Welp, since I got such an enormous response from this thread, I retreated to the good ole days and did some research on my own. Yep, I made some phone calls (landline) and talked to some folks (actual oral conversation). I discovered that no one in the area services Avet reels, you have to wrap them up, and ship them to California. HOWEVER, I was also told that their service was quick. OK, the old girl is getting "rough", so let's pack it up and see what happens. Sent it out last Monday evening, priority USPS (6.00), and Friday afternoon I get a phone call saying it is done and back in the mail that day. WOW! These guys ARE quicker than Lyle in OV on Saturday night! I was also told that Avet charges 35.00 to repair/service any reel after 1 year (warranty covers a year) and that includes shipping back to you. Pretty sweet deal I think, I should have it back in my cradling arms on Tuesday. Just FYI for you Avet owners...