Delaware Valley Tackle

Good catch. Every reel model has at least one "Gottcha" and this is one.

All you can do is start at the thumb bar and look at each part is succession involved in the clutch action. Look especially close at the plastic spacers on the frame and at the clutch dawg where the ratchet huts it.

There's no real need for a special reel to flip cast with. Flipping switches also tend to be weak links mechanically. I'd look for a light, small profile reel with good free spool and drag and there are lots of options.

In my experience flipping/ insta-gage switches are a gimmicky feature with no real advantage to catching fish. On top of that they are a weak link mechanically and a hassle to service. If you can stretch the budget just a little the BPS Pro Qualifier is a lot more reel for the money (especially at sale prices)and is built on the same platform so it will feel similar.

Great deal. Gen 1 STX go for that kind of money and more. AS for rod choice, think about what technique and baits you want to throw and set a budget. Bring the reel along and mount it onto several rods that fit the bill and choose the one that feels best in your hands.

The reel seat should be mounted perfectly centered on the blank. Poor reaming of arbors or poorly built arbors puts them off center. Return the rod for replacement.

That's a very nice blank with performance on par with much more expensive ones. One suggestion though, try the Aero seat and get help choosing a guide train that is lighter. This will max the benefit of that nice blank. Good luck & enjoy

Hi-vis for jigs/plastics make line watching easier for me with no ill affects noticed.

Sticking to that list I'd rank them: Curado SX Citica Energy PT You're at a good price point for a quality reel though so it's hard to go wrong with any others you want to add. End of the day choose whatever feels best in your hand and on the chosen rod.

To get the most out of any reel fish it hard while new to rule out any warranty covered issues. Next flush and lightly oil stock spool bearings. During the off season have a deep cleaning performed and repeat as usage and conditions dictate. There is nothing to be gained by over working parts like the crank that are not designed to spin fast or continuously.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year to everyone at BassResource.com! Thank you for your support. I'm looking forward to another year of learning, laughing, sharing and helping where I can. Blessings to you and yours, Mike L

AR roller clutches should be lightly swabbed with oil. Grease gives a little smoother feel but it takes experience to know just how much to use without adveresly affecting performance. The ones that are pressed into the frame are harder to flush without harming the finish on the case but it can and should be done at some point.

Even with the most detailed description of symptoms it is all conjecture and nearly impossible to diagnose without seeing the reel. If you decide to send it in, be sure to reference your BassResource.com screen name for a members discount of 10% (excluding OEM parts).

Scapping those brake blocks is a common practice. In a reel with a non-disengaging level wind the brakes aren't really needed in most cases.

A bent spool shaft can cause a thump as you reel but that would be noticed in casting as well.

The E5 spool is not unusually shallow. I don't think that's the way to go.

If it's not affecting the spool's spinning it's fine. As for clean/lube of reels the sliding parts of the clutch should have a light coat of oil. All the extra grease inside the cases wasn't doing a thing, don't sweat it.

It depends on the system. Some drags like the Shimano Dartanium are designed to be a wet drag. Running them dry they will be sticky and will disintegrate. A ceramic drag like some Quantums use must be dry to work correctly and Carbontex can be run dry or greased. ONLY drag grease should be used on drags or they will not have the power they should. Grease helps dissipate heat in salt water apps where long runs by big fish are common.

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These videos are good but no replacement for the exact schematic for your reel. Beyond that, the most important thing is to keep parts clean and free of grit & contamination. Use good quality lubes in appropriate applications. There is no magic here.

These numbers on reels are not ratings, but rather line capacity. I have braid on reels ranging from ultra light to 6500 round reels

Heavy bass tackle should be fine if you hook an accidental muskie/pike. You'll want to run a leader of some kind. Jfranco might chime in, I believe he runs a heavy fluoro leader made for toothy critters.

You can check the level-wind by applying slight pressure against it while cranking, feeling for any hesitation or rough spots but spooling technique is more likely the cause. I have seen cases where poorly tied backing-to-mainline knots make a snag and cause line stacking issues. In the event that a level wind is not functioning correctly I always replace the pawl and worm gear as a set. The chances of one being bad without affecting the other is slim.

If given a choice I'll assemble 10 twitchin' bar reels over 1 flippin'switch