I have that this reel for about a year.

I set the hook on a fish around 2 lbs after i released fish i noticed my reel was hard to wind

so i sent it back to lews and they fixed it and sent it back last weekend was fishing and the same thing happened again. I messed around with the reel and if i loosen the drag alot it spins easy like normal but with any drag set it reels hard. Does anybody know what the problem is and has it happened to anybody else or just me.

I do use braid but have had no problems with any of my other reels

curado 200e5

zillion crazy cranker

revo sx

i also have aneither lews tournament pro speed with no issues

 

That is a good question to ask Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle. 

Don't know the answer, but he's a good contact and a board sponsor that can help you out.

thought i would get more answers then 1

I have the same reel and have never had an issue with it. I would take it apart and clean and lube it.

Same reel no issues. Sounds like just a random issue that can be resolved.

id contact lews again and explain what you issue is, im sure they will help you