Pro Gear drags

reallybigtoad · Sep-03-2006, 07:55 PM

I'm trying to upgrade the drag performance of my PG 255. The stock drags were definately not smooth.

I've tried HT100's (both greased and not greased) and also the Extreme Smoothies, also greased and dry.

I've changes the metal drag washers as well since they had a couple rough spots.

Despite my best efforts, the best I can get is about 8#'s of drag when completed buttoned down.

Since this reel uses the same size drags as a Penn 500, this seem low.

Is 8#'s normal or should I be getting more?

What else can I do?

thanks,
-todd

Double Z · Sep-03-2006, 08:04 PM

Easy. Go here.

http://www.avetreels.com/

Sorry. Couldn't help it. I've not yet pulled one apart yet.

reallybigtoad · Sep-03-2006, 08:17 PM

I kinda expected that. I already have an SX that is performing perfectly.

But I'm trying to get this one going...

Double Z · Sep-03-2006, 08:30 PM

Hopefully Alan will chime in but it sounds like your stack is a little thin? Is there a bellville you can dump and add a washer? Did you measure the thickness of the stock stack? Is the star bottomed or is the star just buttoned down and won't turn anymore?

reallybigtoad · Sep-03-2006, 08:36 PM

There is only 1 bellville and I don't have the tools to accurately measure the stack. It seems to be about the same between all three washer types.

The star is not bottomed out, it's just buttoned down.

-toad

Double Z · Sep-03-2006, 09:04 PM

OK. Not to bring up the basics but you went HT, washer with the flats on the inside, HT, washer with the pins, HT, washer with the flats inside? Drag should be the highest with the dry drags but only slightly higher than greased. The grease just smooths it up and adds a little moisture protection.

Is that how the stack is assembled?

reallybigtoad · Sep-03-2006, 09:13 PM

Thats correct. The washer with the little nubs is in the middle.

I think it may be related to the bellville, but I'm no expert.

I leave for La Paz on Friday morning - nothing like waiting until the last minute! I wish I had the $$ for another SX!

-todd

Double Z · Sep-03-2006, 09:17 PM

PM AlanTani. If he doesn't know, get under a table and do a, "Duck and cover" 'cause the world is coming to an end.

hucklongfin · Sep-03-2006, 09:41 PM

I think I get about 8# on my 255 w/HT-100's. Plenty good for the 20# line I run on it. Try replacing the fiber washer under the main gear with a drag washer. That should get you a couple more pounds.

Double Z · Sep-03-2006, 09:50 PM

Hey Mark.

Does that effect the cranking effort at the handle?

reallybigtoad · Sep-03-2006, 09:56 PM

I PM'ed Alan.

The Extreme Smoothie kit came with another washer for under the gear that I used.

I'm just uncomfortable because the drag curve is so steap. it goes from about 3 or 4 pounds to buttoned down at 8 lbs within an 1/8th of a turn.

I see people fish 30-40# on jigmasters, so how much drag pressure do they produce?

Thanks everybody.

-todd

eli · Sep-03-2006, 10:18 PM

go to squidco if you live in san diego. they have the pro gear drags in stock which is the same material as ht100s