nicky_fingers

hello, just found your post as I also experienced exact same. Brand new reel from Japan, Here is what I noticed.... At first I didn't notice it as just by cranking the handle it was nice and smooth. When I depress the casting bar (as if going to cast) and I spin the spool outward (as if line was paying out during a cast), then crank the handle (as if going to retrieve), I hear and feel a cyclic noise and rubbing spot (the handle no longer is smooth when you reel). I found that if I pull a few inches of drag out (no line, just me using my thumb to turn), the reel will go back to smooth reeling. If I go through the cast/retrieve process again, the cyclic noise and rubbing spot (not smooth reeling) returns. hope this helps. inquiring to seller now...