Delaware Valley Tackle

The outside diameter is the same so all should cast a given line the same way.

I wouldn’t classify either as lemons or defective. A little break in time followed by cleaning and lubrication will almost surely make a difference

ABEC was developed by an American association with global membership selling and distributing in the US not just manufacturing. A large distributor advertising ABEC ratings would be outed quickly as fighting counterfeiting is one their prime objectives. The whole industry is complicated and the intricacies are not of any real consequence in regard to the OP.

I have success with an original Albright, easy, slim and reliable.

OP, what prompted you to start down this road? If it is looking for a feel you prefer, it may not be attainable with the starting point. If it was reading online about the “need” for “correct balance “ abandon the idea completely. A $200 rod you payed a good portion of that for light, rigid materials that I just can’t see weighing down.

Boca is one of the last places you’d get a counterfeit bearing. They’re a legit distributor. ABEC ratings are an industry standard used to compare apples to apples. You an get get quality bearings that have not been rated but the mere fact that they’re from Japan is no guarantee. The whole bearing thing blown out of proportion including the micro, air etc. it’s all marketing and that’s ok. Competition is tough. A clean, quality bearing properly lubricated will provide more free spool than you can use. All the rest is noise.

That’s too wide of a weight range for one rod to cover imo. If you’re willing and able to adjust and compromise in the weight area any jig/worm rod should suffice

These things are impossible to diagnose sight unseen. “Noise” is more audible and unnatural and may indicate something needs to be addressed. “Sound” is is the mere turning of mechanical parts and some increase is inevitable as the reel breaks in and loosens up. If I had to guess, the latter is most likely. The pinion bearing is arguably the most over diagnosed cause of retrieve issues. If it worsens or just bugs you deep cleaning will never hurt. If you’re not comfortable with DIY feel free to send it in at your convenience.

Since it laid on the bottom for an extended period o suggest a full tear down sooner rather than later. I can take care of it if you’d like. Email or call. I’m not far from the Adk.

You’re kidding right?

Unless your bearings have been neglected to the point of damage, flushing and proper (light) lubrication e will do almost as much as new bearings. I’m not familiar with that specific kit but if you’re going to upgrade bearings, I recommend ceramic hybrid run dry.

The sleeve stuck in the AR gets slid onto the shaft. Replace side plate, click plate large side up, spring washers as shown prior, flat washer, drag star, handle washer, handle, nut, retainer.

Savings potential depends on the level of rod. The higher end you go, the more you can potentially save and vice versa. Saving money is the absolute worst reason to get into rod building IMO.

The seat could be replaced from the back end which would require a new grip as well. You’re looking at $15-$20 worth of parts, $40-$50 in labor plus shipping. If you have to buy PVC you could be into it for $125 give or take. Some sort of tape or other binding is the only to use it as is.

I don’t have that part here. Lews has been responsive in my experience. My guess is that they’re hold onto whatever parts inventory they have for in-house use because back orders are horrible in every industry now. Look at some ABU schematics and see if Pure Fishing can send the part.

I ordered parts one time for a reel that had saltwater corrosion. I received a call from a manager there asking me about why I needed those parts. He offered to replace the reel with a more expensive saltwater rated reel and no charge. I was , and remain impressed by the entire interaction.

Just exchange it since it’s new. FYI 99% it’s just over lubricated abs a flush and light oil will make it right.

Shocking in a positive way for a change.

I rather the release on Facebook Live they look legit. Haven’t looked at pricing yet.

Drag wearing metal is total BS. That particular bearing is just for support and may add a little bit of smoothness on a long run that never happens in bass fishing

The bearing under the spool has no affect on the drag itself. Most likely the felt was dried out or sticky. I junk them for carbon drags. All that bearing does is lateral support. It would have to be completely seized to even notice

Soaking bearings more than 10-15 minutes is a waste of time. Better to agitate and replace the fluid as needed. Shimano are good stock bearings but you can get just as good for half the price elsewhere. No need to fast spin a dry bearing. A good clean bearing will spin quietly and come to rest smoothly, not a sudden stop.

This list sounds like Borat talking but you get the idea. lol

Shimano use some of the best stock bearings. Flush them and keep them lightly oiled and they’ll make perform as well as anything and last as well.

The reel seat on the mojo won’t match up to a thicker grip. You could slice up an Eva grip to try and re-engineer the seat/grip interface. Or better yet lay up layers of Winn grip tape then wrap over the whole thing.