I bought a new Tatula Elite a couple months ago. I’ve only used it three times. I changed the line on it and when I went to reel the new line on it the handle feels really rough now, like it’s slightly binding up. It was silky smooth last time I went fishing. Any ideas?

Sometimes the thumb bar doesn’t fully engage when turning slow or without resistance on the spool.  Once it fully clicks into position it will be smooth.

You sure you spooled it correctly? 

Sounds like something isn't seated right, did you take the spool out, or open the side plate? Maybe line caught up somewhere? Drop the spool on a hard floor? 

Went ahead and spooled the reel up, tied on a half ounce lure. Lure wouldn’t fall until I loosened spool tension up all the way and very little casting distance.

50 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

when I went to reel the new line on it

 

So it felt rough as you spooled the line or after? 

Just now, LonnieP said:

Went ahead and spooled the reel up, tied on a half ounce lure. Lure wouldn’t fall until I loosened spool tension up all the way and very little casting distance.

 

Are you overfilled?

1 minute ago, Deleted account said:

Sounds like something isn't seated right, did you take the spool out, or open the side plate? Maybe line caught up somewhere? Drop the spool on a hard floor? 

Yes. Opened side plate and removed spool. No line caught up. Took spool out and reseated probably a dozen times. I did drop the spool but was sitting fairly close to the floor.

2 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

So it felt rough as you spooled the line or after? 

 

Are you overfilled?

Both

1 minute ago, LonnieP said:

Yes. Opened side plate and removed spool. No line caught up. Took spool out and reseated probably a dozen times. I did drop the spool but was sitting fairly close to the floor.

Both. No, not overfilled

 

Sounds like its time to open it up or send it in for repair ... 

11 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

Yes. Opened side plate and removed spool. No line caught up. Took spool out and reseated probably a dozen times. I did drop the spool but was sitting fairly close to the floor.

Both

Ok, let's eliminate or verify the spool, 

-Wind the line tightly and tape down with some painters tape (scotch will work in a pinch), or remove line. (make sure nothing is protruding or touching).

-Loosen tension knob until you have a very slight play, and set the brake to lowest setting.

-press the thumb bar, hold the reel level, and in a quiet area spin the spool with your finger.

  If the spindle is bent, or something else is getting hung up, it will be obvious. If it passes this test, then move on to the drive train, instructions available to Patrions...  

42 minutes ago, Deleted account said:

Ok, let's eliminate or verify the spool, 

-Wind the line tightly and tape down with some painters tape (scotch will work in a pinch), or remove line. (make sure nothing is protruding or touching).

-Loosen tension knob until you have a very slight play, and set the brake to lowest setting.

-press the thumb bar, hold the reel level, and in a quiet area spin the spool with your finger.

  If the spindle is bent, or something else is getting hung up, it will be obvious. If it passes this test, then move on to the drive train, instructions available to Patrions...  

I removed the line and did what you told me to do. At first the spool was hard to to spin then all of a sudden it freed up and is smooth again. Something was evidently causing it to bind up . I respooled it and it’s reeling like new. Thanks for your help.

2 hours ago, jbrew73 said:

Sometimes the thumb bar doesn’t fully engage when turning slow or without resistance on the spool.  Once it fully clicks into position it will be smooth.

Sounds like you are getting a bit of this ^.

 

2 hours ago, jbrew73 said:

Sometimes the thumb bar doesn’t fully engage when turning slow or without resistance on the spool.  Once it fully clicks into position it will be smooth.

Is this just the Tatula Elite? Never had this problem with any of my other Daiwas . 

5 hours ago, LonnieP said:

Is this just the Tatula Elite? Never had this problem with any of my other Daiwas . 

Unlikely. There are several friction points in the clutch mechanicals of any reel. They're all quite similar regardless of brand. If sparingly lubed or dry enough the problem you're having can be caused by this, but that isn't the only possibility. My brother's Curado K came out of the box with this issue. A quick lube straightened it out and it's been fine since.