My revo stx doesnt seem quite right. Last season it was screaming when I was casting it and I am pretty sure that meant it needed oil. I lubed it up but it doesnt seem 100%. I can hear a subtle abrasive sound when I reel. It isnt a gritty sound but its like I can hear the spool spinning.  Most importantly the thumb lever is very tight. Is there any way I can lighten it? I know you can do it with the trigger on a gun so Im sure it is possible with a reel. 

WOW!  Sounds like you need one of the reel doctor services on here.  It could be any number of things.

Send it to Mike at DVT for a tune-up!

It's really difficult to diagnose sight unseen. If you'd like to send it in be sure to note your BassResource.com screen name and I'll apply a 10% discount.

It's really difficult to diagnose sight unseen. If you'd like to send it in be sure to note your BassResource.com screen name and I'll apply a 10% discount.

May have to do that down the road. Ive got a few tournament fees to cover first before i get this thing back in prime shape. 

Based on your description, my advice would be to put it on the shelf until you can have it serviced. The longer you run it, in the condition it's in, the greater the chance of permanent damage. DVT charges a very reasonable fee for service work, but parts are not cheap.

Based on your description, my advice would be to put it on the shelf until you can have it serviced. The longer you run it, in the condition it's in, the greeater the chance of permanent damage. DVT charges a very reasonable fee for service work, but parts are not cheap.

The noise problem was solved it was just my imagination and it needed a little oil. The thumb level is an entirely different story. No idea why it is so stiff. I may just use this as my arig reel because I got it for so cheap. Honestly paid under $100 for my gen 2 stx from past boss brand new. When that broke he upgraded it to a gen3 for free. If it breaks I dont feel so bad about it. Id rather get a new reel than service this stx. Ive really only had trouble with them. Theyre great when they work but they just seem to break.

Send it to Mike at DVT for a tune-up!

X2 - I just got 3 of my baitcasters back from winter service. Mike repaired, tuned, cleaned them and got them back to me quickly. His prices are more than fair.