two Shimano 150MGL's. the drag feels different.

[Darth-Baiter]

I had only one for a bit.  I loved it and it was my most effective reel with respect to accuracy and stuff.  I took a lot of bass with it.  I use it mostly for unweighted or very lightly weighted Tex-Rig worms.   the drag is pretty smooth.  the drag tensioning thing is fairly "hair-trigger". tiny movements of the dial makes a dramatic difference in drag tension.  that perfect sweet spot requires tiny inputs.  not super ideal when you have to do that last minute, fish on!, "please dont come off!, "who messed with my drag (nobody, it was me - the dummy)?" fire-drill stuff.  but that rarely happens.  but I got OFF-TRACKED.

 

I loved it so much I bought a second one.  spooled up with the similar 14lb flouro.  (reel #1 is 12 flouro) the new reel is great in all aspects.  same hair trigger drag knob.  but once I find the sweet spot, the noted drag is notchy,  I can feel the tension undulate when I pull line off with my hands.  it probably wouldn't be noticeable if I didn't have a smoother unit to compare it to.  I even makes a barely audible "howl" when I pull line.

 

I'm gonna keep using it and get it as dirty as the first reel.  I am not versed in reel mods like some of you.  you all change drag washers and oil or dont oil them?  is this why?  I'm cool with mine and I am sure I can still fight fish with the thing.  it's fine, I'm sure.

[Deleted account]

Sounds like the tolerances on the new reel's drag stack is a little off, and it may be a case of the first reel's drag is greased and the second's not. No 2 reels (or any other machine) work identically. New washers will solve, but unless they are really gone, they can be brought back and polished.

[FrnkNsteen]

Agreed^^

 

I like to make sure the drag washers have a little Cal's drag grease on them. I think it helps smooth them and feel a little more consistent.

 

As far as the drag being a hair trigger when adjusting, I'm wondering if the little washers under the handle might not be faced right, but doubtful that they would both be wrong.

 

They are cupped washers (Don't know the real name) but thy should faced so they are cupped opposite like this (), not the same direction like this ((. This gives you a little adjustment range as they compress while tightening the drag. If they are both facing the same direction (spooning) your drag will go from off to full on very quickly.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

True, no two mechanical devices are actually identical. It’s common to notice slight differences. What you’re seeing could be variations in lubrication, time on retail shelves, use/ break in, etc. You’re on the right track in putting a hard season on each then doing a deep clean.