Quantum Hot Sauce

[MAReelMan]

Just curious if this stuff is ok to use on drag washers?

[erikpowell]

even without knowing exactly what's in Hot Sauce, I'd say   NOPE.
Shimano or Cal's only.. Drag grease for drag washers.. Hot sauce is for metal.

[alantani]

no, it's hydrocarbon based and will make the drags stick!

[MAReelMan]

Great, thank you. Do you prefer Cals or Shimano?

[MAReelMan]

I picked up some Cals. I will use that on my drag discs and use the hot sauce grease for all the other non visible metal surfaces. I have the Hot Sauce Oil as well that I will use on the spool bearings.

Do you suggest I remove the bearing shields and leave them off? Seems like is would be better for freespool and easier to clean.

* Note- This is for an Avet SX 5.3 MC reel.

[Tunacious]

Personally, I've used both and don't find a difference. I use the grease on both the drags and the other internals.

I went to my local tackle shop this weekend and was going to pick up some Cal's...only because it had been awhile since I used it. I've been using Shimano and like it...no complaints. I wanted to compare the two again to see if there was any differences.

The owner told me that he doesn't have a preference either. The only reason he now uses only Shimano is because he can get a much better deal from them buying in bulk. He's always got a couple dozen reels to clean/repair at any given time and has been doing this for many years.

Re the bearing shields...I've always taken them off.

[MAReelMan]

Tuna, thx for the info.

Do you pull all bearing shields off, or just the ones on the spools? Also how often should I be greasing the drag? Ill only be out on the weekends.

[Tunacious]

Only the spool bearings. I should clarify...I only remove the shields from my star drag reels. I leave them on my 114 since I use it for trolling only. Since I don't service my 2 speeds, I presume the shields are still on.

[MAReelMan]

Would it be ok on the Avet lever drag reels?

[Tunacious]

Not sure...I don't see why not unless you're breaking the warranty. Spool bearings only.

[MAReelMan]

Great Tuna thank you, you've been very helpful.