I got the same issue it's tight all the way down the drag on a brand new Sougaylin reel havent thrown it yet but just tightening the line w lure on the rod to put away its slipping.
I know I over greased it I put reel oil not spray magic for first time where I've never put oil before all around the base of the reel where mounted rotates around the frame it's brand new. Im in the surf 90% of all my fishing time salt salt splash splash all over my spinning reels in the waves, sea spray, sea spray ect worst environment for any fishing reel. My 10', 12' surf rods and reels get knocked over and totally submerge if and when I don't feel like moving them back on incoming tides. I've had them lock and freeze up beyond repair well one in 10yrs but I go the extra miles to protect from salt lock up but after reading what you just said apparently I overdid it hopefully in time it'll work out in few days.