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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
(http://alantani.com/gallery/1/1_23_01_10_5_20_50.jpeg)
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.......