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the standpoint that it can be easily ad-
justed while fighting a fish. However,
the smaller washers utilized by these
systems provide diminished perfor-
mance when compared to front drag
models, not to mention they typically
add considerable physical size to the
reel itself.
5. Wet, Dry Drags Drag systems can be
further broken down into two groups:
wet drag and dry drag. Inside each
drag system is a series of washers. As
the drag adjustment knob is manip-
ulated, it acts to increase or decrease
pressure on these washers, which in
turn applies varying pressure to the
reel spool, affecting the force needed
to pull line from the spool.
Wet drags systems are very com-
mon in most spinning reels. Featuring
several felt or fiber washers that have
been impregnated by a lubricant,
these drag systems are simple, rela-
tively cheap and easy to maintain.
Dry drag systems are gaining
popularity as they require less force
to get the drag initiated, and produce
a more consistent drag over the range
of its settings, with little variance in
pressure and slip from fast, extended,
heat building runs. Dry systems are
usually sealed from water and grime
intrusion, and it is imperative that
they remain dry to function properly.
6. Gears Gears play a key role in the
retrieval speed, power and smooth
operation of a spinning reel. Look for
models that utilize large, corrosion
resistant stainless steel or ‘marine
grade’ materials. Teeth should be
of sufficient size as to not be easily
stripped or damaged. A great feature
offered by some manufacturers is the
use specially treated gears for added
durability.
Differences in size and orientation
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