I'm on the verge of buying a new shimano baitrunner for the upcoming season. This will be my first 'live liner' type reel.
I've heard that shimano recently 'improved' the design from the original version. Does anyone know what they changed inside them and if they are any better (or worse) because of the changes?

I fooled around with one at the Mass Bass Show (I already own two), and the main difference I could see was they now have an infinate anti-reverse.....which aside from the obvious advantage, I hope is an improvement, because on my 3500, I have had sporadic problems with the anti-reverse, and have heard of others having the same problem with the 6500. My 4500 has never had that problem, even though the old type anti-reverse was of the same design on all three models. The only other thing I really noticed is that the handle is a bit bigger on the new ones. Of course, at the show, I couldn't open it up to see what might be new inside (I know the inside of those reels pretty well, so it would have been interesting if I could have....;))

Aside from the anti-reverse problems I mentioned above, they are great reels and I would recommend them to anybody.

The now come with the new rotor design and oversized Line Roller

I agree with SIM.,
The only thing I noticed was the anti reverse, and of course the
new look.
I have four 6500's and hardly had any trouble, just a bearing here or there. No problems casting or with the 'runner"
feature.

I also know the inside of these reels pretty well.
10 lbs. of s@#t in a 5 lb. bag !!!

IMO they are a super reel,,:D

Anyone know the model# of this year's new Shimano ?
I've got a Thunnus model, which was new a couple of years ago, but I still love my 6500's the most. Never had any trouble with them. I've got two 4500's and although they can handle big fish, I feel more secure with 6500's. I'd hate to lose a trophy due to a bad drag.

From what i've been told. The 'old style' uses the BTR- for a model number, and the 'new style' uses TU-

Sorry YS but you were told wrong the new style is the BTR4500B BTR6500B ect.

Thanks mike, maybe that's the reason why none of the bait shops have 'em. ;)

;)