Flushing and re-lubing the bearings will help, as will wiping down the brake race and the tips of the centrifugal brake shoes with a q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.  Then put a small (small) drop of oil on the brake race and wipe it around with your fingertip.

 

If you want to improve performance still further, you can also polish the ends of the spool shaft with a dremel tool.

solid, reliable reels. i really liked that it is available in the 4.7:1 gear ratio because it's perfect for the way i like to fish my 5-inch swimbaits. what i don't care for is the standard handle. so, i fitted mine with a 95mm carbon fiber handle.

 

I picked up one in the 4.7:1 ratio in left hand as it is pretty much the lowest gear ratio available for left hand retrieve.  I used it for cranks and i have to say i am very impressed and would not hesitate to buy more, especially at the price.  I currently have one PQ and 2 citica Es and on citica G.  The pq is on par if not better than with those reels but i haven't fished it for more than a few months so i cannot comment on long term durability which has been reall ygood on my citicas.

Well honestly I really like my Pro Qualifiers. I have fished them for some time now. However, for the money, I have started buying H2O XPRESS Mettle baitcasters from Academy. Several times a year they will sell them for $29.99 and normally they are only $49.99 http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_133325_-1__?N=274871093. I got a couple for Christmas here I guess two years ago and I will not buy another PQ.. sorry Bass Pro.

 

I now buy the sale limit on the H2O reels when they sell them for $29. They don't have the magnetic braking but then again, I have never really used the ones on my PQ. Don't get me wrong... I love my Pro Qualifier but I JUST CANNOT JUSTIFY THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE. To me personally, the PQ is not any better than the H20. I spend the additional money on my rods which are JOHN MILES CUSTOM RODS http://www.jmilescustomrods.com/  which I  have found to be the best! 

 

Be well guys and hope your lines stay tight!

 

G