What causes a Casting Reel to stiffen?

[trapin68]

I have two very good reels that I've owned for two years and today I am getting my stuff ready for the season and I've noticed when I turn the handles on them they appear to be stiff.  They still work, they're just not buttery smooth like they were new.  One is a Lews Tournment MP and the other is a Shimano SLX.  I bought them new two years ago and they don't really have that much use.  What is usually the culprit here...is it the bearings or the worm gear/line guide?

[bulldog1935]

are you adding end tension to the spool - that's a source of friction. 

My 5-y-in-the-salt Super Duty has been maintained and I'd put it against any reel for slick and cast distance.

Some things about me, I never use end tension, always replace shielded spool bearings with salt-rated unshielded, and use ultra-low viscosity bearing formula to keep them flushed and oiled. 

 

I did replace the brake magnets at the onset of corrosion. 

Most gear grease gets stiff over time.  I'm picky there, also, and use MTCW-GG-SW synthetic, but I apply it with a sable art brush, and an ounce lasts me a long time. 

 

[DomQ]

"What causes a casting reel to stiffen"

Other really attractive casting reels

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, DomQ said:

"What causes a casting reel to stiffen"

Other really attractive casting 

 

I was going to say pretty lures and silky line...

 

 

To the original question- dirt, grease, and corrosion are what will stiffen up a reel.  A tear apart clean down is in the cards and I'm sure you'll find it.

 

thanks

rick

 

[DomQ]

Just gotta give it a good cleaning. Soak the bearings, remove old grease with fresh grease. Test all the bearings before and after you oil them.

[WRB]

Do you use Blakemore Real Magic line conditioner?

This line conditioner can mix with oils and grease drastically increasing the viscosity.

Tom