Tension Knob on baitcaster

[Leeboy]

I have two (2) Abu Garcia RV03 Winch casting reels for deep crankbaits. While spooling with line and making adjustments the tension knob would not tighten down on one of the baitcasters and lure would essentially free fall to ground. It would tighten the spool up enough where there was no wiggle in spool. I switched the knobs out since they are identical reels...to no avail. Any suggestions? Cannot find reel repair here in Chattanooga. Thanks. 

Additionally, which would you prefer for the aforementioned presentation: Abu Garcia Revo Winch LP (5.4:1) or Shimano Curado 300K (4.7:1)

thanks again, have a HOT and safe Independence Day. No way I'm going out on the Chick today. However, there is some comfort knowing that our Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) officers will make their usual "cameo" appearance today. 

[dodgeguy]

Why don't you just try a knob from a similar reel ? Or Delaware Valley Tackle.

[PourMyOwn]

Which reel? I know nothing about the Abu, but my buddy uses that Curado and it's really nice.  I'm a Daiwa guy, but I'd buy that reel if I found a good price. 

[Big Hands]

There might be a washer/shim/spacer missing somewhere between the non-drive side plate and the tension knob on the drive side plate.

[Leeboy]

2 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Why don't you just try a knob from a similar reel ? Or Delaware Valley Tackle.

I did. I stated that I switched the tension knobs because I had two identical reels. Thanks for your response. 

[PhishLI]

5 hours ago, Leeboy said:

I have two (2) Abu Garcia RV03 Winch casting reels for deep crankbaits. While spooling with line and making adjustments the tension knob would not tighten down on one of the baitcasters and lure would essentially free fall to ground. It would tighten the spool up enough where there was no wiggle in spool. I switched the knobs out since they are identical reels...to no avail. Any suggestions?

The following assumes you've never taken the reel apart and the tension knob worked properly before this issue popped up.

 

Housed within the tension knob and under the bearing in the non-handle side plate you'll find lash pads. They might be carbon fiber, or a type of phenolic sheet cut to fit. Regardless, if it's your habit to apply spool tension for a slow drop instead of only eliminating side-to-side play, you'll eventually wear out the lash pads to where you won't be able to apply spool tension. The fix is to install new lash pads.

[Leeboy]

10 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

The following assumes you've never taken the reel apart and the tension knob worked properly before this issue popped up.

 

Housed within the tension knob and under the bearing in the non-handle side plate you'll find lash pads. They might be carbon fiber, or a type of phenolic sheet cut to fit. Regardless, if it's your habit to apply spool tension for a slow drop instead of only eliminating side-to-side play, you'll eventually wear out the lash pads to where you won't be able to apply spool tension. The fix is to install new lash pads.

I use the tension knob when I change lures, to ensure I achieve the desired "rate of fall" for the lure selected. I thought everyone did this. Additionally, prior to spooling new line I adjust the tension knob to ensure there is no side-to-side play in spool. Which should help prevent line from bunching to one side. Again, I thought everyone did this.  Nevertheless, duly noted. I appreciate your response. 

[PhishLI]

15 minutes ago, Leeboy said:

I use the tension knob when I change lures, to ensure I achieve the desired "rate of fall" for the lure selected. I thought everyone did this.

Some do. Some don't. I don't because I want a free-casting feel. I rely on my brakes proper and my feel for a particular reel where I adjust my casting stroke to it, the rod, line, and the lure. Once adjusted for zero side-to-side play and zero tension, I put a hash mark with a sharpie marker on my tension knob located at the 12 o'clock position just in case it somehow gets moved. A side benefit is that I'll never wear out a lash pad. BTW, this zero-tension setting is generally understood to be ideal for Daiwa's mag brakes but works just as well with other brands as well as reels with centrifugal brakes. Still, there might be cases where a whiff of spool tension is helpful. However, adding too much generally means you're not quite calibrated to your setup, IMO.

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, Leeboy said:

I use the tension knob when I change lures, to ensure I achieve the desired "rate of fall" for the lure selected. I thought everyone did this. Additionally, prior to spooling new line I adjust the tension knob to ensure there is no side-to-side play in spool. Which should help prevent line from bunching to one side. Again, I thought everyone did this.  Nevertheless, duly noted. I appreciate your response. 

I set mine on my Lew for just ca hair of side play.