There's a local guy in my country who does crazy good reel servicing. One issue he noted with people upgrading to carbontex drag washers was that carbontex washers are really rough. They can and will abrade your reel when the drag is tightened down. He once took apart a Stella where the spool under the bottom drag washer got its anodising removed. There has been an issue with reels internal gearing stripping because of the high drag used. Would be good to check on your reel regularly to look for signs of wear and tear.
@Dee Jay some reels don't start with a washer at bottom of the drag stack. That's why it would rub off the anodizing on the inside of the spool when the drag disc is in direct contact with the drag stack. Atc virtuous is one, shimano twinpower, saragosa are also examples.
Great video. I think its often overlooked how important the drag washers are in a setup. They take a lot of abuse with the saltwater, dirt and grime and heat. This video is great for anyone looking to fine tune their seasonal maintenance procedure.
Just an old man trick..... use surgical gloves so that the reel butter applies to the drag set evenly (and isn't absorbed by your fingers) and lets you clean up easily. Also, I prefer to use a long, but narrow, screw driver to prevent myself from applying too much pressure on those interior parts. Also, the guys that mentored me on reels always told me to back off my reel drags when storing them to insure consistency when the drags were set.... just a habit of mine. Blessings!
Fabulous video. You just taught me how to fix a mystery problem on a really good reel. Where did all the "drag" go? Think I'll replace washers on a few reels. Why wait til they go south in the middle of a nice fish-catch?
I just got an ugly stik GX2 with reel combo (Couldnt pass on it, walmart priced it at $9 on mistake) and before I could even use it I noticed some white dust on the drag dial.. had no clue what it was, sure enough its from those cloth washers... Now i want to replace them with carbon ones but I doubt they'd make it for that reel
I haven’t checked the Ardent grease, I like the product, but I’m not sure about using it as a drag washer grease. I always use either Cals drag grease or people use Shimano too. Reason being normal reel grease cannot stand temperatures like drag grease can and the drag washers create tons of heat. I’ll check ardent reel butter but cals is always a good bet!
Great vid! I have seen where some people will grease only the felt or Carbontex washers and not the metal washers. I have two questions for you: 1-Were you putting grease on both sides of the metal washers also? 2-Is Shimano drag grease a good grease to use as well on the Carbontex washers?
I caught 8 bull reds one night and destroyed my reel washers,they were protruding out of the top of the reel,shimano sahara 2500,Academy exchanged the reel but next time ill be ready.
That is a great tip. I like how you lay out the items to not forget the order. Can this can be done on any reel (penn fierce)? Great information as usual!
Great helpful video man especially since the idiots at my local rod and reel repair shop just replace my drag washers with even cheaper washers than the factory ones
Great video Josh!! Should I do this on my Penn's? Can you do a video where you take the reel completely apart or is that discouraged? Tons of questions sorry 😐
Yes. I typically wash everything down with the hose after I go out but I didn't know if once a year or once a month I should be taking it apart and greasing it or what how much is too much how little was too little as far as maintenance goes
Thanks for the great video. I have just bought my first stradic ci4+ so I guess I need to order some new drag washers now. Thanks again for the information.
I have purchase JMX4000 ( Bass Pro Jimmy Morris). After 1 years i used. I feel the drag become silent when i turn them harder. Is there anyway i can fix that. Thanks sir
I’ve heard that you should not use synthetic grease on these washers, ardent is synthetic, have you had any issues with the washers going bad from the synthetic grease? Could this potentially cause damage in other areas of the reel also?
*Love this reel **allabout.wiki/01fs** but not entirely as advertised. Mine came with the reverse switch(I do not like the reverse switch - one more thing to go wrong and more complicated to rebuild) the pics did not show the reverse but it came with it anyways. I do still recommend this reel, it is awesome.*
hi Joshua, ever tried to use those washers dry without the grease on it? I have a pack of the same ones for my saltiga and it says can use with or without grease, just wanted to know if you had any experience with it.
mines was so bad that I literary disintegrated one lol I only had 2 washers one was half way burned out and the other one was all over the place inside lol no wonder my drag kept locking on me thanks alot man
Joshua Taylor, when the factory washers deteriorate what are the symptoms? I have the Ci4+ and the reel has just started to give me a jerkiness, uneven drag pull. It is like it like the line pulls off easy then tightens up, then easy etc.. Does this sound like the issue is my drag washers?
Hello Joshua.. I am looking for Drag Washers for the Daiwa Freams LT 2500D..I have no idea of the Size and where to order for a new set.. Any suggestions?
One of my carbontex washers had looked slightly different then the other too (just had one side that had a woven look to it) anyone else has this? Just trying to make sure I didn’t get a wrong washer but as far as I can tell there the same aside from physical appearance
Had them in for a few weeks now with no issues looked at the picture on amazon again and you can see that one does have a slightly different look then the rest
Hi. I notice my Stradic c5000fk has a carbon washer instead of that felt one. Should I replace them for the carbontek washer or are they already good enough?
Thanks Josh. I needed this video. My drag is trashed. I'm having a hard time finding these carbontex washers for my stradic ci4+ 2500HG-B spinning reel. Surely they have them for my model right? Such a helpful video! Thanks again.
You can buy a carbon sheet on ebay and cut them out yourself,its not for everyone doing it that way but does save alot of money,and you can do alot of reels with one sheet
I believe they are dartanium washers that come in the reel but they wear and tear quickly especially under heavy load. Swap them out and you wont be disappointed.
Joshua Taylor My Daiwa D1300 is about 30 years old and was handed down to me from my dad. I guess I need to just get similar size carbontex drags. Does it have to be the exact size of my original drag washers? Is it more critical to match the outer or inner diameter of the original drag washer? I appreciate the info.
You can buy sheets of carbontex and cut them yourself. There is a video on youtube that shows you how to measure with a compass and how to cut them out.
Hi Josh,Nice video, I have the same reel with ruined drag can you please paste a link to your ebay retailer as there is a lot of subquality stuff out there and I don't wish to risk a fish of a lifetime :)
Sorry I didn't really articulate that properly - my smooth drag carbontex washer set came with 3 washers - one thick washer and 2 thinner washers. I couldn't see in your video where you placed the thick carbontex washer and was wondering if there is a specific order.
its part of their freshwater line up.in most cases shimano only puts carbon drags on their 5k size freshwater reels. their saltwater models are different as they are intended to be fished at a higher drag.
@@Saltyscales Interesting. Just picked up a Stradic CI4+ 4000 XG (FB model), so I guess I'll use the stock washers until they complain and then give these carbontex ones a look.
Who would have thought shimano were putting cheap crap drag washers in their very expensive reels. I think most people would buy a different brand if they knew about this.
@@Saltyscales About time too, I got the same reel as the one in this video and just had a look at the drag washers, they are basically made of a soft gauze type material which I am guessing is designed to keep the grease spread across the metal washers which they are spaced between.
There's a local guy in my country who does crazy good reel servicing. One issue he noted with people upgrading to carbontex drag washers was that carbontex washers are really rough. They can and will abrade your reel when the drag is tightened down. He once took apart a Stella where the spool under the bottom drag washer got its anodising removed. There has been an issue with reels internal gearing stripping because of the high drag used. Would be good to check on your reel regularly to look for signs of wear and tear.
@Dee Jay some reels don't start with a washer at bottom of the drag stack. That's why it would rub off the anodizing on the inside of the spool when the drag disc is in direct contact with the drag stack. Atc virtuous is one, shimano twinpower, saragosa are also examples.
wow, for the price of the stradic, it should come stock with carbon fibre drag washers!!
I do not disagree one bit. Very disappointing.
In all honesty felt washers are smoother carbon is just more durable
You're my Hero, took me way too long to find a video showing how I put the top back on just kept spinning the knob and nothing happened. Phew thanks.
You are welcome!
Great video. I think its often overlooked how important the drag washers are in a setup. They take a lot of abuse with the saltwater, dirt and grime and heat. This video is great for anyone looking to fine tune their seasonal maintenance procedure.
Yes sir, thanks for the comment Frank.
Just an old man trick..... use surgical gloves so that the reel butter applies to the drag set evenly (and isn't absorbed by your fingers) and lets you clean up easily. Also, I prefer to use a long, but narrow, screw driver to prevent myself from applying too much pressure on those interior parts. Also, the guys that mentored me on reels always told me to back off my reel drags when storing them to insure consistency when the drags were set.... just a habit of mine. Blessings!
Fabulous video. You just taught me how to fix a mystery problem on a really good reel. Where did all the "drag" go? Think I'll replace washers on a few reels. Why wait til they go south in the middle of a nice fish-catch?
Glad to help.
I have noticed the Carbontex washer has different grains per side. Does it mater which side of the Carbontex washer sits right side up?
Now I know why my drag sticks on my stradic great info thank you ...
Great tip Joshua! This is something I need to do on my reels, especially my go-to reels that get the most use and abuse.
Absolutely, it will make a noticeable difference in drag quality.
What was the thickness of your carbontex drag washers
How would you know the size of the drag washer (thickness ) required for the reel.
I just got an ugly stik GX2 with reel combo (Couldnt pass on it, walmart priced it at $9 on mistake) and before I could even use it I noticed some white dust on the drag dial.. had no clue what it was, sure enough its from those cloth washers... Now i want to replace them with carbon ones but I doubt they'd make it for that reel
Dpa SFT
Gx2 rod is good but the gx2 reel sucks ass
2/3 of mine were completely disintegrated. Just ordered both felt and carbon. Thanks for the video.
Glad I could help!
I haven’t checked the Ardent grease, I like the product, but I’m not sure about using it as a drag washer grease. I always use either Cals drag grease or people use Shimano too. Reason being normal reel grease cannot stand temperatures like drag grease can and the drag washers create tons of heat. I’ll check ardent reel butter but cals is always a good bet!
Great vid! I have seen where some people will grease only the felt or Carbontex washers and not the metal washers. I have two questions for you:
1-Were you putting grease on both sides of the metal washers also? 2-Is Shimano drag grease a good grease to use as well on the Carbontex washers?
Excellent video! Very precise. Clear camera work too. I'd like to put those washer's on my two Stradic FK's as well.
+Marc G. Thank you, definitely upgrade. They are worth the money.
I caught 8 bull reds one night and destroyed my reel washers,they were protruding out of the top of the reel,shimano sahara 2500,Academy exchanged the reel but next time ill be ready.
Swap those babies out with carbontex and you will be golden.
Thanks for posting this. It looks about like replacing the clutch stack in my Suzuki Intruder a bunch of years ago.
Great tip I need to replace some washers on a couple of reels
I bought carbon sheet off ebay and just trace the washer and cut them out,with one sheet I can do 8 reels,not for everyone but I'm a diy guy.
You can definitely go that route to save money.
This is an awesome video! Every fisherman needs to know this...
Thanks!
That is a great tip. I like how you lay out the items to not forget the order. Can this can be done on any reel (penn fierce)? Great information as usual!
Yes sir it sure can, thanks for the comment Big O.
Great helpful video man especially since the idiots at my local rod and reel repair shop just replace my drag washers with even cheaper washers than the factory ones
Add these and you will see a great improvement in your drag.
Joshua Taylor just did and now the drag is as smooth as it was fresh out the box
When I try to put the real back on it's not lining up with the gear that makes the real spin what would I should do to collect this?
Your video was very descriptive and informative to understand thank you
Great video Josh!! Should I do this on my Penn's? Can you do a video where you take the reel completely apart or is that discouraged? Tons of questions sorry 😐
You can absolutely change out the washer on Penn reels. I typically don't disassemble my reels entirely. Are you wanting it for cleaning purposes?
Yes. I typically wash everything down with the hose after I go out but I didn't know if once a year or once a month I should be taking it apart and greasing it or what how much is too much how little was too little as far as maintenance goes
Why the thumbs downs this was perfect demonstration.
Thanks for the great video. I have just bought my first stradic ci4+ so I guess I need to order some new drag washers now. Thanks again for the information.
I definitely would, great reel but then they add paper thin washers???
Easy to use for any rod type it's great.
Is grease better than oil on the carbontex ones?
Great information! I'll be replacing mine on my shimano 6000 OC Baitrunner
Sounds good Robert!
Do you know why when I turn the drag knob it doesn't click any more in either direction? When line is pulled that clicks but not the drag knob
Check the spring and audible lever, it most likely is not making contact.
I have purchase JMX4000 ( Bass Pro Jimmy Morris). After 1 years i used. I feel the drag become silent when i turn them harder. Is there anyway i can fix that. Thanks sir
I’ve heard that you should not use synthetic grease on these washers, ardent is synthetic, have you had any issues with the washers going bad from the synthetic grease? Could this potentially cause damage in other areas of the reel also?
Is this process different for my bait casting reels? I never use a spinning reels....
Nice vid mate , question , what thickness are the drag washers eg 1mm , 0.8mm ??
Hello, do i have to use a special grease for brakes or i can use a lithium or lithium/calcium grease? Thank you
*Love this reel **allabout.wiki/01fs** but not entirely as advertised. Mine came with the reverse switch(I do not like the reverse switch - one more thing to go wrong and more complicated to rebuild) the pics did not show the reverse but it came with it anyways. I do still recommend this reel, it is awesome.*
Nice vid and the background music reminds me of some adult movies
😂
What benefit do you get with this washer upgrade(e.g. do you cast farther, is the spool reel quieter at casting)?
Drag is smoother, stronger 💪
hi Joshua, ever tried to use those washers dry without the grease on it? I have a pack of the same ones for my saltiga and it says can use with or without grease, just wanted to know if you had any experience with it.
mines was so bad that I literary disintegrated one lol I only had 2 washers one was half way burned out and the other one was all over the place inside lol no wonder my drag kept locking on me
thanks alot man
Joshua Taylor, when the factory washers deteriorate what are the symptoms? I have the Ci4+ and the reel has just started to give me a jerkiness, uneven drag pull. It is like it like the line pulls off easy then tightens up, then easy etc.. Does this sound like the issue is my drag washers?
Dennis Smith I'd bet it has something to do with the paper thin washers, pull the clip and take a look.
So these carbontex drag washer will add more drag power (in lbs) to my reel? I have a similar Stradic as yours but in the 2500 model. thx
I've never tested the additional poundage but I bet they would.
They say it adds 20% but I've never tested it.
Simple, but very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Hello Joshua.. I am looking for Drag Washers for the Daiwa Freams LT 2500D..I have no idea of the Size and where to order for a new set.. Any suggestions?
what do you do for oiling this reel. if you could do a video for it that would be great
I will put it on the list, thanks for the suggestion Shane.
Great video and the mat you're using Is awesome!
Thank you Matthew
i would use cals drag grease
Do you lose or get more drag force in the reel with new drag washer?
Does this also increase the lb drag or is it just for smoothness?
One of my carbontex washers had looked slightly different then the other too (just had one side that had a woven look to it) anyone else has this? Just trying to make sure I didn’t get a wrong washer but as far as I can tell there the same aside from physical appearance
They should definitely look similiar.
Had them in for a few weeks now with no issues looked at the picture on amazon again and you can see that one does have a slightly different look then the rest
Ryan Morris that one that looks different should be on the very bottom.
Yes. I came to this video because mine looked different and wanted to know what order they go in
Hi. I notice my Stradic c5000fk has a carbon washer instead of that felt one. Should I replace them for the carbontek washer or are they already good enough?
V Ounnarath if they have carbon washers, I would use them until they start wearing down.
ThankU. Great video. Exactly what I needed to know.
Nice instructional video! Can you use the reel kleen to wipe down the exterior reel body?
Thanks, I do all the time. Just don't over saturate.
Joshua Taylor Thank you.
Can I use any grease? Or there a better choice
I thought you do not use grease on carbon washers is this true
Thanks Josh. I needed this video. My drag is trashed. I'm having a hard time finding these carbontex washers for my stradic ci4+ 2500HG-B spinning reel. Surely they have them for my model right? Such a helpful video! Thanks again.
They sure do, check Ebay.
Found them and ordered! Thanks!
Done!! Thanks again.
Do you absolutely have to use grease
Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
You are welcome John
Hello Joshua, Why did you take grease onto drag washers? Carbotex washers not grease or oil free washers??
Carbontex washers can be used dry or wet.
Is Carbontex the only ones that make them? Thanks for this vid.
You can buy a carbon sheet on ebay and cut them out yourself,its not for everyone doing it that way but does save alot of money,and you can do alot of reels with one sheet
What is the stock drag washer made from? My stock drag washers look like that also. They feel like waxy paper and are super thin.
I believe they are dartanium washers that come in the reel but they wear and tear quickly especially under heavy load. Swap them out and you wont be disappointed.
Joshua Taylor My Daiwa D1300 is about 30 years old and was handed down to me from my dad. I guess I need to just get similar size carbontex drags. Does it have to be the exact size of my original drag washers? Is it more critical to match the outer or inner diameter of the original drag washer? I appreciate the info.
You can buy sheets of carbontex and cut them yourself. There is a video on youtube that shows you how to measure with a compass and how to cut them out.
That butter looks like muzzleloading bore butter
can I use Penn grease and oil or does it have to be that one???
You can use any grease that you are comfortable with, this was just my preference.
oh okay thanks great vid by the way keep it up!
Thanks
Great upgrade
Thank you - I learned a lot!
Great vid Josh keep them up
Thanks Jose!
I have a 4000 also do you have a link????
👍👍👌👌
great video, I've got a symetre 4000, gonna have to tear that baby down now!
Getr done!
Excellent!
very nice...
Thank you! Cheers!
Great advice love your vids
Hi Josh,Nice video, I have the same reel with ruined drag can you please paste a link to your ebay retailer as there is a lot of subquality stuff out there and I don't wish to risk a fish of a lifetime :)
I purchased them from: hprbearings on Ebay
Thanks really appreciate it!!
is there a specific order in which the washers should be inserted?
Yes, just like I demonstrate.
Sorry I didn't really articulate that properly - my smooth drag carbontex washer set came with 3 washers - one thick washer and 2 thinner washers. I couldn't see in your video where you placed the thick carbontex washer and was wondering if there is a specific order.
How tell if a washer is damaged because I'm trying to repair my drag on my lews ree
Just remove them and inspect the washers. If the are torn or worn it's time to replace.
What is thickness Bro? Thanks
God bless you
@@Orlosthedruid I mean millimeters Bro????
like always the good info
Thank you sir!
U would think for over 200$ for a reel they would come with some decent drag washers.another reason i am done with shimano
I would agree, they may have upgraded them in there newer reels but I haven't checked.
its part of their freshwater line up.in most cases shimano only puts carbon drags on their 5k size freshwater reels. their saltwater models are different as they are intended to be fished at a higher drag.
A thin coat of grease on the metal washers doesn't hurt either...
Agreed!
shimano also goes cheap on their bearings
Didn't think you were suppose to out grease on drag washers. I thought oil was what you wanted?
You can fish them dry or with grease.
@@Saltyscales Interesting. Just picked up a Stradic CI4+ 4000 XG (FB model), so I guess I'll use the stock washers until they complain and then give these carbontex ones a look.
Too bad they don't any lb increase to a reel. ☹️ But they are better than the crappy felt. 😊
Smoother too
Who would have thought shimano were putting cheap crap drag washers in their very expensive reels. I think most people would buy a different brand if they knew about this.
I think they finally caught on, some of their newer reels have Carbon washers.
@@Saltyscales About time too, I got the same reel as the one in this video and just had a look at the drag washers, they are basically made of a soft gauze type material which I am guessing is designed to keep the grease spread across the metal washers which they are spaced between.
You are correct, upgrade the washers for $15 or so. You'll be glad you did.
I hear that butter is really bad for the gears.
I've been using it for over five years, never had a gear fail due to grease.
@@Saltyscales one of these days your going to open your reel and your going to see why
I clean my reels all the time lol but okay. 👍
They make those washers easy to fail so you have to buy a new fishing reel. That's business.
I've never heard of someone buying a new reel because of bad drag washers lol.