"C" compact is not just about the spool size; the reel body as well. For example, C3000 will have the same size body and same diameter spool as a regular 2500; C2500 will have the body and spool size of a regular 2000... The difference between a C3000 and a regular 2500 is C3000's spool is deeper for more line capacity.
Compare the reel weights and you'll see. So say you want a larger diameter spool of fluoro, a 3000 or bigger size reel will be better, since a C3000's spool diameter will be the same as a 2500's.
15lb on baitcaster might be OK for weightless worms, but is a bit light for jigs IMO, unless you only use micro jigs. Besides the dig-in problem, with some usage and abrasion on the line, one backlash in midair could break it. For my jig/worm setup, 20lb braid or 12lb fluoro is minimum.
Not sure what kind of whirring noise it is. It could be certain damaged part, or it could just be worn gears and worn bearings, like many other used reels. If it's from worn gears and bearings, usually the noise/vibration would get louder with faster winding or heavier loads. BTW, if the picture is what it looks like after it's re-lubed, I think you should put more grease on. To me, the gears (and other parts) seem too dry/clean.
Also, I'd deep-clean all the bearings. Then except for spool bearings and AR bearing, I'd put LIGHT GREASE in other bearings as well, especially the two bearings on the main shaft, and the pinion support bearing. They may not spin that well after that, but it'll dial down a lot of unwanted noise or geary feeling.
You mentioned that without load, the main shaft bearings and AR bearing don't make noise. In my own experience, sometimes worn bearings only make noise/vibration while under load. So, I wouldn't rule them out yet. If you have spare bearings, the best way to diagnose is to change all these bearings. If not, grease in the bearing usually helps.
Lightly greased reels still work, but I would expect to feel more vibration/noise; heavily greased reels would be the opposite, but hard to turn the handle. At the end, it all depends on what matters most to you.
Oh yeah, this is a crack for sure, and I'd bet this is the culprit. When you press down the thumb bar, the two arms of the yoke are pushed in, along with the pinion gear sitting in the middle of the yoke. But due to this crack, it's quite possible that the deformed yoke couldn't push the pinion gear all the way in, leaving a little contact between pinion gear and spool pin.
When we press down the thumb bar, the pinion gear moves inwards a little so the spool pin isn't locked into the pinion gear anymore; thus the spool can turn freely. When we turn the handle, the pinion gear pushes back out and locks in the spool pin, so the spool can't move freely anymore.
When a reel inside is dirty, under-greased, or over-greased, sometimes the pinion gear won't push all the way back when the handle is turned; thus the spool pin is only half-locked into the pinion gear. When that happens, you will notice the clicking sound isn't normal. Since the spool pin is only half-locked in, when you give the spool some torque with those "twitching," the pin will slip out of the pinion gear and "go freely" sometimes.
This is my only guess according to your description. If that's the case, you should give the reel a deep cleaning, and re-greasing. I mean down-to-the-bone cleaning.
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