Baitcast Reel Drag

[YummiYammis]

I was wondering if any Curado owners or other Baitcast owners have had problems with the Drag system slipping too much...No matter what I do i can't get the drag to tighten up enough for larger fish. I have cranked the star drag as tight as I can (don't wanna break it). I also have checked the main friction pad out when I have lubed the reels. Is this a case of me needing to buy new ones or needing to take it in to get repaired?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[Borch]

Seems like a lot of the drag disks that come in the midlevel baitcasters have issues either not being smooth or having adjustment issues. It didn't use to be that way but it seems to be where reel manufacturers are choosing to cut costs these days.

Aftermarket drag disks will be a huge improvement in drag's performance in your reels.

*** I'm gonna move this into the expert equipment area where you'll get a better response***

[Bushwacker]

I agree with Borch that the new generation of reels seem to have stock drag issues. It is crazy that they keep raising prices of reels and the drags seem to be getting worse. The first thing I do to new reels is upgrade them to Carbontex drags from Smooth Drags. They can be a dry or wet system. I prefer wet with Cal's drag grease, because that makes the system a little more consistant than a dry system that might be dirty or wet from water.

[Eskimoman]

What kind of line are you using? I had fireline on one of my reels and the line was slipping around the spool. I took off the line and put a piece of electrical tape around it for the line to grip and the problem was solved. I hope you can understand what I am saying. If this isn't the problem I would say you need to get the drag fixed or buy a new reel.

[Ralph Wiggum]

 Originally Posted By: Eskimoman

What kind of line are you using? I had fireline on one of my reels and the line was slipping around the spool. I took off the line and put a piece of electrical tape around it for the line to grip and the problem was solved.

I'll second that thought. If you use a superline, you either need to put tape around the spool first or use some mono for backing. Lots of drag problems end up not being the drag at all, but line slipping on the spool.

[Deitz Dittrich]

It could be a line issue.. the biggest thing I see people do is leave their drag tight all the time... during the off season its VERY VERY important to back off the drag. Many people who complain about problems like yours admit they have never done this. ANd it causes the drag washer to warp or at least not have the same shape.. You may need to have the drag washers replaced.

[Ralph Wiggum]

 Originally Posted By: Deitz Dittrich

the biggest thing I see people do is leave their drag tight all the time... during the off season its VERY VERY important to back off the drag.

Ah yes, I am quite anal retentive about that!

[slipperybob]

Do we know if it's a one peice drag wool/felt or if it's multidisc in the Curado?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Slipbob- the newer Curado have a Dartanium drag... the older green oneshad just had plastic/metal I believe.. but could be wrong.

YY is this a new Curado or an old Curado?