I have a relatively new (less than a year old) Quantum Smoke baitcast reel that acts differently than my other dozen or so reels (3 of which are also Smokes.)

 

In most 'normal' conditions, my ideal spool tension adjustment has zero effect on my handle.  However, when I tighten the spool tension knob for 'challenging casts; like skipping, or into strong winds, even just two clicks past 'ideal', I get noticeable resistance when reeling.  Seems logical - tighter spool, more friction - more effort needed to reel.  But, I've never noticed this on any other reels.  So, just looking for similar experience - or reassurance that it's normal....or something easy that I can do to 'fix' or improve....or, does it need service?

While the resistance is somewhat 'light', it is a big deal because I get so much sensitivity through my reel-handle-hand.  (I never realized how much I rely on the feel in my right fingers and thumb for bites until my handle got a bit 'stiffer'.)

Is it truly harder to turn or is it not as free spinning? I have a Curado K and when I tighten the spool tension the handle is less free spinning but not exactly hard to turn.

Pull the cap and plastic tension rod and put a drop of oil on the end of the plasic tension rod.  Should be supper smooth after. You could get into polishing if you want a long term fix.

This is normal to a degree. It's hard to say anything regarding your specific situation without seeing the reel. 

Very normal for my curado 70, all act the same more spool tension more resistance on handle. The pad Shimano use on newer reel mostly carbon fiber, I can even feel grinding if spool tension is tight. 

Just the way it is.

 

I had a few old Abu 5000s with bushings on the spool, I was going to get smart and put in bearings.

 

Put the bearings in, sucker was so hot I had to add more end cap tension. Felt horrible to crank!

 

Ended up putting the bushings back in and using grease instead of oil to slow that sucker down.

 

Even now I adjust my spool tension by slowly turning down the end cap while cranking until I feel the change in resistance.

 

Being centrifugal brakes, I found it helped a lot by increasing the weight of the brakes too.

 

Lot of things you can tweak.

 

But as you've noticed, the casting spool tension is still there when you start cranking.......

 

 

"when I tighten the spool tension knob for challenging casts; like skipping"

maybe I've  got it backwards but for skipping I think you should free up the spool and crank up the brakes

Thanks, all.  I hadn't noticed this with other reels when I get them dialed in, but I will accept this as natural for now.  @Angry John, appreciate that advice.  I am pretty ill-equipped to handle all but the most basic maintenance.  I've not even removed a spool tension knob before, but I'll give it a look.

 

2 hours ago, keagbassr said:

"when I tighten the spool tension knob for challenging casts; like skipping"

maybe I've  got it backwards but for skipping I think you should free up the spool and crank up the brakes

Thanks, @keagbassr.  I will give that a shot, also.  I've generally made most of my adjustments with the spool tension knob, but your comment makes a lot of sense.  I've only been really concentrating on skipping since early last year and was getting pretty confident...that is, until I started getting frustrated with this particular reel.   Who knows how good I'll be if I adjust the reels right :)

Maybe your tightening it so much that the bearings is pushing against the pinion? Or binding.