Hey Fellas ! just wanted to let you know that i just upgraded the VISX 16 handle to the 50s whole handle assembly which includes the longer bridge. Please correct me if i am wrong but as i understand 12 and 16 comes with the small handle but 20/30/40/50 comes with the big handle...
The part is the : 24-50ViS for the 50VISX
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It looks a bit funny and oversized but it actually feels just right! Cranking is easier and the grip is noticeably superior! The longer bridge is also about right as any longer than that would make the speed changing difficult to reach while holding the handle. The stock handle however is too thin , it made me uncomfortable and sometimes my palm would hurt even when I was just fishing without a hooked fish.
I am pretty happy that almost all my issues with this reel have been solved , only technical "issue" that remains is that past 34lb of drag the freespool starts to get slowly affected so as it is this reel is mostly a 65lb for me , 80lb would require 40lb on the max drag. I can get up to 48lb of drag but then freespool is completely gone ! Any ideas?
Nice reel and handle upgrade looks good. My only experience with a Penn two speed lever drag is limited to a couple times using my buddies Fathom II 25NLD2. Max drag on it is 33lbs, but it starts losing free spool around 24lbs if I remember correctly. So I think your reel is probably ok, but hopefully someone with more knowledge and experience will be along soon.
I have a guesstimate of what the LD pros here might say: check the pinion ball-bearing. Apparently they get crushed easily from sideways force.
Hmmmm might be normal , i am waiting for other experts what are going to say.
I thoroughly cleaned and regreased the gear assembly, which had occasionally caused the crank to stick after rinsing. Post-rinse, I also noticed a strange sound that seemed to originate from the pinion ball bearing. Interestingly, the noise disappeared after a few days, and upon inspection, the bearing felt normal.
To improve sealing, I applied grease externally around the bearing area, though I didn't replace the bearing itself. I do have three replacements on hand if needed.
Its seems that its a preload related issue as tighting down the preset more to increase max drag then it makes also the freespool to actually starting slowly to com in contact with the drags to the more i push for max drag the more the drags engage.... I do also have 4 more bellevilles but i think adding more than the stock () config with only 2 bellevilles will make the pre load actually worse?
there are two bellevilles on the left side of the spool. they are oriented in the "()[bearing]" position, it is possible that changing the orientation to "))[bearing" might increase the drag range. the problem will be the side load on the pinion bearing. with the loads you are talking about, you might damage the pinion bearing.
Quote from: alantani on Today at 02:50:04 PMthere are two bellevilles on the left side of the spool. they are oriented in the "()[bearing]" position, it is possible that changing the orientation to "))[bearing" might increase the drag range. the problem will be the side load on the pinion bearing. with the loads you are talking about, you might damage the pinion bearing.
Thank you Alan for the reply , then its not worth it , i will keep using the reel as a 65lb and should be quite reliable longterm. If i want ever to jump at 80lb then i will get a Visx 20 and call it a day ! ;D