So, I recently respooled a couple of my baitcasters with 20 lb Berkley Vanish fluro and then noticed that they tend to reel backwards, not all the time but occasionally, even with the handle engaged and thumb bar up. Both handle and spool with freely turn backwards. I wondered maybe if the cold weather is affecting them so I warmed them with a hair dryer and they seem to do ok.  Any thoughts? Thanks.

Cold weather can definitely effect the anti-reverse on baitcast reels. 

That’s an anti reverse bearing or clutch that does the job. If it’s a greased clutch the grease may get thick in the cold and the clutch bearings don’t move to lock the axle. A good cleaning to remove the heavy grease and then lightly lube it back up with an oil will fix it for cold weather. 

Thanks guys. I was wondering if it is the cold weather effecting them like it does a lot of other things.

1 hour ago, VTFan said:

Thanks guys. I was wondering if it is the cold weather effecting them like it does a lot of other things.

Not sure since it is not super cold down here but a little bit of cleaning old Lube or residue grease wouldn’t hurt. I normally just use cotton ball with a few dab of oil and rub around AR clutch. If you never clean this part before maybe carefully spray with some electronic cleaner (full tearing apart) before light oil treatment.

Break Free CPL lubricant works.

Tom

 

I'd clean out the AR bearing and the shaft it goes around. With this bearing, you're better off using no oil than too much.  Its purpose is to create friction, not to reduce friction like most other bearings.  More than likely, you've got some old oil, dirt, or grease that's getting the rollers jammed, so they're not able to drop into place.  A tiny bit of oil is good for them, so they can move up and down freely.  But too much oil will prevent them from getting a grip on the shaft, and too thick of oil (or dirty oil or thick grease) will prevent them from dropping into place.  More than likely, some lubricant has migrated onto them.  

We've stumbled upon the only thing we can't blame on Vanish. Yeah, as others have mentioned, it's the ARB. Clean it, and think of the smallest amount of light oil you can put on it and use 1/2 that much. 

A clean and lubricated AR is critical to a smooth retrieve as well as the AR function. They are definitely not designed to have friction. Only to mechanically lock to prevent back play. Cleaning and light oil solves 99% of AR issues 

On 1/15/2023 at 12:38 PM, casts_by_fly said:

That’s an anti reverse bearing or clutch that does the job. If it’s a greased clutch the grease may get thick in the cold and the clutch bearings don’t move to lock the axle. A good cleaning to remove the heavy grease and then lightly lube it back up with an oil will fix it for cold weather. 

I agree. Probably grease. You should put very little grease in the arb if any. Take it out and remove grease