Lexa 300 Drag Issue

[Big Swimbait]

This past weekend I used a new Lexa 300 for the first time at Lake Fork. I was throwing a big topwater and 50# braid. When I use heavy braid I normally lock down the drag. But this reel would just release line like no drag at all with the reel engaged. It retrieved the 3 oz bait just fine without issue, just no drag. I fully backed it off and then slowly added a little at a time and it was the same until it was locked down. Any ideas from the reel gurus would be greatly appreciated.

[Tim Kelly]

No mono backing under the braid, so the braid's slipping on the spool? Put a mark on the spool with a sharpie and pull the line against the drag to see if the spool is actually turning or whether the braid is slipping on the spool.

[Hammer 4]

Just curious as to why you need to lock your drag.

[Big Swimbait]

4 hours ago, Tim Kelly said:

No mono backing under the braid, so the braid's slipping on the spool? Put a mark on the spool with a sharpie and pull the line against the drag to see if the spool is actually turning or whether the braid is slipping on the spool.

Braid is not slipping. Two revolutions of electrical tape over the knot. The spool is turning when I pull against the drag. 

2 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

Just curious as to why you need to lock your drag.

When fishing for these Lake Fork big girls with big baits you have to grind them in. You let them turn their head, they more often than not will throw the bait. 

[Tim Kelly]

All I can think is that the drag washers have been contaminated with oil or grease then, assuming the reel hasn't been opened up and reassembled incorrectly.