Is the drag grease the issue?

[Lunker Larry]

Doing a lot of reels as everyone is getting ready for the summer up here. The way this winter is going it may be a long wait.
I've been thinking about this for a while. Regarding Shimano and their dartanium drag washers getting sticky. I have used Cal's on these washers and find I don't see the issues that I did when I used the Shimano grease.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed this? Is it the washers or the grease?

[Bryan Young]

It's really the washers.   The dartanium washers are solid carbon disks and like any smooth, flat surface, if you put a liquid between them it becomes like a vaccum.  It is that vaccum that creates the sticky drags.

[Lunker Larry]

That makes sense, but when removed they feel sticky and have spots where it looks like the grease has built up.
Thanks for the reply. Just one of those things I noticed.

[Keta]

Grease mixes with the carbon as it wears down and makes the gunk that causes the rough drag.

[Lunker Larry]

Is it that way with all drag grease. Like I mentioned, I notice it more with the Shimano grease.

[Keta]

Is it that way with all drag grease.

Yes, when the washers get hot they start to break down and mix with the grease.  Dartanium was not a good drag material.

[Lunker Larry]

Thanks all. Appreciate the response.

LL