Last Black Friday, I purchased a Mach 1 combo from Dicks.  I got a chance to spool it up and use it for the first time yesterday.  The reel casts well, but it grinds upon retrieve.  Is this normal for a brand new reel?  None of my other reels have been like this.  Should I clean and lube it?

Not normal. 

 

You can try cleaning it as it as they really pack the lube in those new reels.

 

Exchange it, if you can. I bet you got the old model Mach 1 as they are redesigned for 2019. 

 

I look at everything  I buy from DSG with a microscope as the rods and reels there are manhandled by consumers on a daily basis

Yeah, I actually picked this one up in store.  I tried it out before I spent the money. 

If it is past the store return policy contact Lew's customer service.

Lews customer service is excellent.  Get up with them and explain the situation and they'll get you fixed up! Love my daiwas but still waiting on a response from them from a week ago...

Thanks for the replies!  I contracted Lew's and they want me to send the reel back and they will send me a new one!  Super cool.

15 hours ago, Tizi said:

Thanks for the replies!  I contracted Lew's and they want me to send the reel back and they will send me a new one!  Super cool.

Glad it worked out. Lew's has one of the best customer service departments I have ever dealt with.

 

If you wouldn't mind please let us know what Mach 1 reel they send you. I assume the one you bought on black Friday was the older model. I am thinking they will replace it with the new 2019 version if they don't have a 2018 sitting around. The 2019 reel has the "combat" grips and thumb bar.

Will do