I don't know when or what happened but my drag isn't working at all! I used my quantum accurist over the weekend in a tournament and it worked fine. I caught a monster pickerel (about 30") on it and the drag was smooth and strong. I just respooled with 65 lb. braid and now my drag feel like it's not even there! Any idea what happened and what's the best replacement? Can I do it myself? I always back off my drag whenever I'm storing my reels, I thought that was supposed to save it.

By any chance when you put the braid line on did you apply a backing of mono or use compression tape to keep the braid from spinning on the spool. If you did not then the braid will spin on your spool and feel like your drag is not working.

Yeah that's the first thing I checked when it started happening but the spool is spinning whenever I pull line out so it's not that.

If I take it apart and want to replace the washers can I upgrade to any washer or will they be specific to the reel?

IMO it's too much of a coincidence that you spooled braid and now the drag seems to not work correctly. To check it, press down firmly on the spool and turn the crank. Watch the spool rim. You'll likely see the spool turn but the line won't be taken in.

Some Quantums use ceramic drag that is pretty thick. Smooth Drag does not have a Carbontex washer to fit those. (at least last time I checked).

Put a black dot on your spool with a sharpie and test. I'm willing to bet the braid is slipping on the spool.

Braids Slipping as stated above I thought people were crazy to but it does . I spool some mono then uni not to the braid works good for me.

You are experiencing "Ghost Drag". Install the braid correctly using some material that gives it grip. Either tape on the spool or some mono backing.

Yeah I feel like a huge idiot. The spool has a mirrored finish and whenever I was pulling out the braid it "looked" like the spool was moving too and I didn't bother to check it by holding the spool. Sorry for wasting all your time... and mine I took the reel apart and checked the washer and put it back together and then realized it had to be the braid slipping.

It happens. Spool 1/3 with mono, then fill the rest with braid. Helps to keep the line from slipping, plus you dont waste expensive braided line.