Delaware Valley Tackle

The Stella and Certate are sweet, super smooth reels for sure but hardly user friendly when it comes to servicing. The Stradic is a good "work horse" reel. A problem with spinning reels is that many users tend to neglect them more so than baitcasters for whatever reason. I suggest having them torn down and deep cleaned regularly as part of the maintenance schedule.

I believe you're referring to the cast control knob. The drag is set with the star behind the crank handle. You'll need the cap as well as the spacers inside. Calling ABU direct is your best bet.

A light film of oil applied with a swab on cent. brake drums is a standard when I service a reel. I agree that the PQ is an entry level, workhorse type reel but definetely not a "throw away".

That's a classic workhorse reel that's well worth cleaning up and fishing.

To get started 3 setups will cover you: 6'6"-7' MH/F casting - Jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits etc 1/2oz> 6'6"-7' MH/Mod casting - crankbaits and other trebelhook lures 6'6"-7" Med/F spinning - finesse jigs, weightless platics etc <1/2 These can be supplemented with an endless number of technique specific setups. For example: 6'8" ML/XF spinning - finesse dropshot 6' M/F upclose spinnerbait casting and spooks ( and other walk the dog baits) 7'6" Hvy or XH/mod fast Flipping Stick 7'6" Hvy/F soft tip - Frog rod 6'4" Med/XF popping rod - jerkbaits

Braid is very easy handling, especially 50-65#. If you do backlash be sure not to yank it though or you'll likely be cutting & respooling.

A quick dunking like you describe won't hurt anything right away. Just set it out to dry and maybe put a drop of oil on the bearings. If something lays on the bottom or gets dropped in the sand I'd suggest having cleaned right away, but you should be fine until the season winds down.

hand tight is all you need on a reel seat. shim the reel foot as suggested. I prefer teflon plumging tape to avoid the sticky residue

Those are pretty basic parts likely used in more current models and may be still available. You can always email or call too if you need anything. Good Luck Mike

I don't have the legs for a skirt.

This very true. A label is just a label and neither the fish or the rod will know the difference. One reason for using heavy braid on a baitcaster is line handling. 20# works very well on a spinner.

The Revo line is being updated, not discontinued. The current versions are on clearance and there are some steals out there.

The Clearance Revo S is a good suggestion. You might want to consider BPS Pro Qualifier. For a budget reel they are a good bang for the buck.

There should be shim(s) in the cap. Contact Quantum Phone: Warranty & Service: 1-800-588-9030 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST) If they can't get you what you need there are a handful of parts houses that might have them. Worst case you can look online for a parts reel. At least get a schematic from Quantum so you know what's missing.

Carbontex drags can be run dry for raw power or greased for a little smoother action. Only use drag specific grease on any drag. Nothing lasts for ever, drags should be cleaned, inspected and regreased as part of a proper deep cleaning.

You're not alone. Every year a few "Bag-O-Parts" in the mail along with a note requesting a reel be made out of them. lol

I agree with putting the bulk of your budget toward the rod. I really like the Pflueger spinning reels for thier bang for the buck. You can find Presidents on sale for $50 +/- This would leave you enough for a 6'3" ML/XF Avid if you shop around. Even at retail you'd be within $30 of your budget. I have a similar setup with a 2500 Ci4 and it handels very well.

Anything with a sturdy frame and good drag will do fine

Looks good to me

I fish a spinnerbait somewhat like a swim jig and use similar tackle

RM makes a good point regarding the spool shims. Seems like something is assembled or adjusted incorrectly. A schematic will show you where and how many shims there should be.

I can't say for certain if that spot is what's rubbing but it's not uncommon for a certain amount of spool noise to become evident after a cleaning. Reels sometimes come from the factory with a film of oil on the frame which only masks noise. Cleaning it out lets the spool spin more freely. As long as the spool is free and the reel casts well there isn't a whole lot more to be done.

What kind if noise are you hearing? Does the clutch disengage and engage positively? is free spool good? Make sure the spool tension knob is adjusted to remove any side play in the spool and that the drag star is snug. FWIW, if I were the one that serviced the reel I'd warranty the work and discuss and explain the reason for your concerns after seeing the reel. "Smooth" and "Noise" can be subjective and mean different bthings to different people. Very few reels are totally silent during operation.

It's maybe a little overkill for typical jigging but would handle heavy punchin' rigs. I believe they're rated for 3/4-3oz could be a swimbait or A-rig rod as well.

I've refurbished way worse looking projects than that but it will require stripping to the frame. You'll need a schematic from ABUs site and take pics along the way. There are "gotcha's" on nearly every reel though and I have yet to find a video that points them out. They're an inexpensive reel and probably a good one to experiment on. If you get in a jam call or email. Worse case send it in and I'll put it together.