Help Me Trouble Shoot A Backlashing Baitcaster? 2024
Brian6428 reply :
Hey guys, my brother has been having trouble with his bait caster lately. It is a roughly one year old Abu Garcia Revo SX paired with a 7' MH Veritas micro guide. He knows how to cast a bait caster and has no problems with any of our other bait casters-- just this one.
It often has issues casting lures as heavy as 1/2 oz jigs, a lure well within the rods lure rating. The lighter we go from there the worse it gets. The brakes and spool tension are properly adjusted. Line is 15lb fluoro but the same problems existed when using 50lb braid.
The casting distance isn't terrible, though. The real issue is that about 1 in 4 casts results in some sort of minor overrun, and often a full-blown backlash. The problems have been on and off ever since the reel was brand new. Sometimes it will be flawless for a month but then it gets bad again, like this past weekend, where just casting without backlashing is a success.
Lastly, it went through a period of about a month where it would just seize up mid cast fairly often. During the middle of a normal cast the reel would just kind of stop.
Any ideas? Reel is out of warranty so any help from Abu shouldn't be counted on.
Thanks!
Penguino reply :
Probably because of the dual breaking^^^
Brian6428 reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:00 AM, Penguino said:Probably because of the dual breaking^^^
It doesn't have dual breaking. Just mags
Penguino reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:01 AM, Brian6428 said:It doesn't have dual breaking. Just mags
lol sorry my fault
rippin-lips reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:00 AM, Penguino said:Probably because of the dual breaking^^^
Say what?
Chris186 reply :
Not trying to be a d-bag here, but are you sure the reel is adjusted properly? I had this problem with my Revo Sx's, you just have to adust it just right-its very picky, for me at least anyway. I bought 2 of them last year, and would have constant issues with the line being loose on the spool more than backlashing every cast. The way I adjusted mine is, turn the brake off, then adjust the spool tention knob to where you have to shake the lure a bit to get it to fall. Then make some practice casts adjusting the brake until you find the sweet spot. For some reason, these particular reels need to have the spool tension knob tighter than most reels. I was actually considering selling them. Luckily I am using them for specific lures, so once I got the adjustment down they have been perfect ever since.
Brian6428 reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:39 AM, CD1542 said:Not trying to be a d-bag here, but are you sure the reel is adjusted properly? I had this problem with my Revo Sx's, you just have to adust it just right-its very picky, for me at least anyway. I bought 2 of them last year, and would have constant issues with the line being loose on the spool more than backlashing every cast. The way I adjusted mine is, turn the brake off, then adjust the spool tention knob to where you have to shake the lure a bit to get it to fall. Then make some practice casts adjusting the brake until you find the sweet spot. For some reason, these particular reels need to have the spool tension knob tighter than most reels. I was actually considering selling them. Luckily I am using them for specific lures, so once I got the adjustment down they have been perfect ever since.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give that a try next time out. That is different from how I normally adjust the spool tension, so that may well be the issue.
Anybody else have any suggestions? I'm just trying to compile suggestions since I'm not going fishing until this weekend.
new2BC4bass reply :
Is this an older Gen 2 model? Seem to recall that this particular model was a bear to set right, but when it was it cast a mile. I avoided them for that reason being only a so-so caster. Please be sure to post back with the cause if your brother solves the issue. No doubt others would be interested.
TorqueConverter reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:01 AM, Brian6428 said:It doesn't have dual breaking. Just mags
There's yer problem.
Alonerankin2 reply :
So, is your spool seizing up during your cast?
Or, are you using Braid, that maybe dug into itself causing an abrupt stoppage?
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
There is a very specific order of steps to set up an sx and have it perform as intended. If they have been followed there are only a handful of things that can affect casting as far as the reel itself are concerned. Double check each guide to be sure they are threaded properly and undamaged. The only thing I can suggest as far as the reel itself goes is a deep cleaning to rule out any contamination.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 10:49 AM, Alonerankin2 said:So, is your spool seizing up during your cast?
Or, are you using Braid, that maybe dug into itself causing an abrupt stoppage?
Highly unlikely that 50# braid is digging in. Never once had that problem with 40# using it in the slop. Also an experienced baitcast user should be aware of something like that. Kind of hard to miss. I had that problem with a reel that came with 30# braid.
kcdinkerz reply :
Check and see if your spool tension is loosening up on you. I had a shimano that did that. Threw a little grease on the threads and it was good.
new2BC4bass reply :
Is the drag tension staying where it was set? I had that problem last year while visiting relation in Florida. Don't know what it was about sitting all the time to make my casts, but the drag would back completely off. Probably hitting my leg without realizing it. Got to the point the first thing I did was check the drag when I had a bad backlash. Usually it would be to find it had backed completely off again. Don't understand why lack of drag pressure should cause a backlash, but in these instances it seemed to be the major culprit. I'd reset the drag and be okay for awhile. This was happening with 2 different reels....an Alphas and a Patriarch XT.
BrianinMD reply :
Are the other reels he is not having an issue with also mag brakes?
tbone1993 reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 7:39 AM, CD1542 said:Not trying to be a d-bag here, but are you sure the reel is adjusted properly? I had this problem with my Revo Sx's, you just have to adust it just right-its very picky, for me at least anyway. I bought 2 of them last year, and would have constant issues with the line being loose on the spool more than backlashing every cast. The way I adjusted mine is, turn the brake off, then adjust the spool tention knob to where you have to shake the lure a bit to get it to fall. Then make some practice casts adjusting the brake until you find the sweet spot. For some reason, these particular reels need to have the spool tension knob tighter than most reels. I was actually considering selling them. Luckily I am using them for specific lures, so once I got the adjustment down they have been perfect ever since.
You shouldnt have to shake your rod to get the bait to fall. The bait should be able to fall, hit the floor, and not cause a backlash. All of my abus require an intense amount of adjustment and mainly the reason why I switched to lews.
Chris186 reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 10:46 PM, tbone1993 said:You shouldnt have to shake your rod to get the bait to fall. The bait should be able to fall, hit the floor, and not cause a backlash. All of my abus require an intense amount of adjustment and mainly the reason why I switched to lews.
You're right, you shouldnt, but for some reason with those sx's you kind of have to. All of my other abu's adjust easily, no shaking involved. Im not sure what the hell they did different to the revo sx to make it such a pain, but they sure did do a good job. If you google revo adjusting, 90% of the people have a problem with the sx.
BrianinMD reply :
The SX's are mag brake only which can be very finicky, needing adjustment as winds change or when baits are changed. Sure they work great if they are adjusted correctly but with cent. brakes its usually set it and forget it unless something extreme happens.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 1/27/2015 at 10:57 PM, CD1542 said:You're right, you shouldnt, but for some reason with those sx's you kind of have to. All of my other abu's adjust easily, no shaking involved. Im not sure what the hell they did different to the revo sx to make it such a pain, but they sure did do a good job. If you google revo adjusting, 90% of the people have a problem with the sx.
The trick to the SX is simply to be sure the mags are off/lowest setting before setting spool tension if fine adjustment is difficult be sure the tension shims are all there, undamaged and clean. you can also check the frame and be sure the spool isn't being interfered with by contaminants. My guess is that the reel in question would benefit from a deep cleaning.
aavery2 reply :
Try adjusting the brakes on the reel as the manufacturer recommends. Set the Magnetic brakes to 0. Tie the lure you intend to use to the line. Depress the thumbar and set the mechanical brake so that the lure slowly descends about 10 inches when the rod tip is gently flexed. It the lure does not move the brake is too tight, if it hits the floor, it is too loose.
Set the magnetic braking to a med high setting and begin casting making adjustments to the magnetic braking to increase distance and control backlash.
In other words, use a little more spool tension with the reel, it does not have much braking at the beginning of the cast and they can be more prone to over runs at this part of the cast.
tbone1993 reply :
On 1/28/2015 at 12:46 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The trick to the SX is simply to be sure the mags are off/lowest setting before setting spool tension if fine adjustment is difficult be sure the tension shims are all there, undamaged and clean. you can also check the frame and be sure the spool isn't being interfered with by contaminants. My guess is that the reel in question would benefit from a deep cleaning.
I saw an improvement in my stx once I cleaned all of the extra grease and crap out of my reel.
Fishes in trees reply :
I don't have that particular problem with my reels - but then my reels all say SHIMANO on the side of them. Coincidence or not? Beats me. All I know is that when I have a backlash, and I have my share of them, operator error is generally the cause.
DogBone_384 reply :
I've got a Revo-SX too and sometimes suffer the same inconsistent backlashes. It casts great when acting 'normal'. I started paying close attention to my mechanics and came to the conclusion that the angle I held my wrist at was the problem - it seems to be finicky. I also find I have to adjust its brake more often when a swap out lures than other brands I own.
Good luck with it.
Brian6428 reply :
Thanks for all the suggestments, guys. Neither one of us has ever tried setting the spool tension like you guys said, so we'll give that a try.
If that doesn't work he may just send it to DVT for a cleaning.
Chris186 reply :
On 1/28/2015 at 4:56 AM, Fishes in trees said:I don't have that particular problem with my reels - but then my reels all say SHIMANO on the side of them. Coincidence or not? Beats me.
I had two of the older Citicas, the ones they made when they had the first re-design of the curado. Brand new reels, one of them the centrifugal brake fell apart, the other the worm gear broke. Coincidence or not? No idea. But I havent bought a Shimano reel since. 
Sam reply :
Try this:
1. Check rod's line test and bait weight so you will be within those parameters.
2. Don't overfill the baitcaster. Leave about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the top of the spool.
3. Rig up your rod, reel and bait.
4. Set your spool tension knob and drag to where you "think" you want it and set your "magnetic brakes" in an "X" position.
5. Point rod tip to 11 o'clock and drop the bait to the floor. (Not carpet but hardwood, outside or on your boat)
6. Adjust the spool's tension so that the bait drops slowly and the spool stops turning when the bait hits the ground.
7. Make a light cast and adjust the spool tension once again just to make one last correction.
8. Now cast without any backlashes to your heart's content.
Do this every time you change your baitcaster's baits.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/28/2015 at 4:56 AM, Fishes in trees said:I don't have that particular problem with my reels - but then my reels all say SHIMANO on the side of them. Coincidence or not? Beats me. All I know is that when I have a backlash, and I have my share of them, operator error is generally the cause.
Is it a coincidence that all Shimano reels have backplay in the handle?
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
LoL nope thats how all reels are supposed to be backplay means its perfectOn 1/28/2015 at 6:03 AM, aavery2 said:Is it a coincidence that all Shimano reels have backplay in the handle?
Hattrick7 reply :
If you're tying on a leader to braid the knot might not be going through the guides right. If it does get a little stuck while casting your spool will overrun. If you do have a leader put the reel on a rod with regular guides and see if the same thing happens.
If not maybe the reel is bad because with my SX I don't even bother to change the spool tension anymore just the brakes and never have an issue unless the wind is really, really gusting.
Id make sure your brakes are set to at least 1/2. No need to got full 100% brakes but anywhere from 8 to 5 you should be good to go. It could be your casting style not sure. I've got the reel on my CB rod and I just two hand blast that thing with no problems.
The only time it does get stuck mid cast is if my braid has dug a little from either a big bass or I had to get it I unsnagged with a little pulling.
TorqueConverter reply :
I'd sell it and get another reel featuring centrifugal braking by itself or preferably dual braking. The Doyo style mag isn't even acceptable on the Black Max let alone a Revo. I'm not sure what Pure Fishing was thinking on that one. If you want to hold onto it then give it a deep clean and light re-lube to free the gunk and overlube from it including the bearings. Set it up to cast with the mag brakes off, relying on the spool tension. The purpose of this is to verify that you have functioning baitcaster because its not too uncommon to see a shim or two missing from the spool tension knob making the reel unusable. You need to be able to verify that it can be set up to function off of the spool tension alone. Once this is established you can then play around with backing off of the spool tension while increasing mag brakes, but don't expect amazing results. Mags by themselves are trash.
KritterGitter reply :
Maybe DVT can chime in but I know on the ABU ambassadors the spool tension is kept under tension by a plastic spring type piece that is known for breaking, my buddy would have issues because the spool during a cast would vary between tensions, lose to tight and vice versa causing the same issue your describing. Now this could all be pointless if your reel doesnt use the same thing but neverless I would start with the spool tension and go from there though, once the brakes are set they arent going to vary, the spool tension on the other hand has the possibility to vary. Just my .02
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