Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Pro Gear Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: alantani on February 26, 2009, 07:46:59 PM

Title: progear albacore special
Post by: alantani on February 26, 2009, 07:46:59 PM
i admit it. i've never had anything completely nice to say about any reel. well, i always try to find something positive, but the reason i'm working on a reel because broken. it always starts on the negative, never totally positive. that's about to change....

here's the link to the manufacturer.....

http://progearfishingreels.com/default.htm (http://progearfishingreels.com/default.htm)

schematics are not listed for every reel, so i'm going to wing it.

prior to this, the last albacore special i opened up was several years ago. i had lubed it up and switched out the composite drag washers for greased carbon fiber, and sent the reel on it's way. last month i was sent two albacore specials that were basically brand new. when servicing a reel, it is my standard to grease the screw holes, grease the non-exposed metal surfaces, lube the bearings, and install greased carbon fiber drags. i opened up the first reel and was pleasantly surprised that everything had already been done. i went through the second reel just to take pictures. you may have an older progear. a jumpy drag confirms this.

here is the progear albacore special.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0149.JPG)

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0150.JPG)

you only have to back out two screws to remove the right side plate.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0151.JPG)

these screws have to be greased, and, son-of-a-gun, this screw has grease on it!

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0152.JPG)

looking at the right spool bearing, you can't tell if it's dry, grease or lubed with an oil of some sort. i called progear later, and dan at progear tells me it's lubed.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0153.JPG)

i pulled the spool to check the left side bearing and clicker assembly. progear says this bearing is lubed, too. and it's obvious to see that the clicker assembly is greased.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0154.JPG)

reel seats, particularly on older reels, are commonly bolted on dry.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0155.JPG)

we've got grease....

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0156.JPG)

and more grease.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0157.JPG)

and how many corroded handles and stars have you seen.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0159.JPG)

grease on top of the anti-reverse roller bearing will keep water out and help prevent failure of the primary anti-reverse mechanism.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0162.JPG)

three screw are all you need to separate the right side plate....

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0163.JPG)

cleanly into two pieces.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0164.JPG)

here is a stack of greased carbon fiber drag washers. nothing for me to do here....

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0167.JPG)

so back together it goes.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0168.JPG)

i was going to grease the inside of the right side plate, but it's greased already.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0171.JPG)

three screws again.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0172.JPG)

the bellevilles go back on.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0173.JPG)

the star.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0174.JPG)

the handle.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0175.JPG)

the handle nut and you're done!

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_0176.JPG)

the only thing you might add is a larger grip.

(http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/medium/100_01771.JPG)

the handle grip is purely a personal preference, so i will certainly not count that against the reel. that's why i give this reel a perfect 10! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: alantani on November 04, 2009, 08:26:08 PM
Quote

Alan, I just bought this reel to pair up with an OTI 7'6" 60-80# Class rod.  I want to be able to cast lures and baits to tuna and have the drag to really put the screws to them.  I'll be using 80# spectra.  The fishing I'm looking to do here in the gulf is throwing topwater lures and free lining live baits to YFT.  Probably a very similar style to how you west coast guys set-up your wahoo bomb setups.  Anyway, my question is what mods and upgrades do I need to make to get this reel to cast well without backlashing all the time and get the drag system up to par for 60-100# YFT?  Thanks in advance.  btw - I based alot of my decision on your write up on the Albacore Special on your website.



it's really easy to go broke in the restaurant business selling the best food in town.  well, that's what the progear guys did.  it's a great reel!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the drag washers should already be grease carbon fiber.  check them anyway.  

the screw holes and all the internal metal surfaces should already have a light coat of grease.  check that as well.  

the bearings are shielded and lubed with corrosion x from the factory.  here's where you have a decision to make.  if you want the longest casting distance, then remove the shields, clean out any grease or oil, lube it with xtreme reel + and re-install the bearings open.  you'll get the best distance this way, but it will backlash like crazy if you flub up your cast.  you can slow down the spool using the end cap screw.  that's not a good thing to do for the long run.  

an alternative would be to pack the bearings with grease and reinstall the bearing shields.  that will dramatically slow down the spool.  it will be fine for casting heavy iron or bombs and it will be tough to bird's nest the spool, but it will definitely cut down on your casting distance.  

presonally, i think your best bet would be to go for the open bearings with a light lube.  don't apply too much pressure when you chuck that bait out and let you thumb be the brake.  it will take a bit of practice, and you will definitely have to pick out a backlash or two, but i believe that this will give you the best results.  want to see how it's really done?  get on any san diego 5 to 10 day boat and watch the deckhands!  good luck!  alan


Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: alantani on April 05, 2010, 11:52:41 PM
Quote

Classic
255 270yds 20#, 5:1 gears
251 350yds 20#, 5:1 gears
545 350yds 25#, 4:1 gears
541 375yds 30#, 4:1 gears
454 300yds 30#, 4:1 gears
440 400yds 40#, 4:1 gears
441 475yds 40#, 4:1 gears

Pacifica
2000 425yds 25#, 5:1
2500 375yds 25#, 5:1
3000 400yds 30#, 4:1
3500 375yds 30#, 4:1

Albacore Specials
280 300yds 20#, 6:1
282 425yds 20#, 6:1
540 350yds 30#, 5:1 or 3.6:1
542 450yds 30#, 5:1 or 3.6:1
461 300yds 50#, 5:1

Oceanus 30 325yds 30#, 4.9:1
Oceanus 40 300yds 40#, 4.9:1


Quote

Albacore Special® Series (Gunmetal is the Standard Color)
** Click on image at left for larger view **

Introducing the all-new Albacore Special® Series. These models deliver and then some. These reels are unbeatable in their class. They feature a new precision-machined and hard-anodized aluminum bridge plate, four ball bearings and one anti-reverse roller bearing, combined with a dog system to create a strong and positive anti-reverse. They have a large manganese bronze alloy main, gear and a heat-treated stainless steel pinion gear.
The smooth oversized drag system of the Albacore Special® Series delivers 30+ lbs of drag pressure, which provides more than enough stopping power needed for almost any saltwater gamefish and yet still remain smooth.
Whether you're fishing for amberjack, albacore, yellowtail or offshore tuna, the Albacore Special® reels are definitely the reels for you and a must on any trip.

Specs
ABS280S-7 - 6:1 Ratio | Wt. 22oz | Capacity 300 yrds/20lb mono - $349.00

ABS282S-7 - 6:1 Ratio | Wt. 24oz | Capacity 425 yrds/20lb mono - $362.00

ABS540S-7 - 5:1 Ratio | Wt. 24oz | Capacity 350 yrds/30lb mono - $349.00

ABS542S-7 - 5:1 Ratio | Wt. 26oz | Capacity 450 yrds/30lb mono - $362.00


The NEW Classic Series has the features which have made the original series so popular with serious anglers, along with the added benefit of engineering enhancements that result from eight years of production experience.
• True one piece machined aluminum frame
• Three screw take down end cap
• Oversized Lubri-drag wet drag system
• Manganese bronze-alloy main gear
• Heat-treated stainless pinion gear
• Heat-treated spool shaft
• Three S/S ball bearings
• One anti-reverse roller bearing
• Hard-anodized corrosion resistant bridge plate
• Limited lifetime warranty on the frame
These reels are "Simply the Best."
Specs

CS501-6 - 6:1 Ratio | Wt. 18oz | Capacity 350 yrds/15lb mono - $199.00
CS5551-6 - 6:1 Ratio | Wt. 20oz | Capacity 400 yrds/20lb mono - $199.00
CS600-6 - 5:1 Ratio | Wt. 22oz | Capacity 275 yrds/25lb mono - $229.00
CS625-6 - 5:1 Ratio | Wt. 23oz | Capacity 300 yrds/30lb mono - $239.00
CS650-6 - 3.6:1 Ratio | Wt. 24oz | Capacity 380 yrds/40lb mono - $249.00
CS700-6 - 3.6:1 Ratio | Wt. 30oz | Capacity 300 yrds/40lb mono - $249.00
CS750-6 - 3.6:1 Ratio | Wt. 36oz | Capacity 300 yrds/50lb mono - $249.00



Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B on November 23, 2013, 09:56:40 PM
scroll down the page and you'll see the specs...btw the seller was the owner of Pro Gear.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: BMITCH on November 24, 2013, 02:30:32 AM
That's a beautiful reel. Would last a lifetime.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: m4ttt0 on May 31, 2015, 04:46:42 AM
how do i pull the bearing out that is in the 5th picture?
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: eldoradoman on August 30, 2015, 01:41:54 AM
I don't think those bearing are pressed in.  Let me know if you didn't find the answer and I will take my apart to check it out this week.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: MarkT on August 30, 2015, 01:48:39 AM
Quote from: m4ttt0 on May 31, 2015, 04:46:42 AM
how do i pull the bearing out that is in the 5th picture?
You press the pin out then the bearing slides right off.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: JimmyH on October 31, 2015, 07:25:38 PM
How do I remove the all-thread from the reel? With the long all-thread on the reel, I can only clamp the reel to a rod with a larger diameter reel seat. I can't clamp it to any rods with a smaller diameter reel seat.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: handi2 on October 31, 2015, 10:44:01 PM
Quote from: JimmyH on October 31, 2015, 07:25:38 PM
How do I remove the all-thread from the reel? With the long all-thread on the reel, I can only clamp the reel to a rod with a larger diameter reel seat. I can't clamp it to any rods with a smaller diameter reel seat.

You can put 2 nuts on the threaded stud and tighten them together with 2 wrenches. With the 2 nuts jammed together you can now turn them to remove the stud. Hopefully the stud will come out easily.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: JimmyH on October 31, 2015, 11:00:13 PM
Quote from: handi2 on October 31, 2015, 10:44:01 PM
Quote from: JimmyH on October 31, 2015, 07:25:38 PM
How do I remove the all-thread from the reel? With the long all-thread on the reel, I can only clamp the reel to a rod with a larger diameter reel seat. I can't clamp it to any rods with a smaller diameter reel seat.

You can put 2 nuts on the threaded stud and tighten them together with 2 wrenches. With the 2 nuts jammed together you can now turn them to remove the stud. Hopefully the stud will come out easily.

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that before I cut the stud with a dremel to shorten them.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 10, 2017, 07:42:27 PM
Is there schematics available for a 282 albacore special?
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Bryan Young on November 10, 2017, 08:33:58 PM
Quote from: Jtijerina125 on November 10, 2017, 07:42:27 PM
Is there schematics available for a 282 albacore special?

I don't believe so.  The AS282 is the same as the AS280 except has a narrower frame and spool.  does this tutorial help?  Do you have any questions?
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 13, 2017, 03:21:19 AM
Yes it does. I am in a bit of a pickle and im trying to find out how to handle it. First my old drag washers which were the original were bad. I had replaced them with some thinned washers that didn't really fit.  After installing them I had great drag pressure but once I took my reel to get spoiled the drag dropped to a max of 8 pounds. So i the mix if trying to test and crank down to see the max pressure I messed up my star drag and the inner threads on the star drag are messed up. Now I'm searching to see what drag washers I can actually replace the old ones with that fit and how to either repair the threads on the star drag or replace it with a forum, fathom, equal, or torque star drag. I think one of these will fit seeing the schematics and videos they are all essentially the same reel minus the keyed carbon fiber washers. Have any suggestions?
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Rancanfish on November 13, 2017, 03:39:32 AM
I finally bought a sheet of carbon fiber off ebay, and a punch kit, and made my own washers.

You need to measure the thickness, O.D., and I.D.  I think they are the same size as the 540 AB washers.

The stripped star may be a bigger problem.  Are you sure the gear sleeve threads aren't stripped too?

Where are you located? We may be able to get you some help local to you.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 13, 2017, 03:44:11 AM
The shaft looks fine. When i measured the original I got 31.7 of x 9.7 id x 1.5 thickness in 'll. I am located in texas. It would be interesting to see if one of the drag stars actually fit. If so I can easily order one online or go to my local fishing reel store and grab one. I am located in Houston, tx.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 13, 2017, 03:45:26 AM
I know it's the drag star because I saw the tiniest peace of metal shaving come out of it.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Rancanfish on November 13, 2017, 04:13:05 AM
Yeah, sorry I just don't know for sure.  I could check tomorrow if my Torque star fits on my 540, but I'm still not sure if the shafts are the same anyway. (282/540).

Maybe someone with a bit more PG knowledge will pitch in with an answer. Or you can call Ken's Custom reel service in S.Cal.(Oceanside).  Those guys may know as they do lots of PG service.

If you don't get an answer, I can check tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 13, 2017, 04:17:50 AM
I tried calling them today and they weren't very helpful. So I'm just searching for another alternative.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Rancanfish on November 13, 2017, 04:19:59 AM
Hang in there, we have the most helpful people anywhere cruising thru...
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 13, 2017, 04:35:05 AM
I will! Figure if i was going to find out then it would be here. Thanks for all the help so far and let me know if you find out anything with the torque.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Bryan Young on November 13, 2017, 01:08:56 PM
the new producer of ProGear reels are making a presence on FaceBook.  You may want to try messaging them through there.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Rancanfish on November 13, 2017, 04:48:51 PM
I experimented a bit this morning.  The PG drag star cup is much shallower.

The Torque star will start but comes to an abrupt stop pretty quick. It is deeper to accommodate the star click assembly. I compared the stems visually, and they look very similar. That said, I was not willing to push the Torque star and risk a cross thread after it came to a stop.

The Penn star will not work is my opinion.

I know it will be tough, but locate a star from an Albacore special.  The CS series star also fits.  You may indeed get a modern star to fit, since the new PG's look a lot like the old CS series.  (I'm learning as we go, too).  I have no new models to compare.

If you do facebook, that may indeed be the only way to get an answer quickly.

Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Jtijerina125 on November 14, 2017, 03:25:56 PM
So after looking at Sears to see if i could match the pitch of the threads I found out that I was fighting a lost cause. Luckily my buddy works at a machine shop and is just going to press out the bushing inside the star and replace with a new threaded bushing. So I get to keep my original piece.  He ha s to make it out of aluminum for me. It will get the job done.


I may ask him if he car make more for me. I don't know very many people who have this problem but it would be nice to have.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Marco450r on March 06, 2019, 02:03:50 AM
Does anyone know if i can drop the gear ratio or what gear can i use to drop down to like 5.1 or something for bottom fishing its just hard when you are bring up a big fish or got a couple reds on the line bringing them 250 350 feet up
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Swami805 on March 06, 2019, 02:19:06 AM
Might be easier to find a handle with a longer blade to give you more leverage.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: MarkT on March 06, 2019, 02:28:53 AM
Quote from: Marco450r on March 06, 2019, 02:03:50 AM
Does anyone know if i can drop the gear ratio or what gear can i use to drop down to like 5.1 or something for bottom fishing its just hard when you are bring up a big fish or got a couple reds on the line bringing them 250 350 feet up
I have 3.6:1 gears in my 540!
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on March 06, 2019, 04:28:25 AM
Quote from: Marco450r on March 06, 2019, 02:03:50 AM
Does anyone know if i can drop the gear ratio or what gear can i use to drop down to like 5.1 or something for bottom fishing its just hard when you are bring up a big fish or got a couple reds on the line bringing them 250 350 feet up

I have a really nice power handle to fit the 540.  Please PM me if you are interested.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: SoCalAngler on March 06, 2019, 04:45:05 AM
You must have a 280 or 282 as those are the only AS by ProGear that came 6:1 that I remember. The 540 and 542 had a option of either being 5:1 or 3.6:1 and the 461 came with a 5:1 if I remember correctly. Progear used mostly Penn parts for there internals so maybe the 3.6:1 gear and pinion will fit into other models than the 540 and 542. I really don't know but it does seem likely that the lower gear will work if there is not other fitment issues that I don't know about, which could be the case due to the spool pin size.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: MarkT on March 06, 2019, 04:48:08 AM
I think the 3.6's will fit a 280/282 but I haven't tried it.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: SoCalAngler on March 06, 2019, 04:55:09 AM
Quote from: MarkT on March 06, 2019, 04:48:08 AM
I think the 3.6's will fit a 280/282 but I haven't tried it.

It's the 6:1 that's got me thinking that the spool pin may be different than the other models.
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Marco450r on March 06, 2019, 08:46:32 AM
Yes i have the 282 Model so 3.6 might do 8t?is that from penn?
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Miguel lopez on February 18, 2021, 01:36:32 AM
Hello I'm new here and I'm trying to find some parts for the albacore special 542. I have 3 of them and wanted to freshen up the drags since it's been about 10 years since I bought them and I'm not sure how much longer before that since they have been changed. The only problem is that I can't seem to find many parts for these reels at all. Could someone point me to a good reliable  place to get parts or parts made for these reels???

Thx for the help
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: alantani on February 18, 2021, 03:10:59 AM
miguel, this one is going to be tough.  drag washers can be hand cut or just hobbled together if you have enough odd sizes laying around,  bearings are standard, so no problem there.  any other parts, gears in particular, will be impossible to find. 
Title: Re: progear albacore special
Post by: Bryan Young on February 18, 2021, 07:35:53 AM
Quote from: Miguel lopez on February 18, 2021, 01:36:32 AM
Hello I'm new here and I'm trying to find some parts for the albacore special 542. I have 3 of them and wanted to freshen up the drags since it's been about 10 years since I bought them and I'm not sure how much longer before that since they have been changed. The only problem is that I can't seem to find many parts for these reels at all. Could someone point me to a good reliable  place to get parts or parts made for these reels???

Thx for the help

I may have a few kits left. Let me take a look and I'll get back to you. These were cut from SmoothDrag Carbontex. Here's the post from not too long ago. https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=11607.45
Bryan