Carbontex Drag Upgrade.

Copenny2

Here is my question. I recently purchased a Saragosa 18k. According to Shimano the max drag is 44 lbs. With the Carbontex drag upgrade, what will the max drag be? Will it stay the same or will it increase? Or is the benefit of this drag upgrade for the smooth starting and stopping of the drag? I haven't seen a comparison online. I've only seen everyone praising the Carbontex drag upgrade. Can somone educate me on the true purpose of the Carbontex washers?

rance · 06-14-2009, 11:38 AM

Hi. To me the reason for having a reel thats rated for 44 lbs. of drag is not to actually use all 44 lbs. That would possibly break your rod( depending on the rod of course), and I'm not sure that you could withstand that much pressure standing up. The purpose is that when using 20 to 25 lbs. for long periods of time, that you are only using a little over half of the reels potential , thus not ruining the reel, and if you need a little more to stop the fish, you have it. I think that the carbontex drag upgrade is really for that same purpose. It gives you a better quality smoother drag that can withstand the prolonged use it will receive on a tuna trip, or any trip where you are targeting bigger fish. This is just my opinion. I am not an expert..........Rance

bigscrnman · 06-14-2009, 06:56 PM

Carbontex if used in a "wet" or greased application has much better heat dissipation than a standard drag stack. I have seen spinners get literally SMOKED by very large fish. Friend of mine recently caught a fairly large wahoo #35+ on a sustain 14000 and the drag stack literaly melted! The carbontex is a fairly cheap (about $10) upgrade and is well worth the effort especially in light of the cost/benefit ratio! My solution was to start buying stella's, but I am an incurable tackle ho!!!!! CopennyII if you upgrade that saragossa you just got you should not have a problem unless you happen to hook up with a REALLY BIG fish!

feeder · 06-14-2009, 07:57 PM

The Carbontex system has one distinct advantage in that it prevents saltwater intrusion into the drag washers. Salt buildup on the drag stack will cause your reel to start sticking during a fight which could result in a lost fish. The grease used with the Carbontex washers help to prevent this and provide an overall smoother drag performance.

Some people have actually reported a small loss of drag when upgrading, but nothing significant. A few pounds of drag pressure lost on a reel that can put out 44lbs won't be missed.

alantani · 06-15-2009, 10:16 PM

probably the same.......

Copenny2 · 06-15-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigscrnman

Carbontex if used in a "wet" or greased application has much better heat dissipation than a standard drag stack. I have seen spinners get literally SMOKED by very large fish. Friend of mine recently caught a fairly large wahoo #35+ on a sustain 14000 and the drag stack literaly melted! The carbontex is a fairly cheap (about $10) upgrade and is well worth the effort especially in light of the cost/benefit ratio! My solution was to start buying stella's, but I am an incurable tackle ho!!!!! CopennyII if you upgrade that saragossa you just got you should not have a problem unless you happen to hook up with a REALLY BIG fish!

You're absolutelly right BIG. I'm gonna go for the upgrade. I can't convince the wife to let me get a Stella yet. That's a few years down the road. But I can sneak in a Saragosa and upgrade it and she won't know a thing.

pametfisher · 06-16-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copenny2

You're absolutelly right BIG. I'm gonna go for the upgrade. I can't convince the wife to let me get a Stella yet. That's a few years down the road. But I can sneak in a Saragosa and upgrade it and she won't know a thing.

A couple thoughts: Many people fish the Saragosa for 60-70" Bluefin without modification. What not try it that way at first?

Second, have a look at this thread: Shimano Spinning Reel Max Drag Spec. I think you will find that with the cap turned tight until it bottoms, but not further, that the drag will be about 20-22 lbs. Try it before you modify the reel. This drag level is fine in my opinion.

Have you considered looking for a used Stella?

Overall, the Saragosa is a great reel. If you load it yourself, cover the bottom with a couple of layers of electrical tape--not to reduce slipping, but to protect the line from the sharp grooves at the bottom of all Shimano spinning reel spools.

jig · 06-16-2009, 10:51 AM

JMO, but I would do the upgrade. For $10, its the best upgrade you can do. I did it on the Spheros 14000, and have caught quite a few YFT up to 85-90# without a problem. Fished about 20# of drag. Smooth as glass, have yet to hear of any seizing or other failure with this upgrade.

Your upgraded drag will last longer (maybe forever), will increase 'usable drag', will be smooth and more waterproof. Do it.

mkowens · 06-17-2009, 06:21 PM

Is there any upgrades for the thunnus reels? I own one and am not happy to buy another reel, I mean how many reels can I justify to my spouse? 80w-tyrnos-thunnus-boat reels ect.

SpecialK · 06-18-2009, 12:20 AM

if you take out the drag stack and call smoooth drag with the washer measurements, they can get you what you need. I would almost bet that it is close to the spheros or saragosa...