent or badly dented plates M2 P Major problems
A2 P May be useful for parts M1 Valueless No mechanical value
A1 Valueless No aesthetic value