I'm overall new to fishing and I'm still learning. Learned on some Ugly Stik GX2 spinning combos and picked up a few H2O Xpress camo Mettle rod/reel baitcast combos for me and my brothers on clearance in a two different stores and they are out of stock now. I'll call the stores and see what they can do for replacements but since these were on clearance and they don't have anymore camo reels I'm not optimistic about getting a new one.
Anyway, one of the reels is not smooth at all and very geary feeling. If I wind the handle it makes a "whirring" type of noise that I can feel in the rod. I tried adjusting the spool tension knob and the drag both to max and minimums but nothing really changed. Also, I tried adjusting the brakes and this didn't make a difference in the noise and vibration. When I slap the handle to spin the handle the problem reel doesn't free spin as long as the others. What do the experts think it may be and do you think I can fix it or is the reel a lemon? I do have some Penn grease and cleaner I believe. I'm hoping this just needs some lube or grease in the right area to make it smooth and quiet. I heard a ton of good reviews about these reels and had high hopes for them. Any help or input would be appreciated.
