I've had the reel for 2 months - it never used to do this, but over the past couple of weeks it's been either sticking or locking. I've tried WD40 and that seems to work for a very short period of time, but then it goes back to screwing up. I'd say 75% of the time it either sticks or locks.

What could the issue be and how can I fix it?

The thumb bar slides up and down freely and loosely when the flipping switch is off.

Flipping switches are a hassle to work on and the cost of shipping and service may not be cost effective given the cost of the reel. WD 40 has no place anywhere near the internals of a reel either. Honestly I'd either return the reel or just not use the flipping switch.

Flipping switches are a hassle to work on and the cost of shipping and service may not be cost effective given the cost of the reel. WD 40 has no place anywhere near the internals of a reel either. Honestly I'd either return the reel or just not use the flipping switch.

 

 

X2. I had a Quantum Code and it developed this same problem. Contacted quantum and they told me I'd have to pay for shipping both ways and for the parts. An $80 reel isn't worth $40 in repairs in my opinion. ANYHOW...I ultimately took the reel apart to try and fix it. BIG MISTAKE. I didn't know it would have some many unsecured tiny parts in there, so when I took it apart, a bunch of pins and shims and springs just fell out. Took me about 20 minutes to fix it and figure out how to put it back together, but I messed up the drag pretty bad so I'm left with a useless reel. (The problem ultimately was a spring that had fallen out of some little piece). 

 

I'd say cut your losses on a $60 reel and just stop using the flip switch.

 

 

On another note - I had an extra rod laying around and figured I'd snag a cheap reel to make another flipping setup. Had good experience with my Black Max so I thought WHAT THE HECK And bought a Silver Max. I HATE THIS FREAKING SILVER MAX!!!!! First cast, the line guide broke - not even kidding. Tried to return it but didn't have the receipt. Super glued it back together. Piece of trash that thing is!

Wow. I love my Max reels. They get a ton of use and not a single issue. I own 3 Silver Max and one Pro Max.

Is it the Silver Max 2 you bought? The older model Max's stunk.