problems with Epixor drag?

FrogPond · 12-29-2003, 01:20 PM

Anyone else have problems with the Okuma Epixor drags? I will tighten mine up, but after a cast or two, it is loose again...even if the drag is cinched tight. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

cully · 12-29-2003, 01:31 PM

FrogPond, not with the drag but with the bail closeure. I go to wind to close the bail and it's like trying to twist off a beer cap that's a non twist type, It won't budge most of the time. Then all of a sudden it will work for a few casts then the problem will repeat itself. It's become a REEL frustration. I'ts a brand new reel. Anyone with any ideas on either of our problems? How about returning to place of purchase? Is this our only option? Kind of a DRAG if you know what i mean.

12-29-2003, 01:49 PM

Frog are you using braided line on that reel?

FrogPond · 12-29-2003, 03:21 PM

the spool on the reel is braided...but I also have one spooled up with mono...

Why would that matter to the drag?

12-29-2003, 03:25 PM

Braided line will slip on the spool making it seem like your drag is not working correctly.

FrogPond · 12-29-2003, 03:29 PM

I will check that out, but why would it be tight some of the time (like after I reinstall the spool on the reel)?

spinner53 · 12-29-2003, 04:16 PM

well, i just asked a buddy to pick one up for me. Kent Anderson had a nice set up that he'd brought to a steelheader meeting, and G.I. Joe's has them,so I figured what the heck.
I hope this is just an issue with the braided line. When installing braided line, MONO should be used to tie to the spool, I ussually put on a few yards nice n tight to get a grip, then splice on the Power Pro.

guitgary · 12-29-2003, 04:24 PM

I am experiencing the same problem with the drag loosening by itself.

SalmonNilla · 12-29-2003, 04:33 PM

Thats funny, I noticed mine doing that the other day when I was fishing next to you frogpond. I've got mono on mine. Thanks for the jig and float tips, I had been struggling all day, I'm gonna give it another try as soon as that river gets into shape. Nice to have met you.

John.

FrogPond · 12-29-2003, 05:30 PM

Well, I checked to see if it was the line spinning on the spool...nope, the whole spool moves. This is starting to sound fishy...

Salmo-
If I remember right, yours is the 40 model. Mine is the 30. So, now it is not just my model.

I may be looking to trade up or over to a different model. Any suggestions?

[ 12-29-2003, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: FrogPond ]

spinner53 · 12-29-2003, 08:59 PM

I just got my hands on Mine,,,,,, too bad its a 40, i'll trade it in for a 30.\

Have Ya'll tried the second spool ?? i just looked at the titanium lipped one and its seal.. looks a little different to me, I'd try the aluminum spool first before I returned it ??

$ 0.02 ??

steelheadslayer · 12-29-2003, 09:46 PM

I sure hope you guys find out what's going on. I just bought a new EF30 last week, I don't want to find out I bought a lemon.

[ 12-29-2003, 10:47 PM: Message edited by: steelheadslayer ]

FrogPond · 12-29-2003, 11:31 PM

my fireline is spooled on the spool without the holes in the bottom. I have ultragreen mono on the one with the holes. It does not seem to have the same loosening problem. They do look like they are built different. Maybe it is just that spool. I will email Okuma to see if this is a popular problem.

Spinner
I have the EF30 and Salmo has the EF40, sounds like we both have the same problem. So I don't know if you want to trade the EF40 for the EF30, unless you just want to go smaller.

RichH · 12-30-2003, 06:12 AM

I had the same problem with mine using fireline. It was recommended by a friend that I put some mono under the fireline as something for it to seat against. I put on just enough to cover the spool and then bloodknotted it to my fireline and the problem has gone away. I've had my reels for over 2 years and have been very happy with them. Good luck.

FrogPond · 12-30-2003, 07:41 AM

Thanks Rich...I will try that too.

spinner53 · 01-02-2004, 06:11 PM

Frogpond I traded the 40 for a 20. Have spooled a couple yards of mono, 30 lb, power pro and more 10 lb. Ande.
It's mounted on a 6 - 10 lb. IM7 berkley 9 footer, my winter spinner set-up, can't wait to fling sum brass !
I will put 6 or 8 lb. mono onto the spare spool.

REALLY looking fwd to a field test of the drag system, ie: steelhead spanking......via # 2 or # 3 spinner.

can I say that ???

Salmonator · 01-02-2004, 07:57 PM

One wrap of two-sided tape around the spool before you put on your superbraid. Problem solved! I've never had a spool of braid slip on me personally before I started using the tape, but I'm pretty sure it will never happen now. :smile:

[ 01-02-2004, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

FrogPond · 01-03-2004, 03:31 PM

Well, here's an update. I switched spools and used Rich's suggestion. So far no problems...6 steelhead later. Since I switched spools, I don't know if it is the other spool or just the line. I plan on spooling the problem spool up with Power Pro, so we'll see if that helps.

Thanks for all the ideas! I really do like this reel. It is smooth and I like the positive anti-reverse.

float2ber · 01-03-2004, 03:38 PM

I use an E-30. The drag works fine but I often have to throw the bail manually. The manufacturer actually recommends this to decrease line twist. A bit of a nuisance though if you ask me.

TheSteelheader · 01-03-2004, 10:14 PM

I will be attending a show in Las Vegas this weekend and I will ask the Okuma Reps about this problem... I will try and post the information by the end of the week.

FrogPond · 01-23-2004, 09:35 AM

Ok, time for an update...

Okuma said this was an extremely rare problem. We decided that there must be a problem with the drag washers in the spool. They sent me a set of replacement drag washers & felts. I have not installed them yet, but I will soon. I recently purchased another Okuma reel, this time an Inspira, so I have not been using the Epixor.

Both of these reels are extremly smooth and fun to fish with. I am also very happy with the customer service rep who I spoke to on the phone. Thank you Okuma.

Grantspastor · 01-23-2004, 10:16 AM

I have four...no problems with any of them

willierower · 01-23-2004, 03:45 PM

I own 5 Okuma reels, 4 Epixor 30's and one Avenger 15. No problems with any of them. Soetimes the bail is stiff on the one Epixor that has the least use. But I feel thats not really a problem.

GOT2FISH · 01-24-2004, 09:33 AM

frog pond if your having problems with that real give me a call I think I have the recite for it we can take it back or I'll be more than glad to refund your money for it THANKS MIKE