Reel noise when line is slack

[DuckettDude]

I don't think it is an issue but I have noticed on all the new reels a bit that you can kinda hear the gears going is this normal? 

New reels I buy 

[DuckettDude]

I don't think it is abnormal but it's not really when the line is slack it is just when you take the handle to spin it to see how smooth it is 

Does this mean I just need to break the reel in first? 

[J Francho]

What reels?  And spinning the handle in the store on a floor model is no test of smoothness.  The only purpose I can see for floor models is to check ergonomics, see how features work - clicking drags, spool tension, brakes, etc, and get an idea of weight in hand.

[burrows]

It's probably because you buy duckett reels?

 

 

jk

[DuckettDude]

It is a lews and I don't think it I should a problem I can just kind of hear madness feel the gears but it isn't loud it is only when the reel Is off a rod and I spin the handle to see how long it will spin and it is brand new I think it just needs to Be broken in. Is slightly hearing the gears move normal cause it isn't loud?? 

I meant and where it says madness 

[J Francho]

Put line on it, put it on a rod, tie a bait on, set up the spool tension for that bait and the brakes to your casting ability.  Then see what "noise" it makes.  If something doesn't seem right, take it back under warranty.

[KDW96]

I dont think it any thing too worry about. once you put it on a rod, line on it, and adjust spool tension, it will quiet down.

[DuckettDude]

You are correct it only does it when there is zero tension against the line I think it Is because of the no tension and the noise isn't enough to barley even hear and it isn't abnormal it is just the gears moving not grinding, can't you guys hear you reel's gears moving a little?? 

 

[DrMarlboro92]

14 minutes ago, DuckettDude said:

You are correct it only does it when there is zero tension against the line I think it Is because of the no tension and the noise isn't enough to barley even hear and it isn't abnormal it is just the gears moving not grinding, can't you guys hear you reel's gears moving a little?? 

 

It's called gear whine. you should be fine.

The first thing I do when I buy a reel is take it apart and clean it, and degrease all the bearings. i like my bearings oiled instead of greased because even though you have to oil them more often, you end up with a quieter, and smoother reel.

[Preytorien]

I've noticed the same thing on some reels. I'm not sure why they happen to some and not others. I've more often noticed it when the cast control knob is not tight and allows the spool a little more play laterally. You shouldn't be hearing enough gears that it sounds "Tiger-tanky" but a little bit of gear noise is normal when it's not spooled. 

[DuckettDude]

Yea it is a little bit of gear noise 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Spinning a handle isn't a normal fishing motion and really doesn't tell you much if anything. See how the reel feels and performs in actual fishing and base opinions on that. Reels have a lot of moving parts so some sound can be expected. Often, they feel artificially smooth and quiet when new due to over lubrication. 

[DuckettDude]

Thank you this has given me confidence not to worry, so you guy should think that it is normal and that I should be good? 

[DrMarlboro92]

13 hours ago, Preytorien said:

 I'm not sure why they happen to some and not others. 

It's simple really. Different gear cuts have different sounds when not under load. A straight cut gear is going to have significantly more noise than a helical cut gear. What you are actually hearing is the teeth slamming against something with no resistance allowing excess play and motion. Most reels have helical cut gears, but they all have different slopes. It's simple mechanics, and something you find out real quick as a technician  the cool thing about gears, is whether it's a differential, a tranny, or even a fishing reel, they all have the same characteristics.