Spool tension knob on cheap baitcasters?

[ww3869]

I recently bought the wright & McGill Brent chapman baitcaster combo from Walmart which retails for $60. I got it out to the water to try it out for the first time, and when I go to adjust the spool tension for the lure I had on(a 5/16th war eagle spinnerbait), the spool tension knob had no effect on how fast the lure fell.  Loose or tight, the lure would basically just free fall to the ground. Well, telling my friend about my problem, he informed me that over time he had bought two other of the cheap Walmart baitcasters (both different brands) and had had the same problem. The spool tension knob was practically worthless on both of the reels he had bought. My question is..... how common is this problem? Have any of you guys who have bought cheaper reels had this problem? Is the knob just for looks on these cheap baitcasters? I have a couple of bps pro qualifiers that work flawlessly so please don't reply with just "buy better equipment" posts cause I have had and used half way decent stuff. But I am just wondering if it's this way with most of those cheap reels. This sucks if this is what companies are producing then marketing as workable equipment then people buy it and it's worthless. Thanks for the replies!

[roadwarrior]

I don't know if this is a common problem, but the solution is easy. #1 Return the reel for exchange. #2 Test the spool tension there at the store.

[cottny27]

Faulty reel I bet.  Trade it in for the Black Max combo

Its a proven reel.

[WIGuide]

I don't think it's very common, but I'm sure it happens. If I had to guess I'd be guessing a part is missing, or it's faulty from the factory. I'd look to exchange it or get my money back. 

[tstraub]

I have a BPS megacast reel that would act the same way, but only after a few years of heavy use.  It worked great when new but something wore out over time.  I ended up shaving the knob down with my pocket knife so I could tighten the knob down further before it bottomed out.  Casted like new after that.  That reel has since been replaced because the drag started acting up but I got my moneys worth out of it.  I still use the rod it came on as one of my main rods.

Tyler

[smallie.mike]

Probably just needs an extra shim inside the knob. A few of my shimano reels have needed an extra shim new out of the box. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The problem is not in design but rather the handling of the inexpensive store combos. I can go on any given day and find one on the shelf with no cap at all. Just swap it and you should be fine. Look stuff over closely before buying. 

[ww3869]

I wound up taking the combo back and got the black max combo instead since they didn't have any more Brent Chapman combos. Too bad cause it seemed like a decent little combo for the budget restricted. 

 Ive never thought about testing the spool tension knob in the store but did on the black max and it worked. Lesson learned.  

thanks for the input guys!

[papajoe222]

It sounds like the spacer under the tension knob was either missing, or severely dimpled. Many lower end reels use a plastic spacer that will deform if left under tension for any length of time. 

[ww3869]

These spacers were plastic and I believe one was missing because for the life of me I couldn't figure out how this knob tightened anything with the parts I found when I took the knob off.  The way it was, the only thing being tightened was the knob itself. 

[jonnyblazex]

  Sometimes they have a spring under the cap too.  If that was missing it would also make sense.

[Kevin22]

Id bet someone lost a spacer so they went to walmart and took one off a

reel there. ever notice all the missing spinning reel handles at walmart? They didnt forget the handles at the factory! 

 

Any reel that can be touched gets a full inspection before i leave with it. Same with rods, check the guide insert and feet for cracks before buying.

[burrows]

On 2/29/2016 at 3:43 AM, ww3869 said:

I wound up taking the combo back and got the black max combo instead since they didn't have any more Brent Chapman combos. Too bad cause it seemed like a decent little combo for the budget restricted. 

 Ive never thought about testing the spool tension knob in the store but did on the black max and it worked. Lesson learned.  

thanks for the input guys!

Keep us posted on your new combo!

[puddlepuncher]

If that Black Max is still kicking after 2 years that's money well spent.

 

 

[detroit1]

That's the reason it has a low price. Junk.  A spinning reel would be a better choice if you can only spend $50 on a reel. Better off saving longer for a nicer baitcast reel than buying junk. Just sayin'.....