Delaware Valley Tackle

The PQ is a well built reel. I don’t think you’re doing it any harm. Tackle are tools to me: meant to be used, deserve to be cared for.

Unfortunately Pinnacle is no-more. When they were operating I think they produced specific models for big box stores. This may be one if those. They’re all pretty basic and straight forward. I’d just play with it and see what it’ll do.

Try a different rod. Sometimes you’ll get that labored cranking if the rod is too light in power.

I agree completely. All the top end blanks are good nowadays.

You can’t. GLoomis hasn’t sold blanks in years. NFC makes good ones if you can get it. There service is beyond horrible.

It’s impossible to say without seeing it. Possibly over oiled spool bearings and grease where it doesn’t belong on the drag.

Seems to me a heavier spool has more inertia and will spin longer (cast further) once it gets started.

Drags job is to protect the line, rod and reel from shock and overload. The level of drag to accomplish the task depends on the characteristics of the components. Also, 7# fish does not apply 7# of drag pressure as an example. Point is, don’t over think this. Any quality reel with a quality drag will get the job done. What reel models fit that definition are open to interpretation.

When you say getting to the plastic are you talking about where the cork meets the seat?

Admittedly I didn’t read the whole post, but did you use backing under the braid so it doesn’t slip? Beyond that 7# of drag is more than sufficient for bass fishing and is not easily peeled off by hand.

I’m not sure what’s going on there but don’t see how just running across a guide kinks line. The line runs across the guide regardless of size as well so that shouldn’t be a factor either.

Daiwa has gone 180 degrees from what I liked about them: limited models all quality with unique features. Now they’re like Lews more models than you can keep straight.

I stand corrected. I don’t see a lot of those.

Yup. And will need new drag washers. May as well upgrade them to carbontex

I don’t think ambassadeurs benefit much from bearing upgrades. Due to the non-disengaging level wind you’ll see more gains from cleaning, polishing and proper lubrication.

Very little if any. Are you sure it’s moving?

Extreme light weight and smoothness are not wholly compatible regardless of gear material.

I would have gone with spinning to enhance the vertical spiral fall. Not the end of the world though.

First and foremost the rod needs to load properly and cast well. A mod or mod-fast action helps keep them pinned. Casting tackle handles deep diving, high resistance baits better IMO. Spinning tackle works well for jerkbaits and small cranks.

Just brush a light coat on. Make sure it gets in the groove, that’s where the contact is. Anything is better that nothing in most cases but grease collects too much contamination. It can actually end up as more of an abrasive paste.

Try a bath in 80-140 gear oil for frame bearings and a film of it on sliding parts and worm gear. I use it on nylon gears as well.

How would you know what parts to buy ahead of time? It varies but after 6-7 yrs parts start to be discontinued and not all at once or on any predetermined schedule.

Personally I keep second hand purchases to 60% of retail. If you went by that this might be a fair deal if in immaculate condition but not a steal.

That’s a clever hack.

Hope you’re well Bud!!!