Yes that was powder coated as was the reel. As soon as the reels gets machined then that's when the moisture gets in between the metal and the coating from the freshly exposed section. In no time the coating will start to peel and the rest is history I guess.
Paint is far more durable and chemically / mechanically it's a far better bond. Powder coating is done for the sake of ease and also looking shiny on the showroom floor, but that's about it.

Cheers,
BB

I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.