I ordered a new Daiwa Lexa 300 and it came today however the packaging was slightly beat up and the star drag on the reel was completely tightened. I am wondering if anyone here has bought this reel or knows if the drag should come like that ever?? I thought it was terrible to leave the drag tightened down.. especially locked down. Thoughts?

Maybe some employee where ever you ordered it from was playing with it, demo, etc. I've never bought a reel with the drag locked down.

bought two of the older Browning Speed Spools BB1N when they were discoed. the boxes were kinda beat-up and one had the drag all the way down....with that being said it was fine still using it today.

It could have been a returned item. I hope not though.

Called some local carriers of the Daiwa Lexa's and they said their brand new reels drags were pinned or at least half way tightened.. anyways I called the online store and they knocked off some extra dollars because of the way it came and the condition of the box... didn't even ask for that so I'm OK for now. Took out the reel this morning and so far so good.. they said if I have any problems to call and they will take care of me. Thanks for your responses.

I can tell you from a couple personal conversations I have had with a fellow kayaker who tried out a couple. His conversations with people in the know had discovered some inconsistencies with the productions quality of the reels most likely attributed to the high demand for the product after it was announced at iCAST. I have not heard anything further save for the individual went back to their Daiwa Coastals instead. Not sure if that was due to unsatisfactory performance or just preference for their Coastals but take it for what its worth.