Delaware Valley Tackle

My business interaction with Lews has been positive. I ordered an AR from them and got a call next day asking what went wrong. I told them the owner used it in salt water and it corroded. They said they had a more appropriate reel for that application and sent a brand new reel upgrade free.

That’s not shrinkage it’s over reamed and improperly installed. It can be fixed relatively easily by drilling two small holes into the void but not blank and injecting liquid adhesive epoxy. Wood filler in the holes when done.

My baseline is annual deep cleaning(full tear down). Depending on use and conditions bi/annual or semi annual may be appropriate. Interim service every 8 or so outings, again, depending on use. Keep level wind brushed clear and oil lightly, same with rollers, hinges, joints, spool rim and frame. Oil spool bearing at the same time and in between if noise or degraded casting exists.

1/4 oz isn’t going to hurt anything. The rod might feel a little mushy on retrieve or working the lure/bait. Power for landing fish and casting weight are not directly related, but there is obviously some relativity. Just use some judgment and common sense and I doubt anything catastrophic will happen.

Any one with binding reel issues feel free to contact me directly and I’ll help you out. Probably will post the answer one day. ?

I use backing on nearly every reel anyway so the deep spool isn’t really a factor.

Schematic won’t help you here unless you lost a part. I can’t see the shape of the bail piece from the one angle of the pic. Opening the bail should compress the spring. You’ll have to stare at it and try to picture what’s going on. Bails are arguably the biggest PIA in reel service.

Line touching the blank won’t really hurt anything, but 9 is where I usually end up on a 7-7’6” rod. Don’t worry if static testing placement looks odd compared to progressive either.

Sorry to hear of your injury but glad you’re ok. Great to have you back!

I’d venture to say this is the best online venue of any I’ve ever seen. I consider myself a member first and sponsor second, but can tell you Glenn is as good on the business side as he is administering the site. Class act all around. The library here gets overlooked, it too is a treasure trove of information.

Temper everything you read especially on the net. Seems to me even assertions with a grain of truth are routinely exaggerated. Casting is affected by the baits weight and profile, rod, reel, line, guide train, technique and I’m probably missing something but you get the idea. There’s no magic pill or cure all.

Email me what you need and I’ll give you a quote. Thanks guys. Glad to help.

No, but the maintenance is a little more time consuming. I don’t recommend opening it unless you’re experienced or extremely brave. Lol.

Is the a Stella returnable if it doesn’t meet expectations? Half of retail is a decent deal if it’s in great shape. It’s a high end reel which means diminishing returns but if want to see what they’re all about this might be a good chance

Compared to properly flushed and lubed stockers new bearings provide little improvement. When a clean bearing is spun and runs loudly and comes to a sudden stop opposed to slowing gradually it’s time for them to go.

Actually, handle back play is 99% related to the fit/tolerance between the sleeve and main shaft or key washer. The clutch doesn’t depend on just one roller pin to activate at once.

The packaging doesn’t indicate anything quality wise that I’ve ever seen. If a large purchaser requests certain packaging for display purposes I’m sure the manufacturer would comply.

Absolutely. I see quite a few from customers where the plastic is rounded out. Another thought, tighten the drag nut well to make room for it to seat.

The trick with those hex retainers is lining up the shaft and retainer to seat properly and holding it while installing the handle and nut

They could do like others and give every variant of a model a new name. End of the day who cares what they call each reel as long as there’s one to fit the need?

The reel likely is in need of deep cleaning as well. You’ll get improvement just from that. Bearings should be an upgrade over and above. Just putting bearings in a dirty reel will disappoint.

A good quality tip top from Fuji, American Tackle etc of a size to match the running guides will solve your problem. No way would a knot displace an insert. The tip may have had an impact of some sort.

If there is any formula difference between casting and spinning reel grease, it’s inconsequential.

It’s not hurting anything structurally. I’d rewrap the guide rather than glue it. The cosmetics of the finish epoxy could be addressed for a reasonable price.

Only made it in 2 minutes and 6.2:1 is a special requested ratio and bearing supported pinion is innovative. Lol