John Baker 12 custom built

[SpecialK]

Just got off the phone with Matt from Charkbait.

After a few phone conversations with John Baker he had setup a reel for me to replace the one I sent back. The reel he is sending me apparently is going to have quite a bit more drag compared to the ones ordered through Charkbait.
It is the same body that MrBill ordered but John has made a special cam and put the heavier set of bellvilles in it. Matt told me they tested it last night and had it pushed to 58# at full and that they didnt push it farther than that, but they were sure it would do more. They were also sending me the regular cam and bellvilles to switch out if I wanted.
Apparently this reel with be overnighted and I should get it in tomorrow.
Needless to say I am a little anxious to test the drag on this reel. I am thinking that if it tests this high I probably do not want to fish 80# braid on it... I should probably go with 130# and lose a little capacity when I want to push the drag.
I will post some pictures when I get it.

[SpecialK]

OK guys, I havent had an opportunity to try the Gunsmoke reel test but.

I did test the drag like this. I wanted to know what the highest drag I could use with freespool would be. I took a 200 gram jig and tied it on. I kept tightening the drag until it didnt let the jig fall freely.

Test one: Heavy set of Bellivilles.
Max on strike 38#
Max on full 53#

Test two: Lighter set of bellvilles.
Max on strike 29#
Max on full 42#

After testing these numbers on the scale numerous times, I took the reel setup on a Shimano Tallus 80-unlimited(whatever that means).
I just tied it up to my favorite testing tree and started moving backwards and fast and I could. After tripping over logs, slipping in dog sh@t and falling into the little trailer for my lawn tractor, I finally got a good straight shot at about 30 yards and tested the reel on full.
I have to say that I don't know that I have ever actually fished over 40# of drag. I thought I had but that was a serious pull for a little guy!
Hopefully this reel will get some watertime soon and I can report a little more.
So far I am very impressed with the numbers it is creating!