MXJ/SX: Hard to turn handle

[FishStalker]

I've got a couple of SX's and an MXJ6. I've always had problems with the SX and MXJ handles being hard to turn, especially under load but this last weekend it was really pissing me off. I was fishing dropper loop in 90 foot of water with a 4oz sinker on the MXJ. When I tried to wind in to rebait, I had to apply a hell of a lot of force to get the handle to turn. If I pumped the rod, it was marginally better but still required alot of effort. Fishing the same way on my tekota (with 3 times as much weight, I might add) or on my torium 16 or any of my progears, the handle turns effortlessly. I've heard that fishing heavy drag makes the handles hard to turn on lever drag reels but I was fishing 20# and only had the drag set to about 5 or 6 pounds which could hardly be considered a high drag setting for this reel.

Is there something wrong with the reel or is this just the way they are? I always rinse my reels and this particular reel was recently serviced by Avet as well as several breakdowns that I have done periodically.

[aguachico]

1. After it was serviced at Avet, did it turn smoothly?
2. After you rinse it off, how do you store it and do you lube it?
3. Do you fish the yak with it?

Sounds like you need to send it in for repairs, but ask for a report on what was causing the problem and what can you do to stop jacking up your reels, if it's your fault.

Are you sure it's not the knob (handle) that's in need of maintenance? Try turning the reel by the handle arm, if that's smooth, then your knob needs cleaning and greasing.

[FishStalker]

Originally Posted by aguachico

1. After it was serviced at Avet, did it turn smoothly?
2. After you rinse it off, how do you store it and do you lube it?
3. Do you fish the yak with it?

Sounds like you need to send it in for repairs, but ask for a report on what was causing the problem and what can you do to stop jacking up your reels, if it's your fault.

Are you sure it's not the knob (handle) that's in need of maintenance? Try turning the reel by the handle arm, if that's smooth, then your knob needs cleaning and greasing.

1) It (the MXJ) has always been hard to turn.
2) I rinse off my reels, dry them and store them in a reel bag. Periodically, I break down the reels and lube them with grease and oil.
3) None of my boat reels ever go on my yak.

I'd hate to have to send it in again since I just had them in over thanksgiving and they charged me a service fee for every reel that I brought in (I think that it was $20). I've only fished this reel once or twice since then.

It's definitely not the handle knob that's hard to turn. The knob spins freely. It's the handle turning the gears that is binding. As I said, all of my lower end avets (SX, MX) are like this. My LX 2 speed and my 4/02 don't do this.

[Surfdoc]

I would say call the factory. I've had good responces whenever I've had to call. And am sure if you explain that they were just in and still have the same problem, I would doubt they'd charge you again.

I know they'll be at the FH shows... talk with them about it there!

[aguachico]

Yeah I agree with Stan. Although I would still have Avet tell you what the problem was since it's re-occurring.

Do you store them in the reel bag wet? I leave mine out to dry, the drain hole down and the lever in gear slightly to keep the brake on the washer. Also I keep the lever in strike while rinsing to protect the washer.

Good luck

AC

[Mamoo]

I have yet to have this problem with my SX or MXL. Definately call Avet or go see them at Fred Hall. If you see them at Fred Hall bring your reels with you.

[RickO]

Why don't you send the reel back to the Avet factory and write down what the problem is. You can also bring the reel to the Avet Booth at both the Fred Hall shows. I'll be at both shows so just ask for me.
Rick Ozaki

[john7429]

I'm going to throw this out there at the risk of embarassing myself.

When I got my first avet, I adjusted the drag without putting it in freespool. :104167739
That screwed up the reel similar to what you're describing...