Haven't used this reel but a hand full of times and the drag is already weak. It may be my fault because I keep the drag cranked all the time, but none of my reels have had this problem. Too late to take it back to Academy, so what do I need to get, if anything, to get it working again? I'm not very smart when it comes to reels, so if it's something stupidly simple, I give you permission to point and laugh.

Back off your drag when not in use. Keeping your drag locked down can flatten out the washers. I don't think that's happened already, but it's good advice for the future.

 

The non-carbon fiber drag washer in Shimano low-profile reels is pretty lousy but again, I doubt anything has happened to it already.

 

Did you just spool up straight braid? Braid can slip on the spool, giving the illusion of a weak drag.

Back off your drag when not in use. Keeping your drag locked down can flatten out the washers. I don't think that's happened already, but it's good advice for the future.

 

The non-carbon fiber drag washer in Shimano low-profile reels is pretty lousy but again, I doubt anything has happened to it already.

 

Did you just spool up straight braid? Braid can slip on the spool, giving the illusion of a weak drag.

 

That's probably it. I've only used braid once so I didn't know that it would slip on the spool. I'll back it with mono tomorrow and make sure that is it.

Happened to me once, too. Now you know!

Happened to me once, too. Now you know!

 

Lol I had a feeling it'd be something simple. How much backing do I need?

A few turns all ya need like 3 foot

If it's a wiffle spool you can also tie your braid through the holes. A few wraps of electrical tape works well also. I use backing since I only spool up about 60 yards worth of braid. Unless it's a shallow spool. Then I use tape.

A few turns all ya need like 3 foot

 

If it's a wiffle spool you can also tie your braid through the holes. A few wraps of electrical tape works well also. I use backing since I only spool up about 60 yards worth of braid. Unless it's a shallow spool. Then I use tape.

 

 

Gotcha. Thanks guys!

Lol I had a feeling it'd be something simple. How much backing do I need?

None really.

All that's needed is tape on the spool to prevent slipping, backing is fine if the objective is to use less braid as the man line. 

That was the problem. Backed it with just enough mono to cover all of the aluminum. No problems since. Thanks again guys!