Last month I bought two Bass Pro Tourney Special reels model TSP10HC. One reel works fine but the other is stiff to turn once it's mounted on a rod. When it's like this the spool is also tighter. If I loosen the hold down on the rod it frees up but it has to be loose enough so then the reel isn't tight in the seat so it moves a bit. If I try to find a sweet spot between too loose and too tight it works ok until I hook a fish and then it gets almost notchy when you reel it in. 

 

I've tried it on three different brands of baitcasting rods and no difference. Could the frame of the reel be flexing when the seat is tightened down and binding the spool shaft? Anyone else ever have this happen with a reel? I'm at a loss as to what the issue could be. I've used lots of different models of baitcasters in my life and never once had an issue like this. Any ideas?

 

I'll probably try to return it somehow but I bought it from the BPS in Calgary when I was there last month. That's a six hour drive and I don't see myself going back there anytime soon. I also think I already tossed the box and receipt.

Does it have a aluminum or graphite frame?

If its graphite then the reel is defective and I would return it. If you used your rewards card they can pull it up and they are pretty good about exchanging things when it is their own product.

It's a graphite frame. I have family in Calgary so I'll see if I can ship it to them and get them to try and get it replaced in store.

 

Thanks for the fast reply

I just got done digging around in my hobby room and actually found the box AND the receipt. This should now be easier than I thought. 

This don't really have anything to do with your post, but I thought I would throw this out there. Whenever I buy a new reel, I always put the receipt in the box, and put the box on a shelf in my closet. If sometime down the road, I should have to return the reel, I don't have to go searching for the receipt.

Hootie

This don't really have anything to do with your post, but I thought I would throw this out there. Whenever I buy a new reel, I always put the receipt in the box, and put the box on a shelf in my closet. If sometime down the road, I should have to return the reel, I don't have to go searching for the receipt.

Hootie

Thanks Hootie. That's what I usually do too and in fact did that with this one. For some reason I put it in a different cupboard than I usually do so that's why I thought I had tossed it.