drag setting vs. free spool MXL

Ibseeker · Sep-07-2009, 10:37 AM

I'm having trouble setting the drag on a MXL6/4 without messing up the free spooling. It's loaded w/30#, the problem is that when the drag is set at 9# at strike, the reel doesn't free spool very well. I'm thinking it's me, not the reel. I'm setting the drag by pulling straight off a drag scale, no rod involved. At 9#'s the drag is very sensitive to changes, one click either way and the setting changes dramatically.

Is this the correct way to set the drag?

NickyBaby · Sep-07-2009, 10:39 AM

Hopefully you're setting the knob while its in freespool?

coryellk · Sep-07-2009, 11:43 AM

It's not you. If there is some use on your reel, or BigHammerKing used it recently, try changing the pinion bearing. It's the one on the inside of the drag knob. Nine pounds of drag at strike, for an MXL, isn't too much to ask. Let us know how it turns out.

BigHammerKing · Sep-08-2009, 06:17 PM

that was the last avet i touched. the guys at the tackle shop wont show me any lever drags anymore.

coryellk · Sep-08-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHammerKing

that was the last avet i touched. the guys at the tackle shop wont show me any lever drags anymore.

LMAO. I wasn't sure how you would take the poke. Nice comeback... Speaks volumes about you.

Ibseeker · Sep-09-2009, 12:13 PM

The reel doesn't have much wear and tear, I've only fished it a dozen times or so. Never really put the reel under much stress. I'm also not likely to change any bearings without Avet being involved. Too much $$$ for this reel if this is what I can expect. I've got another one, I'll set both drags alike and then compare the results. I'm sure Avet will help me if necessary. They seem to have a good rep with customer service.

Locke N Load · Sep-11-2009, 06:57 PM

My MXL5.8 is a little different than my other Avets. With freespool in the Freespool position and freespool in the Bait position I get around 10#s at Strike and 17 at Full. Once I turn the dial up so I have drag in the Bait setting I can get 12 at Strike and 24 at Full while still having freespool in Freespool position. And no binding until close to those high settings while in Full position. My other Avets only get the state drag when freespool is at Freespool position only. With my LX if I want freespool in the bait position I only get 9 at Strike and 12 at Full. But with freespool in Freespool position I can get 5 at Bait, 21 at Strike and 30 at Full. Go figure. I believe the point I am trying to make is each reel can be a little different. If you are not satisfied with the reel's performance, call Avet. If you can't troubleshoot the issue over the phone with a technician then send it in for bench inspection/repair. Thats' what I did with my LX when I couldn't get beyond 10#s without binding issues. It came back a new and very improved reel.
Good luck.