Dissembling A New Baitcaster?

[Oldbritguy]

I've seen a few references in here to guys taking apart a brand new baitcaster reel and cleaning off the grease, etc. Then lubricating and re-assembling.

 

What is the purpose of this?  Does it really improve the performance of the reel?  

 

What is involved in this procedure. How difficult is it; and Is it a wise thing to do?

[Tywithay]

Some companies ship reels packed with grease, because it almost ensures that the performance will last as long as possible without fear of damage. It can hinder the performance and slow things down. Some other companies tend to ship their reels fairly dry from the factory, which can cause damage to internal parts and cause premature wear. Having everything lubed properly can absolutely improve the performance. I wouldn't say it's a necessary thing, but it can only help. I usually tend to fish mine for a bit to ensure there's no manufacturing defects, then I'll tear it down after a month of two of solid use and maintain it properly.

[BobP]

Your reel will work just fine as it comes from the factory.  You gotta understand that many guys posting on fishing forums are compulsive tinkerers who can't stand to own a fishing reel without taking it apart and starting to mess with it to maybe gain an extra 5% of performance.  Most reels work fine with the factory lube in them for at least a year of hard fishing.  Then you can either learn how to service it yourself, or send it off to a pro reel tech ( it's not expensive).  That doesn't except you from adding lubrication to the reel during the year as directed in your owners manual.  And if you want to tweak the reel's performance a bit, there are simple things you can do such as flushing and re-lubing the spool bearings and cleaning the centrifugal brake drum which don't require much dis-assembly.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What is the purpose of this?  Does it really improve the performance of the reel?  

 

            The purpose is to remove excess lube the factories add to compensate for lack of maintenance and sometimes to mask loose tolerances and make a reel feel smoother. On a mid to upper level reel proper cleaning and lube will improve performance especially in the spool bearings.

 

 

What is involved in this procedure. How difficult is it; and Is it a wise thing to do?

 

    Done properly, the reel is stripped to the frame, cleaned, degreased and re-lubed. It's not rocket science, but I receive more than a few "bags -o-parts" from folks who thought it would be easier than it turned out. My advice is to fish a new reel hard right out of the box for a season and then have it serviced. The cost /time involved is a bargain and more than pays for itself over the life of a reel.

[Oldbritguy]

Some companies ship reels packed with grease, because it almost ensures that the performance will last as long as possible without fear of damage. It can hinder the performance and slow things down. Some other companies tend to ship their reels fairly dry from the factory, which can cause damage to internal parts and cause premature wear. Having everything lubed properly can absolutely improve the performance. I wouldn't say it's a necessary thing, but it can only help. I usually tend to fish mine for a bit to ensure there's no manufacturing defects, then I'll tear it down after a month of two of solid use and maintain it properly.

 I'm like you.  I fish a new reel for a season, then have it serviced by a pro.  I'm lucky to have a licensed pro tech guy nearby, and I have all my reels cleaned and fixed-up every year.  The only reels I've ever had problems with were the really cheap ones.( I have one old ABU 5501 that been in continuous use since 1978, and still works fine.)