Ihatedirtbikes Posted June 17, 2015 Posted June 17, 2015 Hello everyone, I would like to start off introducing myself, I'm Nick and I am from the Aquia area in Virginia. I have been lurking the forums for a long time and I love them. So much valuable information and I haven't even scratched the surface. Well I just bought a new Team Lews Pro Speed Spool 7.1:1. I've had it for about a week and it has worked great. Very very smooth. I took it out this afternoon and caught a small largemouth. After the small fish knocked my senko off my line I rerigged with a yum dinger. I adjusted the brake and tension knob slightly and started casting. On about the fifth cast it went out fine, but when I engaged the reel and started my retrieve it felt like the the gears were off track or there was a lot of debris inside. I only turned it very slow because I immediately noticed. I adjusted the brake back up a little bit and tightened the tension knob. Still grinding. So I pulled my line In by hand and cut the excess line off. I just got home to show my dad and now the dang thing sounds and feels fine. I don't know if I should just test it in the yard for awhile or if I should have it looked at first. Any advice or knowledge would be awesome. I'm sure I can find a tread on how to properly lubricate everything. It is my first good baitcaster and I am somewhat reluctant to try and take it apart to inspect. Quote
papajoe222 Posted June 17, 2015 Posted June 17, 2015 Not being familiar with that particular model, I can only offer some conditions that may have caused what you experienced. Occasionally your line will slip behind the spool and when that happens, it can either prohibit the spool from turning or begin accumulating around the spool shaft. In the first case, depending on your drag setting, you would still be able to turn the handle with some difficulty and possible some noise. The second thing and more likely the culprit, is that an excess of grease was applied prior to assembly. Your spool release may not have re-engaged completely despite the thumb bar returning to it's normal position. The noise you heard could have been the trip lever being struck by the cam that would normally trip it. A little jarring on your return may have been just what was needed to bump things back into place. If that is the case, it may never happen again or it could become an intermittent problem. The only way to determine the problem would be to either open the reel yourself and check, or take it to a reputable reel repair guy. You could also contact Lews with an explanation of the problem and follow their recommendations. Quote
Ihatedirtbikes Posted June 17, 2015 Author Posted June 17, 2015 I think you are right about the trip lever. It wasn't hard to turn the spool, it just did not feel synchronized. I'm just worried about tearing up the gears inside. I don't want to look like I am abusing the product if it does end up defective Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted June 17, 2015 Super User Posted June 17, 2015 Send it to DVT for a cleaning. He will find any problem if there is one. Be sure to let him know what is happening. Quote
Super User Bankbeater Posted June 17, 2015 Super User Posted June 17, 2015 Take it back and get another one. A reel you just bought shouldn't do that. Quote
Ihatedirtbikes Posted June 17, 2015 Author Posted June 17, 2015 I contacted the dealer and they are going to exchange the item for me. I'm very happy with their service too. I know it isn't their fault, and I am very glad I didn't have to go through a warranty claim with lews. Although I have heard they have great customer service. Thanks for the input everyone! Quote
hatrix Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 Actually it was probably the pinion gear not fully engaged. It will feel rough and like your turning stripped out gears. I have had it happen to a couple lews randomly but it was years later after buying them and it's rare that it happens. 1 Quote
Super User HoosierHawgs Posted June 18, 2015 Super User Posted June 18, 2015 If something like this ever happens again find a reputable tech in your are. They are very helpful to have around. Quote
lectricbassman Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 When i first started catching fish on a baitcaster i would accidentally put pressure on the thumb bar while fighting fish. It would partially disengage the spool and grind, stop, freespool, etc. Just acted plain wierd! I thought my reel was messed up until i realized it was my error. Not saying this is your problem but just something to consider. Quote
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