I recently replaced the stock OEM drag system in my Lews speed spool lfs. I noticed when the drag is fully backed off that there is more pressure than the stock rulon drag system. Im able to move the spool by hand fully backed off but there is a noticeable amount of friction. Is this common with carbontex drag washers? I would assume the washers have increased drag stack height.

Can’t say I’ve ever experienced drag pressure with the star drag backed off but do notice a “quicker” compression when adding drag.

Although in my Shimanos the carbontex washer were near identical to the felt, maybe even a bit thinner, just more aggressive.

Perfectly normal and harmless