Help with disc drag on a full cage fly reel

prmike307 · 2025-10-13T11:15:27-0400

I have a full cage disc drag reel whose drag range gets tight quickly. The drag knob is numbered and has indent clicks but after a quarter turn on the knob the drag is super tight. I have the same model reel in a larger size that doesn't have this problem. I've sent the faulty reel in to the manufacturer (I'd rather not mention it in this post) and it didn't solve the problem. The non-drag start up inertia is fine (the reel is setup for left hand retrieve).

Send it back to the manufacturer? Locate another reel repair to send it to?

I'm open to suggestions.

MikeJhn · 2025-10-13T11:26:41-0400

I had the same problem with a UK made reel, I now exclusive fish with Waterworks reels (US made) multiple turn conical drag, probably the most efficient drag I have ever used, including Danielson, Loop, Orvis, Ari Hart, BFR and a few others that I have forgot as they are in the loft unused.

prmike307 · 2025-10-13T11:33:36-0400

Thanks. BTW this is not a Waterworks reel. I have some of their full cage reels which I employ on various spey rods.

MikeJhn · 2025-10-13T11:44:43-0400

I did not say it was a problem with a Waterworks reel, rather I had a problem with a UK made reel and changed to Waterworks as they have the best drag system IMO.

Help with disc drag on a full cage fly reel

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