Delaware Valley Tackle

The only problem with oiling gears is that it doesn't last long at all. What you're doing is better than nothing but you really should consider at least bi annual deep cleaning thru a service of you're not comfortable doing it.

You'd think so, but what actually happens is you backlash less with an easier starting spool. You avoid the tendency to horse it to get things moving which reduces abrupt acceleration and deceleration.

The blue marine grease and superlube are good and readily available. Lubricant wise fishing reels aren't a really unique or special application. Lubricants appropriate for the application and cleaning prior to application are the keys.

A reel doesn't have high enough sustained speeds to benefit from more than an ABEC5. Ceramic hybrids benefits are increased corrosion resistance for saltwater use and ability to be run dry for spool speed. Ceramic balls are rounder, harder and smoother than SS. Cleaning and proper lubrication of stock bearings should be the first step.

Casting weight ratings are intended to be total weight cast. Like all ratings they are subjective. The sweet spot usually lies near the midrange but only casting will tell you for sure.

Side by side the carbontex material has a tighter weave and little different texture. The difference isn't as obvious as with other models but it's a relatively inexpensive change. All upgrades to an already good reel are splitting hairs.

8# xl is pretty soft. I don't see it hindering casting. There are a host of factors that affect casting. The advantage of braid would be more tensile strength without hurting casting. For shear distance spinning is the way to go.

No one understands any of these terms because they're arbitrary. The best you can hope for is an aid in navigating within a particular lineup.

I have a customer that dropped a rug overboard and was able to snag it after an hour of trying and got not only the rod and reel back but there was a 4# fish hooked!

Rain shadow is a quality blank company with a comprehensive list of offerings.

Nice as always.

You logic is sound but I don't have hands on with either of those rods. If the mod fast is real stiff it may defeat the purpose but if you can believe the 3/16-3/4 rating it appears to have some tip.

Superline is just a marketing term used describe dyneema lines both braided and fused I think by Berkeley. It's currently used in some conversations to separate braid from fused but it doesn't really "mean" anything.

See if the exchange helps. If not let me know and we'll address it.

How easily is the drag slipping?

Sorry I missed this one. Glad it worked out for you. You did the right thing by addressing the issue promptly.

Cheap spinning reels wobble because they have insufficient or no counter weight in the rotor.

Those black stains are from the old "dartanium" drag washers and probably some oxidation. You could actually polish up the old gear but it takes some doing. You can make them smooth if not pretty. Do yourself a favor and put in carbontex drag if you haven't.

Shoot me an email if you'd like I'll see what I can do.

Spring for the Microwave guide set and forget the spacing chart. Static testing is easy and gets better results. Projects like this are ideal to get started. Good luck.

If local doesn't pan out, .ghoti, Scott h, myself and several others right here will be glad to help.

Backing of some kind is a must with braid. I can't see spooling a lot of braid or expensive fluorocarbon that will never see the light of day. 100 feet is a long cast. I spool 50 yards of mainline.

I'm glad to help with whatever you need. If you send reels be sure to include your screen name and receive a 10% members discount on labor. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you'd like to pm or email me I'll give you a couple pointers.

The way I see it the magseal concept would benefit the "average " angler that isn't as hardcore as many of us. They buy a reel and use and abuse it right out of the box until it dies then puts it in a box and forgets about it.