As someone who is just getting started, I am really particular about keeping up the gear I do have, so here goes. Let me know if I'm worrying too much about nothing please.

So my only reel to compare to is my Abu Garcia black max. I know it isn't anything special but I take good care of it and I notice that when I have my hook in the bait keeper, the line stays pretty taut. My second baitcaster which I invested a little more in hoping it would last me a while is the generation before the newest Abu Garcia revo sx. When I have the hook in the bait keeper with it and I tap the line a few times, there will be slack in it. If I put it in my car and take it somewhere, by the time I get there, there will be so much slack that the hook is out of the keeper. I still have a while left on my warranty but hate to be down a rod and reel. Is this a problem I should send it in for?

Oh, and one last thing, it feels maybe like the handle turns backwards very, very slowly if I put just a little pressure on it.

Thanks ahead of time for all of your combined expertise!

First make sure the drag isn't loose but I'm guessing you know that, just gotta throw it out there. Sounds like a slipping IAR (instant anti reverse) bearing. It's pretty common when oil contaminates the IAR bearing. The oil needs to be flushed out and reel grease put back in there. The solution is to swap it out under warranty, send it to a reel service shop or do it yourself.

Oh yeah, I've played around with the drag and that isn't the problem. Would you recommend I get it serviced under warranty or is this something I can tackle on my own. The packing of the bearing with reel grease that is. Also, is there a write up or tutorial anywhere for servicing the iar bearing?

The AR (one way bearing) never gets packed (with anything)......

That bearing pack gets cleaned, and, very lightly oiled (use an oil soaked q-tip to lightly swab the interior of the bearing pins) only...

You would do better having the reel properly serviced.....

Tight Lines!

I always put a dab of grease in mine.

I always put a dab of grease in mine.

Well you are wrong....

The AR (one way bearing) never gets packed (with anything)......

That bearing pack gets cleaned, and, very lightly oiled (use an oil soaked q-tip to lightly swab the interior of the bearing pins) only...

Tight Lines!

I will gladly continue to be "wrong".

I pack my AR with grease, not oil. Its like wheel bearings, pin stylegrease only.

This article is from another site, it does a good job of explaining how an anti-reverse bearing works. Heavy lubes can prevent the bearing from working properly and most reel mechanics only use a small amount of oil on these.

http://tinyurl.com/d3ld3gu

If the reel is still under warranty, exchange it for a new reel

RM. has been in the business for two or three decades. I would

recommend taking his advice on this issue and everything else

involving reel maintenance.

If the reel is still under warranty, exchange it for a new reel

RM. has been in the business for two or three decades. I would

recommend taking his advice on this issue and everything else

involving reel maintenance.

+1 he services all my reels, he knows what he is talking about!

If the reel is still under warranty, exchange it for a new reel

RM. has been in the business for two or three decades. I would

recommend taking his advice on this issue and everything else

involving reel maintenance.

.RM. has done service work for me as well with fantastic results. I would recommend taking his advice as well.