Never too Old To learn New Tricks

[kingtin]

As some may have noticed, I've often said, "if it ain't broke, don't lift the bonnet" ::) ;D but my views have changed.

I found recently that a relatively unused 6500c allowed me to easily pull line when the drag was tightened to the max and I assume that it may well have been a manufacturing fault considering that it had little use. I should've tested it when I bought it, but hey, you don't expect those flaws in a product with such a good name. Anyways, when I tested my other reels, I found that I could also pull line, albeit with difficulty and a few line burns to the hand ::)

Begrudgingly, I put my Ambassadeur 6500 c and both my 7000's in for a service and upgraded to Jack Erskine Washers.

The difference is staggering:o Without even fully tightening the drag, I was unable to strip line from the reels and the actual "feel" of the reels is different, particularly the 7000's that are well over 15 yrs old and have never been opened, because they never gave me trouble. I don't know what Jack quotes, but I reckon the Erskine washers may have added at least 30% extra drag to the reels.

I have just returned (dripping wet) ::) ;D from the local park and I reckon the service has also put 30 to 50 metres on my casting distance.

3 reels serviced and upgraded along with a replaced level-wind pawl on one of the 7000's for less than 150 bucks. PM me if you want the name of the store.

Money well spent and I shall indulge myself further in the future.

kev

[Dantren]

Hey Kev,

Do you know if they do rod repairs as well???

ta. Dan.

[kingtin]

Hey Kev,

Do you know if they do rod repairs as well???

ta. Dan.

Yes they do Dan.

Coulda sworn I put this post in the tackle section? :-/ My apologies Mods.

kev

[One Day]

Kingtin,

I have just serviced my 7000 and upgraded the drag with Jack Erskine's washers and his carbontex drag. I found that the drag pressure has increased considerably. It's not that the old drag was bad just wasn't able to come close to the amount of extra pressure the new system does. You've sone well forking out only $150 for servicing 3 reels. Just the washers and carbontex drag parts set me back about $45. I'm interested in the store you had it done and will forward a PM.

[land-lubber]

Always always always check the reel after u buy it, maufacturing faults do happen, even in top reels. I see a number of tlds with off the shelf faults as well as many other reels, never a problem as they are repaired asap, unfortunately that is just the way it goes. My advice KEEP UR RECIPT :P

[NormC]

I was about to post two Curados to Jack to upgrade washers and service one of them. Still probably will, but it means postage to Cairns and return and being without the reels for a while. Does this thread suggest I can get the SAME work done locally without the postage?

I must admit, I get a feeling of confidence having Jack (or his son Daniel, who I think now does a fair bit of the work) do the work themselves, but it can't be rocket sience (since Jack has done the development work). I suspect any well experienced 'reel technician' (ie not me) could do it.

[Splash]

Kingtin,

I have just serviced my 7000 and upgraded the drag with Jack Erskine's washers and his carbontex drag. I found that the drag pressure has increased considerably. It's not that the old drag was bad just wasn't able to come close to the amount of extra pressure the new system does. You've sone well forking out only $150 for servicing 3 reels. Just the washers and carbontex drag parts set me back about $45. I'm interested in the store you had it done and will forward a PM.

A gold coast dealer recommended I use Titanium drag parts instead of Jacks' Carbontex bits because the Carbontex require more frequent lubing and ar enot as good as the Titanimum bits.

Thoughts?