Daiwa alpha reel drag question

[45user]

Hello all,

So I went fishing the other day and grabbed my alpha reel and found that it had no drag pressure. It turned out that I forgot to back off the drag while it was sitting on my rod rack. After a few tightening and loosening, the drag pressure came back.

should I get the reel serviced? It seems to be working ok now.

Has anyone experienced this? 

thanks for your help!

Brian 

[iabass8]

upgrade the drag to carbontex. cost is around 9$ for the drag stack. 

[fishwizzard]

19 minutes ago, iabass8 said:

upgrade the drag to carbontex. cost is around 9$ for the drag stack. 

Yea, I bought a used Finesse Custom with a dead drag and the replacement was very very easy.  The only tick is that the drag washers will be not be the same size as the old ones, but if you follow the instructions it is a really simple process so long as you keep everything in the right order and orientation. 

[WRB]

Diawa alpha's had marginal drags, change them as suggested. You still need to get into the habit of loosening the drag after fishing and setting before each trip, both are important.

Tom

[Tim Kelly]

Any ideas how to improve the drag power on the SS SV? I have one that gets used so little as the drag is so poor.

[J Francho]

24 minutes ago, Tim Kelly said:

Any ideas how to improve the drag power on the SS SV? I have one that gets used so little as the drag is so poor.

The answer is always Carbontex from Smooth Drags.  Call Dawn, she'll figure out how to get it across the pond, I'm sure.

[45user]

Thanks all for your replies!

I guess it’s time for a service.

Brian 

[rippin-lips]

2 hours ago, Tim Kelly said:

Any ideas how to improve the drag power on the SS SV? I have one that gets used so little as the drag is so poor.

You can add another shim above the upper driveshaft bearing to gain a little more pressure. That a long with a drag washer upgrade usually does the trick. I’ve done it on a few Diawa’s that had poor drag presssure factory. 

[Tim Kelly]

That's an idea. I tried adding extra drag washers to make a multi layer stack, but it didn't help. Thanks.

[Angry John]

3 hours ago, Tim Kelly said:

That's an idea. I tried adding extra drag washers to make a multi layer stack, but it didn't help. Thanks.

He means adding a small washer to give more travel not another drag washer.   You can also replace the 2 spring washers if it is left buttoned down for a long periods.  My alphas provide decent drag but they are a medium or ml power rod reel.  They will not do well for jig or punch fishing.  

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks, yes I understand. This is for the SS SV, which doesn't have a strong drag system stock. I don't know why Daiwa has only recently started fitting drags that can be cranked down a bit. I had a pixy years ago that had such a pitiful drag I got rid of it. I know it was a finesse reel, but it slipped with every hookset even on light line.