I just called Lew’s customer service with this same problem using braided line. They suggested using 20 yards of mono before I added the braided line. Changed the line out and everything works as it should now. The braided line won’t grip the spool.

I had the same issues with a couple Tournament MBs. I took em apart and put them back together, and the issue went away. Never figured out why they were slipping though.

I thought the drag on my Lew's Tournament MG was slipping too (all mono line), then the handle turns but disengaged from the spindle, and the drag seems locked in place - after 1 year plus of light use. I bought that MB as an upgrade to my cheap Abu Pro Max which  is 1/2 as much, 2x as old w/ 5x the casts, no issues. 1st and last Lew's for me, I need something more reliable. 

Here’s the order of steps I would take to diagnose drag issues in any reel. Rule out:

1. Braid slipping 

2. misassembled drag stack

3. contaminated drag washers

4. worn damaged washers 

So I ordered this combo for my son. The 1st reel also had ZERO drag after about 2-3 months of fishing. So I emailed the company and they sent a new one and got it within 5 days

Now we’re on reel #2 and the same thing is happening. We’ve taken it apart, cleaned, lubricated the right parts and it still has ZERO drag. I guess the only other option is to get a new reel.

Have you tightened the drag down. Turn the star wheel clockwise. It's located under the reel handle.

So has anyone changed out the rulon drag washers with carbontex?

17 hours ago, Htorres said:

So has anyone changed out the rulon drag washers with carbontex?

I have. I did it on two of the LFS models I had. Don't know that it was a huge improvement, but didn't cost much to try it. Seemed a little smoother, but didn't keep them ling enough to really test. Ended up giving them to some coworkers to use.

 

I got them from a vendor called HPRBearings on the big auction site.

I appreciate your feedback