I have two very good reels that I've owned for two years and today I am getting my stuff ready for the season and I've noticed when I turn the handles on them they appear to be stiff.  They still work, they're just not buttery smooth like they were new.  One is a Lews Tournment MP and the other is a Shimano SLX.  I bought them new two years ago and they don't really have that much use.  What is usually the culprit here...is it the bearings or the worm gear/line guide?

are you adding end tension to the spool - that's a source of friction. 

My 5-y-in-the-salt Super Duty has been maintained and I'd put it against any reel for slick and cast distance.

Some things about me, I never use end tension, always replace shielded spool bearings with salt-rated unshielded, and use ultra-low viscosity bearing formula to keep them flushed and oiled. 

 

I did replace the brake magnets at the onset of corrosion. 

Most gear grease gets stiff over time.  I'm picky there, also, and use MTCW-GG-SW synthetic, but I apply it with a sable art brush, and an ounce lasts me a long time. 

 

"What causes a casting reel to stiffen"

Other really attractive casting reels

2 hours ago, DomQ said:

"What causes a casting reel to stiffen"

Other really attractive casting 

 

I was going to say pretty lures and silky line...

 

 

To the original question- dirt, grease, and corrosion are what will stiffen up a reel.  A tear apart clean down is in the cards and I'm sure you'll find it.

 

thanks

rick

 

Just gotta give it a good cleaning. Soak the bearings, remove old grease with fresh grease. Test all the bearings before and after you oil them.

Do you use Blakemore Real Magic line conditioner?

This line conditioner can mix with oils and grease drastically increasing the viscosity.

Tom