Drag Systems

[RJD]

Has anyone attempted, or considering other drag systems than the friction based detailed in Michael's instructions? The following link provides a nice explanation of various types. http://www.sexyloops.com/articles/drag.shtml

Ron

[eclecticguy]

Hey Ron, thanks for the link. I added it to the list of resources in theReelsmithing Resources on the Web forum.

I have built both click/pawl and cork friction disk drag systems. A click/pawl system can be done with the same equipment I am writing about in the book. The friction disk really starts to need higher precision available with a lathe. My plan is, once the book is completed, add additional reel designs that include various drag systems, raised pillar, alternative materials, etc.

cheers,
Michael

[peter dallman]

Yes, John Betts designed a clicker for these reels that uses weedeater cord? I'll have to send out pictures. His book on reel design is almost doen. It is 350 pages and counting.

[RJD]

I am planing on constructing another reel during my holiday break from grad school this December, and would like to try a click/pawl system. Any tips or recommendations on a design? Thanks.

Ron

[eclecticguy]

Ron, if you can wait until Thanksgiving I will send you my drag design then. I need to get the book done and then I'll finish my drawings for the drag system.

cheers,
Michael

[jlindengren]

The drag system of an Pfleuger Medalist works well, and should be easy to copy.

[eclecticguy]

It is fairly simple. The earlier Medalists don't have a click "gear" but instead have a "drag disk" that is a bit tricky for hand work but could be done on a minimill easily. The drag is adjustable with the thumbscrew. Because of the way it is designed, the spool can turn freely with minimal friction on the retrieve and then have drag when a fish runs. Here is a photo of one of mine:

IMG_0825.jpg (156.5 KiB) Viewed 333 times

The Pflueger Gem is another classic reel that is kind of overlooked by collectors but is a beautiful and great fishing reel! It has a very classic click-pawl drag system. The earliest Gem also had a quick release spool that used a crescent latch similar to some Hardy and other reels. Here is a photo of mine:

You can see a standard clicker on the spool and a simple pawl and spring on the back plate. Non adjustable but very functional. Here is a photo of the latch:

Now that the book is done, I am planning to draw the plans and write up the drag mechanisms I make for some of my reels. It is a click-pawl design that has less resistance on the retrieve and more on the outgoing line. It can be made with similar techniques as shown in my book (hand tools) and my goal is to be able to retrofit it on a reel built from the plans in the book! That's the tricky part because of the holes drilled in the back plate - working on locating and designing the spring so it is not visible. Almost have it worked out. I will be offering the parts to make these as a mini materials kit as well. Good spring material is expensive and can only be purchased in bulk (at least I have not found a source for smaller quantities). I had to buy 100' of the material but it makes a great spring. You can use common music wire from the hobby shop too if you temper it properly. (there is a thread on this forum on annealing and tempering steel - search "temper" in the search bar above and click the Spring Material link).

I have a few customer reel orders to complete first though.

cheers,
Michael