Toogood Pond

[Freshwater]

(05-09-2013 08:01 AM)MichaelAngelo Wrote:  Wouldn't the best (if not only?) way to check for smoothness of drag be to actually put some line on the spool, tighten up the drag, and give it a pull?

Also, beware some reels will go from too loose to too tight with even just 1/8th of a turn... my abu 401i does that. (literally, I mean from no drag to full drag).

edit: you can check on kijiji for used shimano reels. $30 got me an absolute workhorse of a reel.

Yeah - that was going to be my next question How do you check the drag on a brand new reel with no line on it? I think I will carry a length of line with me when I go shopping enough length to make the reel drag for at least two - three turns. If the reel was going to change drag tightness, 2-3 turns would expose that, non?

I have to buy two sets of rod/reels (one for the Mrs.) So I'm thinking going the combo way would be ideal for saving me some money.

Thanks for all the great advice folks, I'm so glad I found you guys Please keep them coming.