Delaware Valley Tackle

Daiwa doesn't make the magseal oil available as far as I'm aware. The mag seal is a kinda cool extra feature but not do or die either way. Personally it wouldn't factor either way in my buying decisions.

I look it from the opposite side. I think a spinning reel is easier and quicker to the bottom without needing to thumb the spool.

"Best " is subjective especially at the higher price points. It also depends on the application. The best BFS reel won't be the best swim bait reel etc.

It depends on the rod and the damage. Even invisible damage can cause subsequent failure. In other cases something that looks ugly can last forever. If you got enough of a deal maybe it's worth rolling the dice otherwise exchange it.

Loosen the cast control knob and make sure the spool is fully seated. Don't force anything.

You used an adhesive instead of a finish. The epoxy helps but for the most part the thread secures the guide and the finish protects the thread.

After seeing how fast a bass can inhale a bait, seim off their bed and spit it out, I don't buy into the need of slower or softer rod to "give them time to eat it". If they want that bait you couldn't pull it away if you wanted to. If you're getting short strikes change color, size or retrieve. For me spinner baits, swim jigs and chatter baits can all be thrown with the same rod assuming weight is within suitable range.

Also Fluoro doesn't have the elasticity that mono does. Fluoro weakens when over stretched. I'm curious as to why stretch is the characteristic being sought.

That system doesn't use grease. It may need cleaning. I'd have to see it to diagnose further. I realize it's an inexpensive reel probably not worth sending in. If you're comfortable taking it apart go ahead and reach out if you get stuck.

Deep clean/lube and Carbontex drag. Super Tune is just another $12. Not mandatory but you got that so cheap give it the works and you still got a steal.

That's a dry drag system and even so it shouldn't be screeching. How tight was the drag? Is the AR working correctly? Did it do this just the one time?

What kind of reel?

Feel free to contact me for advice regarding particular models. Shimanos for instance respond well to flushing stock bearings and then tuning. Carbontex drags are a good bet for most any reel.

I just tried to order some simple hardware thru their online store. Same deal, showed as discontinued. Called and got the replacement part number and ordered.

I'm not familiar with those specific guides but the frames aren't high enough the 16 stripper may not be big enough. Consider using the Microwave set. Setup is fool proof and performance is top notch.

If you can't figure it out send it in and see what I can do with it.

Even if I had that in my hand I'd have to play with it a little. I can't explain it here. One end is the kick lever that hits the ramp on the frame. Other end goes in the bail wire attachment. Taking the spool and rotor off makes it easier to handle.

Whoa that's not a steal its grand larceny!

In that there is sound as the spool turns on retrieve , yes. Not as loud as your video but there's distortion and background noise so it's hard to tell.

The degree varies but I see this more often than not when the gobs of factory grease are cleaned out. I have yet to pin it down to any one thing. I'm playing with one on the bench right now.

No need for a ceramic bearing in that spot. If you flush the bearing and spin it you'll know if it's bad. Soak it in gear oil to relubricate it. What did you do with the AR clutch?

Email or call me and I'll tell you how to do it.

There are lots of advantages but saving money isn't one of them. Rod companies that sell their blanks understandably have to be cautious of under cutting themselves.

Most likely it's always been that way and you just never noticed. The manufacturing process makes a perfectly straight blank next to impossible to produce. Some are better than others but this is why we build on the straightest axis. It won't hurt anything and can not be corrected.

The palm side plate rotates once the latch is released.