MAX DRAG FOR LEVER DRAG REEL?

[LTM]

Guys,

Im in the process of attempting to modify/increase the drag on an older lever drag reel. I no longer have the spec's for the max drag of said reels. So, before I attempt the mods I want to find out what the max drag of the reels are without damaging the bearings. How do I determine when Ive reached the max drag of a lever drag reel without damaging the bearings? Is it different for different manufacturers or is there an across the board hard and fast rule?

Leo

[Bryan Young]

Leo, it depends on the reel, design, and bearing used (size and quality).

Let's start with, is it a push or pull system? 

Is it a single drag or pressure plate system or dual?

What is the size of the reel?

What are this sizes of the bearings? (non-spool)

[LTM]

Wow Bryan, didnt realize all these factors were involved, but thats why Im here to learn. First off the reels are Daiwa LD50H lever drag reels. They pull the spool/disc assembly towards the plate (towards the right/handle side of the reel). They have a single disc, not sure if its called a pressure plate, definitely not dual anything, The reels are graphite framed 3/0 size reels. I'd have to tear reel apart to get the bearing size, so I dont know off-hand. Hopes this helps.

Leo

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

I will go ahead and give you a rough estimate. I think about 20lbs at max would be expected

[George4741]

Leo,
The graphite frame may fail before the bearings.  Check out the following links:
http://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=arpfcrt0qv801tsjpuqo707cc0&topic=687.0
http://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=arpfcrt0qv801tsjpuqo707cc0&topic=185.0

I wouldn't exceed Bunnlevel's 20lb max.

George

[LTM]

Thanx George,

I appreciat those links for I wondered what the limits of graphite frames were. My primary intention is not necessarly increase max drag but drag performance and life to the reel for the factory doesnt make the drags any longer and to improve the drag material over the factory stuff which leaves room for improvement. I like these reels and would like to continue to use them and not concern myself with the end of life cycle due to not being able to obtain drags for them (I fish them hard within there practical limits). If things work out for this winter time project I will post it and hopefully ad life to others with this reel who like them as I do.

Leo

[LTM]

Any generic rule-of-thumb to test max drag of a lever drag reel without damaging bearings?

Leo