custom drag washers

[alantani]

Hi Alan,

I am writing in hopes that you could assist me in the fabrication of drag washers for my Pro Challenger reels. I have a pair of Pro Challenger 80 TRs and 30 TRWs.   The reels have held up well but the drag performance is subpar due to their use of Teflon drag washers.  I am able to achieve 18#s drag at strike with 21#s full on the 80, but only 9#s strike drag and 11#s full on the 30.  I have been in communication with Alan Chui, the US rep for the Pro Challenger reels and he informed me he is only able to obtain the Teflon washers.

A few years back you posted a report about the Pro-II 30TR.  It appears that the spool diameter of this reel is the same as my 30TRW.  As you noted the Pro-II 30TR used a greased carbon fiber washer. http://www.sydneyangler.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=3047   If I could get my hands on these washers all would be well.  Sadly Alan Chui told me that is not an option.

I called Dawn at Smooth Drag and she did not have any washers that I could alter to work.


Yesterday I found a company online that sells carbon fiber sheets.  I realize Penn's HT-100 material is comprised of layers of woven carbon fiber and fiberglass, but I need to come up with something better than Teflon!  Do you think the following material will work: http://www.dragonplate.com/ecart/product.asp?pID=3625&cID=66

The Teflon washers are approximately 0.0400" thick.  I was debating on using the slightly slimmer 1/32" sheet, or perhaps the slightly thicker 1/16" sheet.  I would opt for the 'textured' finish over gloss and matte.

The company explained they can also cut the stock with CNC for a fee.

I am attaching a PDF file with the washer dimensions to this email along with a photograph of the washers.  Your comments on my proposal, or any other ideas you have  would be greatly appreciated.  Perhaps you know of an HT-100 washer that could be trimmed to work?  If you have any of the Pro-II washers that would be even better!

I have read many of your posts and tutorials online. I would like to thank you for your thorough, concise and extremely helpful information. 

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best,

Mike

mike, it looks like the DSS40C is the material you need.  http://www.ballard.com/files/pdf/Spec_Sheets/Carbon_Drag_Washer_Material.pdf  i will check the dimensions that you sent to see if i have something that matches.  stand by.......