I have a 5500 and I am using this year for plugging. I think I have been spoiled b/c I have a VS275 for jigging and I love the bailess system and since that I don't like going back to bail but I love the emblem. I have lost a few of my cheaper plugs b/c the bail has closed on me and I am somewhat worried that if I go to my more $$$ ones go hurling half way into the canal, ill have a heart attack . Is there a bailess system for the emblem? Are there any emblem owners that cut off the bail and just leave the roller? Is it a good idea to do that or will it ruin the reel?

I have a 5500 and I am using this year for plugging. I think I have been spoiled b/c I have a VS275 for jigging and I love the bailess system and since that I don't like going back to bail but I love the emblem. I have lost a few of my cheaper plugs b/c the bail has closed on me and I am somewhat worried that if I go to my more $$$ ones go hurling half way into the canal, ill have a heart attack . Is there a bailess system for the emblem? Are there any emblem owners that cut off the bail and just leave the roller? Is it a good idea to do that or will it ruin the reel?

Under the rotor there's a button--push that to position the roller arm, flip open the bail, and then turn the rotor by hand until the roller arm is flush against that big external bail trip on the reel stem. I guarantee you'll never have another premature bail closure if you do that.

I was having the same problem you were with the emblem. After a long frustrating morning I got home and cut off the bail with my dremmel. Doing this gave it a slight wobble when reeling in fast. I should have just taken the bail spring off and that would have fixed the bail. Plus you can always put the spring back if you wanted.

along with what mike p said close the bail manually and make sure the braid is tight to the spool. give it a quick pull.if you dont like using the push button just make sure the roller is to the right of your blank everytime you cast. cuts down on any loops in the braid.

thanks guys.... ill take a look at it tonight and see what I can do

so you guys are saying if I hit the button underneath after every cast, the problem should go away

Yes, the button positions the rotor in the proper place to prevent the bail form closing during a cast.

the button is the balls you will never break off again