So I have about 15 lews baitcaster (anything from the speed spool to the tournry pro) this year I just got them out to get ready for the fishing season and three of them had issues. Two speed spool lfs, and a tournament mb. When I go to reel in it turns very hard. I always back the drag off when not in use. I took them apart and they all look good, I noticed when I take the side plate off (the side with the crank and drag) the post where the handle goes spins fine. which leads me to think its the bearings for the anti reverse, but when it is all put together, the more I turn up the drag the smoother it is. Any clues what this could be?? Sorry I jumped all over in this post but its got me confused!!!

I had one doing exactly that. I sent it to DVT.Turns out, one of the bearings wasn't sitting perfectly flat in it's hole. It was kind of twisted. Don't know if that makes sense but you could check the bearings to make sure they are properly seated. 

Hootie

Pm sent

Thanks for the pm DVT and response Hootie. Im going to try taking it apart and looking around the bearings and AR clutch

Remove the pinion bearing that encompass the pinion. you're going to have to remove the clutch mechanism to get to it. Check the bearing for resistance. It doesn't have to spin fast. Just smooth. Clean it /w acetone, brake cleaner, or whatever cleaner you normally use. The "post" is called the drive shaft. If it's spinning freely you can leave it and the bearing (if it has one under it-might be a bushing) alone. 

Might want to check to see if your cast control knob isn't tightened all the way down...stupid..but the tighter you make this, the more difficult turning the handle gets. 

If you retrieve isn't rough,  a bearing issue somewhere would be my first plan of attack. Just take them all out and clean them if you haven't done it this year anyway. 

If it is rough, clean the AR bearing and bearing above it. Make sure the AR and the sleeve are free of debris and grease. Use the least amount of oil you can possibly use on this. So little that you don't even think you used any. If that doesn't fix it we can go from there. 

Got it guys! Thanks for all the help! The AR clutch, or bearing, slid back into the reel. Just had to push it back up into place and all three reels are good as new.

Great news. 

Hootie

Glad I could help. Good fishing.