Talica 12A, 16A, 20A, 25A Performance Upgrades

[bigreddog]

I have improved and optimized about 18 of these Talica A reels in the 12, 16, 20 and 25 sizes. Every one of them improved through precise spacing between the inner fiber drag and the metal drag plate. This video is about this issue specifically. Precise spacing is the key!
I have not found any other significant issues (except with one the first reels delivered when the reels first became available).

This video shows the process that I use to improve them.


Summarizing the process:
1. Remove excess grease from the frame, spool, and spool shaft components and service the bearings Alan Tani style. Reassemble the spool and test free spool before going further. It should spin for a few minutes.  If it doesn't it needs to be resolved before going further. These are twin drag reels and there is almost always some interference between drag system components that will reduce free spool. That means that bearing performance is more important than usual especially if it is to be used as a fly line reel for SOCAL style fishing.

2. Adjust the spacing between the inner fiber drag washer and the metal drag plate using bearing shims. The washers have a diameter of 7MM X 9MM. I get mine on Ebay. Useful thicknesses are .1MM, .2MM and .3MM. This adjustment when correct will allow your reel to put out more drag with the best possible free spool.
I have added as little as .1 or .2MM and as much as .6MM. Every reel is different and requires adjustments based on trial and error. This process is the main focus of the video.

Performance standards:
With 12s and 16s I usually get about 28-30 pounds of drag at the maximum setting with free spool of at least one minute.

With the 20s and 25s I get about 40 pounds at the maximum setting, and free spool often times is over 2 minutes.

Setting the drags higher with good free spool is oftentimes possible. However at higher settings advancing the lever from free spool can be abrupt and the reel will feel less refined.

After putting in considerable time into experimenting and narrowing down common issues with multiple reels I have found a simple process with repeatable results.

The Talica 20/25As have 2 major changes from the originals.
First, the low gear ratio is lower. This makes it a much better reel for large tuna.
Second, the drag system has 2 fiber drag washers instead of one. This is both a positive and a negative but once optimized it is a better reel than the original.

The end results of the changes in the 20/25 sizes compared to the original Talicas is:
1. Same speed in high gear but more powerful in low because of the lower gear ratio.
2. The drag performance is better.
3. Free spool is excellent at higher drag settings once dialed in.
4. Handle resistance is significantly reduced and much less pressure is placed on the pinion bearing. This improvement makes it a great reel for jig fishing.

The 12 and 16 size Talicas get the same improvements in drag output and handle resistance as the 20/25As but have the same gear ratios as the original models.

[bigreddog]

Talica 12A and 16A bearing sizes in MM.
Pinion: 9X20X6
Main shaft: 12X21X5
Left spool bearing: 7X17X5
Right spool bearing: 7X17X5
Outer drag disc: 7X17X5
Inner drag disc:7X17X5.

Talica 12A and 16A spool shaft/inner fiber drag disc shim washers:
7MM X 9MM X thickness desired. I use .1MM, .2MM, and .3MM and stack them as needed.

Talica 20A and 25A bearing sizes in MM:
Pinion: 10X22X6
Main shaft: 12X21X5
Left spool bearing: 7X17X5
Right spool bearing: 7X14X5
Outer drag disc: 7X14X5
Inner drag disc: 7X17X5

Talica 20A and 25A spool shaft/inner fiber drag disc shim washers:
7MM X 9MM X thickness desired. I use .1MM, .2MM, and .3MM and stack them as needed.