Carbon wet drags

[MolBasser]

I didn't see a tackle subforum, so I figured that this was the best bet.

I post, my friends, in support of replacing all your drags in your reels with greased carbon fiber drag washers. I have done this with all my reels, down to my ultralight crappie spinning reels and you will not believe the difference.

No more jerking relief on the drag, only smooth line release. This is important when you are fishing, like I do a lot of the time, 2-4# line.

Check it out.

MolBasser

[MolBasser]

18 views without comment?

C'mon people, you have to have an opinion!

I first did my light tuna stick reel (a heavily modded Penn 500) and figured, hey, this is awesome, I should do my bass reels.

I did them, and I was "Hey, this is awesome, I should do my spinning trout reels!". I did them and I was "Hey, this is awesome, I should do everything!".

Boom. No more drag issues, ever. For anything.

MolBasser

[skeetbum]

I keep mine so light as it is that even when I set the hook and the fish isn't there, the drag slips a few clicks. Thanks though, great idea.

[skiptomylu]

I am totally unsure if it would really help mine too because I keep it set light as I use Braid most of the time. I have been thinking about using mono again as an experiment to see if I get more bites, but I seem to get plenty bits as it is so not sure I will even do that. I don't know anything about the washers your talking about anyway?? Maybe I should, but I don't.

[Fatman]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!!!!! Post some pics about this and point out to folks what you're talking about. Not everyone cleans and maintains their own reels, so they don't have a clue what you're talking about.

[MolBasser]

I'm about to break down all my reels for inspection and lube. I will take pics of the said washers. I use carbontex, the difference between these washers and stock washers is night and day. The drag performance is light years better. I started with my bass reels and was so pleased with the results I switched all of my reels over to carbon.

Readers digest: The kits come with carbon fiber weave drag washers (think like the carbon they make bike frames out of, it looks like woven cloth) and super polished metal compression washers. As you rebuild the drag you rub drag grease into the carbon disks and put it all together. The result is a drag that never "sticks", the line feeds smoothly when the appropriate pressure is applied. Almost all stock drags will reach a point and then release, and then lock up again, then release again giving the well known "zzzt...zzzzt...zzzzt" and this puts unneaded shock stress on your line. With the carbon drags there is no release and grab, the line feeds out super smoothly and the fish fighting control is greatly improved.

I'll post some pics when I get them.

MolBasser

[MolBasser]

I am totally unsure if it would really help mine too because I keep it set light as I use Braid most of the time. I have been thinking about using mono again as an experiment to see if I get more bites, but I seem to get plenty bits as it is so not sure I will even do that. I don't know anything about the washers your talking about anyway?? Maybe I should, but I don't.

I've gone almost completely braid, but use a fluorocarbon mono leader in most cases. It is kind of a pain tying surgeon knots on the water when you get break offs, but I find I get more bites with the leader, and you keep the sensitivity of the braid main line.

MolBasser