Say your reel just started spinning a bit less freely, and you think you detected a bit of additional resistance or sound. 

 

....what do you check first? Spool, drag or gears?

 

Thanks!

 I would do a drop of oil on spool bearing first. Then check grease on gear, the more grease the more resistance, or may be old grease become hardened. Drag might have nothing to do with it but if you open up the gear side plate might as well clean all drag washers.

Your talking about the handle or free spool?