diy carbontex

[nagz]

Just received two dl envelope sized sheets of carbontex from the downrigger shop for $35.00 posted.I cut washers for the following reels- daiwa alphas, certate hyper custom 4000, calais, shimano baitrunner 6500, branzino 3000, Calcutta te 300, and exist hyper branzino with enough left over from 1 sheet to possibly do another reel.
I reckon I have saved easily over $150.00 and it was a piece of piss to do.
Just thought I'd share in case someone wanted an opinion on diy drag upgrades.
Cheers

[nagz]

Should in reels, sorry

[Mark M]

How did you shape the washers nagz?

[nagz]

I just used a wad punch set. If I didn't have the exact size, i just gradually file it down with a fine and small file. I also had a crescent and circle shaped file that helped a bunch too.
You can use scissors and a small knife/scalpel, but i dont recommend it. Not very accurate and very time consuming.

[T Curve]

I'm also very interested in doing this myself. I'll be interested to see how it was done.

[nagz]

Get amongst it t curve. Save some $ for other stuff.
I'll also add, if you do use a file, make sure you thoroughly clean off the washers, just in case the rubbish mixes with the grease and decreases performance.
I have been informed that cals reel and drag grease if well suited to carbontex due to its teflon content, or something

[Bennno]

Originally Posted by T Curve

I'm also very interested in doing this myself. I'll be interested to see how it was done.

x2

[nagz]

I'll try and chuck up a how to on cutting the washers with some photos I took today. Bear with me. Haven't got grease yet, so I'll demo that later on. Cheers

[BigTed]

Will follow this post with interest...........I have quiet a few stellas that need the drag upgraded

[guy debord]

That's a good idea nagz. I went into the tackle world on cavenagh st and they said they couldn't get any for me (likely because all my reels are JDM), so i did a bit of online research and got some from o/s.
I just spent $20 in total getting carbontex drag washers for three reels. That is including postage from the seller in the US.
I am curious as to whether folks lube their carbontex drags or not, and what product they use?

[nagz]

For something that is so easy to do, they charge so much for it. Typical tackle industry that we all love

[Plugbar]

Nagz use Cals drag grease to lube your carbontex drag washers,just use small amounts don't go overboard with it.It's great to hear that the washers worked out well and I think you will inspire other members to give it a go. Just to add their is two types of Cals a universal drag grease which is suited to our climates and a Cals light drag grease suited to very cold climates.

[nagz]

No worries mate. Cheers. All over it

[nagz]

here is my very rough step by step carbontex drag washer upgrade. apologies for the quality of the photos and limited number. i'm assuming people have a rough knowledge of how to use basc tools. cheers, hope it helps.

1. Heres all the gear you'll need.
- carbontex sheet
- reel spool complete (in this case exist hyper branny)
- small files
- cotton tips/buds
- wad punch kit
- needle nose pliers
- hammer
- cleaning product (i used shellite, not in this pic)

[nagz]

2. Using the needle nose pliers, carefully remove drag retaining clip and remove drage. i put it on a semi-clean towel to keep it all clean and easy to see. white is the best, easy visability. lay out in order and configuration, ie which way up/down etc