I need some help! I primarily use a Quantum Escalade reel and for the longest time when I hook a fish of any size it feels like my reel is straining. I recently got a Quantum ultra light combo and it’s happening with it but a little worse. I use both because of the ease of casting and reeling in lures but I feel like I’m missing out.  Anyone know how to fix this? What causes this? I appreciate any advice offered. 

What exactly do you mean by "straining"?

40 minutes ago, Alonerankin2 said:

What exactly do you mean by "straining"?

You know the feeling you get when your line is wrapped around the top eyelet? It feels like that except the line isn’t wrapped. 

I think what you are experiencing is the result of your reel frame twisting/binding under load. To my knowledge, the Quantum Escalade frame is made from a plastic composite, rather than an aluminum frame like you would have with a higher end reel. Unfortunately, there's nothing really you can do other than upgrade to a reel with an aluminum frame. 

 

 

This wording from the product description is the dead giveaway that the spool is the only aluminum part of the reel. 

Quote

Quantum’s® Escalade Baitcasting Reel has been updated with the top-tier components you would expect from its namesake. Its frame and sideplates are lightweight, and the machined aluminum skeletal spool boasts reliability and durability.

 

I've seen similar issues with grooved guides, but shredded line is a giveaway in that situation.

I have used plenty of spinning reels with composite structural parts and have had no trouble, so I'm not convinced that is the problem.  what I suggest is to lightly oil 1.  bail line roller 2.  handle knob and its entrance into the reel 3. the rotor shaft under the spool.  Then take off the side plate and grease the gears in there.  I don't think it wise to go further into the reel as you may not get it back together correctly again. 

 

At least this should offer some clarification.  Did it get better?  If yes, lube is probably the major issue and you may need to go further into it.  Since the reel is pretty inexpensive, I would not pay a pro for service, might cost as much as a new one. Now you know that you can go further into the reel with little risk. If no lubing at any level fixes it, it may be true true that it's flexing.

 

There are lots of great reels available from $70-$100.  Look for specials on new ones.  Pflueger is getting a lot of good reviews, and my choice these days is always a Daiwa.

56 minutes ago, MickD said:

I have used plenty of spinning reels with composite structural parts and have had no trouble, so I'm not convinced that is the problem.  what I suggest is to lightly oil 1.  bail line roller 2.  handle knob and its entrance into the reel 3. the rotor shaft under the spool.  Then take off the side plate and grease the gears in there.  I don't think it wise to go further into the reel as you may not get it back together correctly again. 

 

At least this should offer some clarification.  Did it get better?  If yes, lube is probably the major issue and you may need to go further into it.  Since the reel is pretty inexpensive, I would not pay a pro for service, might cost as much as a new one. Now you know that you can go further into the reel with little risk. If no lubing at any level fixes it, it may be true true that it's flexing.

 

There are lots of great reels available from $70-$100.  Look for specials on new ones.  Pflueger is getting a lot of good reviews, and my choice these days is always a Daiwa.

^^this.

I have used some cheap reels in my life. I have never seen a spinning reel have issues from twisiting or binding.

Cheap baitasters are a different story.

I would bet it is the bail line roller.

In the past I have had troubles with  bad bail line rollers especially on low end reels.It was not noticeable until under a load. Like when fighting a fish or retrieving a heavier bait.

removing the bail screw and lubing the bearing or bushing usually helps.

if that does not help, you either have to live with it or buy a better reel.

Maybe you got some line wrapped around the spool post?

If you don’t find a physical problem with the reel, learn to move the fish with your rod as intended and let the reel take up slack. 

Don't take the screws out of the bail pivot assy where the spring is.  Easy to get apart, most are not easy to put back togther even though it may be obvious where everything goes.  Just oil the pivot points.  But that's not your problem-sticky pivot would keep the bail from closing but would not increase the effort to crank.

So when hauling in a big bass with your ultra lite spinning combo, you feel like it is putting a strain on your gear?  I'm not trying to be cute but that sounds fairly normal to me.

Spinning reels are not made to horse in fish.  Sounds like you may have some pretty heavy line and your drag is not set correctly.   The drag should give before your reel starts flexing.

Never buy a composite frame reel. Under heavy drag a spinning reel neck will twist. I've had 2 break years ago. If it isn't aluminum it's junk.

If your reeling while fighting a fish with a spinning reel it will twist the stem and twist your line....spinning reels are used to take up slack line and reel in your lures not reel the fish in