53 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Hence the comment that if the OP wants smooth and deathly silent reels then he should should stick to higher end platforms with metal handle side plates from Shimano and Daiwa.  Some gear noise from a $200 reel with plastic handle side plates and an aluminum main gear is normal after some use.  I avoid aluminum main gears altogether because I do not tolerate even the slighted hint of gear mesh in my reels be it vibration or sound.  The Daiwa Steez is the only reel that I would consider smooth for an aluminum main gear reel.  Even then in a high use state they can become more geary than other Daiwa higher end platforms with the same high use and brass gears.  I've actually upgraded an old Steez to brass gears for this reason.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.  I in no way believe shimano or daiwa are superior no matter what price range. I've fished a ton of all of them over the years and the lews have held up and been just as good if not better than comparable shimano or daiwas. I do agree on the aluminum gear thing but when shimano and daiwa put them in some of their high end reels it's still a slippery slope. I just believe the guy wanted suggestions on how to get his reel back to feeling like it did...not the usual go buy shimano or daiwa.  I get it...people are fans. I also know the more someone tries to brag it up the more it likely turns people away from them. In my experience daiwa had the worst customer service I've ever dealt with and lews has been the best. I'm sure a lot of guys can't afford to trash a 200 reel and replace it with a 400 reel. He likely needs to send it in and have it serviced. I would try the drag grease first and see if that helps. Seems to be what shimano recommends for their aluminum and micro gears. I'm sure the thicker grease helps make it quiter.

On 2/8/2020 at 3:57 PM, iabass8 said:

Don't ever...ever...ever do this. It does absolutely nothing performance wise.

I had an old Pinnacle that I decided to "supertune" after reading a book called BASS where they mentioned you should fill the case with toothpaste, remove levelwind, and use a drill to spin it. I honestly have to say it made a huge difference in smoothness. Im sure it wasnt the best idea and I sure as heck wouldn't do it again but that reel did get smoother.