some spinning reels I’d like to investigate for carbon drag washer compatibility

[mangrove]

I have some light tackle spinning reels I'd like to investigate for carbon drag washer compatibility:

Shimano Symetre 2000FG & 2500FI

Cabela's prodigy 2500 (actually a version of a Daiwa Capricorn 2500A)

Daiwa SS2-2500C

These are all felt washer drags that I would like to have a lighter startup with.

Question, I see that several new reels are using carbon washers with an ID greater than the shaft, like a donut. Is there an advantage to this vs. a full circle disk?

Thanks folks!

[oc1]

The drag washers with a large I.D. usually have a domed compression plate.  So, even if you use a drag washer with more surface area the compression plate will still make contact only at the edge.

Carbontex will allow you to increase the drag pressure.  However, the felt washers often provide enough pressure while making the drag very smooth.  Try it both ways and then decide.
-steve

[foakes]

One can also just impregnate the felt washer discs with synthetic oil or Cals drag grease aa the result will be steady smoothness at all levels from lightest to lockdown.

Best,

Fred

[mangrove]

One can also just impregnate the felt washer discs with synthetic oil or Cals drag grease aa the result will be steady smoothness at all levels from lightest to lockdown.

Best,

Fred

Oh well, so much for that idea, I'll guess I'll have to find something else to tinker with! 
Custom paint jobs for the reel housings?

[Cone]

Don't give up. I have a few reels that I swapped the felt washers for carbontex. Just measure them and replace them with carbon fiber. Penn washers will probably be the most economical but Dawn at Smooth drag can help you match something up. On an older Shimano I have I had to  order washers with the right outside diameter but I had to drill out the inside to fit.   Good luck!
Bob

[Tiddlerbasher]

It is still worth upgrading to cf. It probably won't give more drag but when greased with Cal's it will be smooth and predictable. In my experience it also lasts longer and requires less attention. All of my felt drag reels have had cf fitted. I cut my own washers from a sheet it's a lot cheaper

[Gfish]

What these guys said. Also, I've read somewhere here that long hard runs on the drag can burn the felt washers.
Gfish

[handi2]

Whenever I get one in with felt they go out with Carbontex. Dawn has them for the Shimano. You will have measure the ones from the other reel. She will have them too.

[handi2]

What these guys said. Also, I've read somewhere here that long hard runs on the drag can burn the felt washers.
Gfish

Yes they will burn up. Especially on a fish like a Jack Cravalle. One of my inshore customers I take care of pulled up to my dock, ran into the shop, and grabbed a set for a Shimano Ci4 3000 that just got burned up from that fish.