I sent in a Spheros 6000 about 2 weeks ago. It was my first in the Spheros line and probably 4 years old. All I did before that was FW washdowns and kept putting oil on it as well as a standard service 2 years ago by I think Bucko's. The anti reverse started to go and the handle was getting sticky. My only other complaint was the pitting on the spool seemed excessive considering other reels I use with the same treatment. This reel was rarely dunked but did get fairly wet on the boat at times. For the $$ its done its job very well.
I got it back today. No return shipping charge, free new spool, free parts to fix the anti reverse, free new handle. All I asked for was to fix the anti reverse and do a standard cleaning/service. I mentioned the spool seemed pitted but that was it.
Total charge:$25 plus the $10 I paid to get it out there.

The reel looks and feels like new and for $35 you cant beat it. Hats off to Shimano from me on this one....

BTW although I really like the reel, its just too in-between sizes for me to recommend anyone buying. I would absolutely recommend going smaller or go with the 8000.

Where do you send the reel? (I am asking because it's easier than researching myself)

If you google Shimano Customer Service you'll find a PDF form on their website to print and fill out with the package. Super easy, although not much room to write. The service $ varies for each reel spinning vs conventional etc - some high end reels have a 2 day turnaround which is nice, but the website will say what the turnaround time is for weverything else. This took about 2.5 weeks total for me. You end up sending the reel to Irvine CA. I actually talked to reps on the phone two times as well and both reps were very helpful and informative.

Honestly compared to what you might expect from a big company who really probably looses money on service, I was very, very impressed.

You can't beat shimano's service, I send all my shimanos there.

+1 for Shimano.

Awesome CS for sure.

Awesome CS for sure. Ive never gotten the same reel back from them when sending it in for service. I always seem to get a new one. They even sent me a free drag knob for a reel i bought second hand that didnt have one.

I sent a Calcutta 400 TE in with a broken free-spool lever. They sent me a brand new reel for the cost of shipping.

-spence

I alway send my reels to the Calif. headquarters. It always a suprise what they do with the reels. Sometimes a new reel even arrives. The only thing you have to keep in mind is if you have braid on the spool and want to save it, tell them not to replace it.

Agreed!! They have done great work on all of my 400s