Product Description
Fits: Antares 70AHG, 19 Antares HGR, Bantam MGL 150, 150 XG, HG, 150A HGA XGA.
SmoothDrag CarbonTex Drag Washer Kit – Bantam MGL & Antares Series
Elevate the performance of your high-rigidity low-profile reels with the SmoothDrag CarbonTex Drag Kit. This premium carbon fiber upgrade is precision-cut for the Shimano Bantam MGL and the flagship Antares series. These reels are defined by their "CoreSolid" body and MicroModule gearing; adding CarbonTex washers ensures that the drag system provides the same level of refinement and power as the rest of the reel.
Modern Shimano factory drags are often excellent, but for the serious angler, CarbonTex is the ultimate insurance policy. By eliminating start-up inertia—that split-second "stutter" when a fish first bolts—this kit ensures your drag remains fluid throughout the most aggressive surges, protecting light fluorocarbon and preventing pulled hooks.
Key Performance Benefits
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Stutter-Free Startup: Virtually eliminates "drag jerk," providing a perfectly fluid line release even under the high-pressure settings used for heavy jigs or swimbaits.
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Superior Heat Management: Carbon fiber thrives under extreme friction, resisting the glazing and fading that can occur during long, high-speed runs.
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Hydrophobic Stability: CarbonTex does not absorb moisture or swell, ensuring your drag settings remain consistent in heavy rain or high-humidity environments.
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Linear Pressure Curve: Provides a predictable and smooth increase in drag pressure as you tighten the star drag, offering the fine-tuning required for technical presentations.
Compatibility & Fitment
This kit is a precision-cut, direct-fit upgrade for the internal drag stack of the following high-performance Shimano low-profile reels. For exact part orientation and assembly order, please consult the official PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Fits the following models:
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Bantam MGL: 150, 150HG, 150XG (Original Series)
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Bantam MGL A: 150A, 150HGA, 150XGA (Updated Series)
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Antares: 70AHG, 19 Antares HGR (and Left-hand variants)
Professional Maintenance & Lubrication
To achieve the legendary "silky" feel of a CarbonTex system and protect the precision MicroModule gearing of your Bantam or Antares, proper lubrication is essential:
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Drag Surface Treatment: Apply a very thin, translucent coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease or Cal’s Universal Drag Grease to both sides of each CarbonTex washer. This specialized grease is formulated to withstand extreme pressure while providing a waterproof barrier that prevents "chatter."
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Mechanical Fluidity: Use Deuthlon Reel Oil on the spool bearings to ensure the reel operates with zero friction, maximizing your casting distance and the performance of the MGL spool.
Installation Tip: The Bantam MGL and Antares utilize a very precise internal gear stack. When reassembling, ensure the "eared" metal washers are perfectly seated in the main gear slots. Even a tiny misalignment can cause the drag to feel uneven or the gear to bind slightly.
