Preytorien Posted September 15, 2013 Posted September 15, 2013 Just wondering a few things...... 1. I have a BPS Carbonlite reel, and so far it's been awesome. Paired with their Carbonlite rod, I've come to pat myself on the back for this purchase. But I'm wondering if it's normal for the reel to have a slight bit of play when the spool brake is completely/nearly off. When I loosen it almost completely, there is a tiny tiny bit of knock. Not enough for me to deem this reel as junk and look elsewhere, but I just wondered if this is somewhat common, and if there's a fix, what do you do? 2. Is there anyplace that sells reel upgrades for the BPS reels? I haven't been able to find any aftermarket handles, spools, or bearings for this. 3. I've had this reel since June, but I've never cleaned and lubed it. I use it about 3-4 times a week for about 2 - 4 hours each. Should I do a cleaning/lube yet? I've not noticed any problems with function or anything Quote
TC235 <*))))>< Posted September 15, 2013 Posted September 15, 2013 I had both the carbonlite reels and both of them had problems I cant remember my reel doing the issue yours is, but i also haven't had that reel for over a year. I would defiantly keep up with the maintenance. Mine became very noises after a decent amount of use. A quick clean@lube every month should keep your reel in order. BTW which carbonlite reel? The regular or JM series? I found the original to be better IMO. You should be able to upgrade parts in the reel? Not sure though... Quote
Preytorien Posted September 15, 2013 Author Posted September 15, 2013 I have the Johnny Morris combo. I've not had any problems yet, other than the slight knocking. Like I said, it only happens when the reel brake is totally off, so my guess is that it's got something to do with that. I've never cleaned it, so I'm not even sure how to do it, although I have the paperwork that came with it and the instructions on how to do so. I'll give it a shot. I keep my spinning reel VERY clean, but I have yet to clean a baitcaster. Wish me luck! Quote
steve76 Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 If you are talking about your spool tension knob then you need to tighten just enough to where there is no left and right play on the spool. Most if not all reels will have play when the tension is loosened all the way. 1 Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted September 16, 2013 Super User Posted September 16, 2013 I can't speak for the reel, but that Carbonlite rod is a jewel. I have a 7' ML that I use for trout fishing. I have it paired with a 30 series Pflueger Patriarch. It's my favorite combo. Quote
Preytorien Posted September 16, 2013 Author Posted September 16, 2013 I agree I can't speak for the reel, but that Carbonlite rod is a jewel. I have a 7' ML that I use for trout fishing. I have it paired with a 30 series Pflueger Patriarch. It's my favorite combo. I agree. I have the XF version. I read some good things about the micro guides, so I went with those. I have been very pleased. It's a very sensitive rod. Quote
papajoe222 Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Backing off on the tension knob will result in slight play of the spool on many baitcasters and the slight knock you feel is likely the play where the spool shaft engages the pinion gear. Some reels have a tension spring on the spool shaft that eliminates this. As to whether you may need to clean that reel, I'd suggest you do. Based on the question about backing off on the spool tension I'm guessing that you aren't getting the distance on your casts you did when the reel was new and that's a good indication it may need cleaning or you've lost quite a bit of line since spooling. Quote
Fishwhittler Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 If you've been using the knob on the handle-side of the reel as a brake, loosening that knob is what's causing the spool knock. The spool tension knob is not a brake and should never be used as one. It's an auxiliary to the braking system that is used to adjust for varying lure weights, but it's not a true braking system. Using it as one can warp the spool shims and cause them to wear out prematurely. The Johnny Morris Carbonlite has two braking systems plus the spool tension knob. I personally would use mostly centrifugal brakes and adjust for wind with the mags, but to each his own. I know there are a lot of guys who prefer magnetic brakes. Anyway, the spool tension knob, at tightest, should be set so the lure just barely falls to the ground. This method requires you to readjust the knob for different lures. I prefer to set the tension knob just barely tight enough to keep the spool from knocking back and forth, and then adjust for lure weight and wind conditions with the brakes. Quote
Preytorien Posted September 16, 2013 Author Posted September 16, 2013 If you've been using the knob on the handle-side of the reel as a brake, loosening that knob is what's causing the spool knock. The spool tension knob is not a brake and should never be used as one. It's an auxiliary to the braking system that is used to adjust for varying lure weights, but it's not a true braking system. Using it as one can warp the spool shims and cause them to wear out prematurely. The Johnny Morris Carbonlite has two braking systems plus the spool tension knob. I personally would use mostly centrifugal brakes and adjust for wind with the mags, but to each his own. I know there are a lot of guys who prefer magnetic brakes. Anyway, the spool tension knob, at tightest, should be set so the lure just barely falls to the ground. This method requires you to readjust the knob for different lures. I prefer to set the tension knob just barely tight enough to keep the spool from knocking back and forth, and then adjust for lure weight and wind conditions with the brakes. Great advice thanks for the help. I'll start setting up this way. Backing off on the tension knob will result in slight play of the spool on many baitcasters and the slight knock you feel is likely the play where the spool shaft engages the pinion gear. Some reels have a tension spring on the spool shaft that eliminates this. As to whether you may need to clean that reel, I'd suggest you do. Based on the question about backing off on the spool tension I'm guessing that you aren't getting the distance on your casts you did when the reel was new and that's a good indication it may need cleaning or you've lost quite a bit of line since spooling. Thanks for the info papjoe. I'll be attempting my first cleaning sometime this week. The casting distance has diminished, so as you suggest, it's probably time to clean. Quote
BassingNick Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Make sure to set the mag brakes to zero prior to adjusting the tension knob, once the tension is set to a slow fall set the mags back to your preference. Quote
21farms Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 2. Is there anyplace that sells reel upgrades for the BPS reels? I haven't been able to find any aftermarket handles, spools, or bearings for this. most swept handles between BPS, revos, daiwas, pfluegers and quantums are interchangeable. your JM carbonlite already comes with a lightweight 85mm carbon handle so i don't see the point of replacing the handle unless you want something longer, say 90mm or 95mm. you can upgrade the bearings with hybrid ceramics from boca or hawgtech (both available here from board sponsors). the first-generation carbonlites (the pre-johnny morris gold reels) used a 5x11x4 bearing on the spool shaft and 3x10x4 bearings in the palm sideplate and under the spool tension knob BUT i don't know if the JM carbonlites use the same or not as the two generations of carbonlites were vastly different reels. as for aftermarket spools, not for BPS reels. Quote
Preytorien Posted September 16, 2013 Author Posted September 16, 2013 most swept handles between BPS, revos, daiwas, pfluegers and quantums are interchangeable. your JM carbonlite already comes with a lightweight 85mm carbon handle so i don't see the point of replacing the handle unless you want something longer, say 90mm or 95mm. you can upgrade the bearings with hybrid ceramics from boca or hawgtech (both available here from board sponsors). the first-generation carbonlites (the pre-johnny morris gold reels) used a 5x11x4 bearing on the spool shaft and 3x10x4 bearings in the palm sideplate and under the spool tension knob BUT i don't know if the JM carbonlites use the same or not as the two generations of carbonlites were vastly different reels. as for aftermarket spools, not for BPS reels. Excellent....thanks for the info. I remember now it's got the carbon handle so you're right, I wouldn't gain much. I may look into bearings sometime. Looks like my spool knock is common if I've got the reel brake too loose, I'll just keep it tightened up and keep using it. I've had great luck with it so far. Quote
redboat Posted September 18, 2013 Posted September 18, 2013 Just wondering a few things...... 1. I have a BPS Carbonlite reel, and so far it's been awesome. Paired with their Carbonlite rod, I've come to pat myself on the back for this purchase. But I'm wondering if it's normal for the reel to have a slight bit of play when the spool brake is completely/nearly off. When I loosen it almost completely, there is a tiny tiny bit of knock. Not enough for me to deem this reel as junk and look elsewhere, but I just wondered if this is somewhat common, and if there's a fix, what do you do? 2. Is there anyplace that sells reel upgrades for the BPS reels? I haven't been able to find any aftermarket handles, spools, or bearings for this. 3. I've had this reel since June, but I've never cleaned and lubed it. I use it about 3-4 times a week for about 2 - 4 hours each. Should I do a cleaning/lube yet? I've not noticed any problems with function or anything All you need to know is in this excellent article: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/supertune-baitcaster.html Quote
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