Smoooth Drag Washers
We offer three different drag washer types from Smoooth Drag:
1. the original "smooothie" washers
2. the improved "xtreme smooothie" washers
3. the newest Carbontex washers
And we offer the complete metal washer replacement sets for these same reels Smoooth Drag has been making the finest aftermarket drag washers for many years. They currently make Smoothie and Xtreme Smoothie drag washer replacement kits - we stock both the Smoothie and Extreme Smoothie drag washers. They are very important for reels like the popular Abu Garcia conventional reels that have stock drags that don't seem to last very long. Smoooth Drag makes replacement drag washers for many conventional reels and spinning reels, but we currently only offer the Smoooth Drag replacements for the Abu 5500/5600, Abu 6500/6600, Abu 7000 and Abu 7500 reels. If you'd like Smoooth Drag replacement drag washers for another reel, please email sales@stripersonline.net and we'll contact Smooth Drag to discuss stocking those specific drag washers. Installing the Carbontex, Smoothie and Xtreme Smoothie Drag Washers
(this information from the Smoooth Drag website)
| Both "Smoothie" and "Xtreme Smoothies" should be installed dead dry, with NO oil or grease applied, as contamination by oil or grease can migrate into the drag system and can cause erratic performance.
When installing the drag washers of your choice, ensure that all other components in the drag system are thoroughly cleaned with a specialist cleaning solvent such as white sprits, dry cleaning solvent, disc brake parts cleaner (auto supply) or any totally evaporating agent that leaves a dead dry and metallic oil free surface. ( Do not use Kero, metho, diesel or acetone, etc.) Insure that all metal surfaces in gears & metal drag washers that come in contact with friction drag washers are smooth, polished & burr free. If any components are damaged or in doubt it is better to replace at this stage. Make sure metal drag washers are flat and not cupped. If reusing metal drag washers polish them up with #600 fine sandpaper, or crocus cloth. | | Once installed & after extended use, if the Xtreme Smoothies show any sign of irregular performance or drag "shudder", etc. you can bet that oil, grease or water or a combination of both have worked their way into the drag system. It is imperative with all reel servicing that only a small amount of the correct reel grease and reel oils are applied to the reel components. Over lubricating is possibly the biggest cause of poor drag performance. The major offender in most bait casting reels is the anti reverse needle roller bearing (one way clutch bearing), which is always over lubed and ultimately excessive lube migrates down into the drag system. Also only lightly coat the teeth of the reel gears with the correct gear grease, and remove any excess. However it should be noted that the bore in the hub of the main gear is sparingly lubricated to ensure that proper lubrication is offered between the main gear hub and the main gear shaft on which it rotates, again sparingly is the key word.
Xtreme Smoothies can be returned to their original performance value, if lube or water contamination occurs by removing them and cleaning thoroughly in the cleaning solvents as previously mentioned, ensuring that all other drag components are cleaned likewise.
Also ensure that you install all of the drag washers supplied in the replacement kit. Some anglers neglect to replace the drag washer located beneath the main gear between the main gear and shaft carrier base plate. This washer is an extremely important part necessary to ensure proper drag performance. Lubricate very lightly. | |
