FRAME FLEX?

LTM · October 18, 2015, 05:55:18 PM

Read an article regarding frame flex with the earlier C3 round Ultra Cast reels with the black frames when using braid with "excessive" test strength (ie pound test of line). What would be the maximum pound test to "safely" use on these older models so frame flex does not occur?

Leo

whalebreath · October 18, 2015, 11:53:40 PM

Back when I used them downrigging for Spring Salmon I never went above 20#-too light for downrigging really unless you're lucky & careful but staying @ that level meant flex was never an issue.

SoCalAngler · October 19, 2015, 03:11:37 AM

You can use whatever lb line you want but what really matters is where you set your drag pressure. The frame should only flex if your drags are set higher than the manufactures rating but many ratings are set lower so the problems of frame flex, shredding gears, blowing out bearings and such won't happen. But, some are set right at that point and should not be exceeded.

LTM · October 20, 2015, 03:30:40 AM

Thanx for the comments gents,

Mark I always use the 1/3 or 1/4 of line test rule to set my drags thats why I just stated pound test of line. After reading the article I thought of what I was told by some old-times about 30 yrs ago (FYI I was about 10 yrs old then :: ) that they would spool these reels up with 30# line for some "specific" application of fishing. I thought this was quite much for these 5000-6000 size reels. Thats why I asked the question after reading the article on frame flexing. So what is safe operating amount of drag for these reels?

Leo

Bryan Young · October 20, 2015, 05:45:13 PM

I would say the drags should not exceed 5# irrespective of the braid strength you use.

I tweeked my favoriate 6500C3 with 7# of drag and stripped my gears.

LTM · October 21, 2015, 01:30:16 AM

Quote from: Bryan Young on October 20, 2015, 05:45:13 PM
I would say the drags should not exceed 5# irrespective of the braid strength you use.

I tweeked my favoriate 6500C3 with 7# of drag and stripped my gears.

Thanx Bryan that is just the info I was looking for. Sorry you tweaked your frame.

Leo

Bryan Young · October 21, 2015, 03:28:29 AM

Quote from: LTM on October 21, 2015, 01:30:16 AM
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 20, 2015, 05:45:13 PM
I would say the drags should not exceed 5# irrespective of the braid strength you use.

I tweeked my favoriate 6500C3 with 7# of drag and stripped my gears.
Thanx Bryan that is just the info I was looking for. Sorry you tweaked your frame.

Leo

I was getting impatient and wanted to get the fish up faster.