Lews Laser RZ RZ1HA

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Laser RZ (RZ1HA)

The Lew’s Laser RZ (RZ1HA) is a high-speed (7.1:1 or 7.5:1 ratio depending on the year) performance baitcaster. While it shares the "Laser" name, the RZ features a more advanced 5-bearing system and a distinctive Anodized Aluminum U-spool. It is often found in the Carbon Casting Combo, making it a favorite for fast-action plastics and topwater.

Phase 1: Essential Teardown (Right-Hand Model)

1. Handle Removal: Unscrew the retainer screw and the 10mm handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen).

2. Star Drag Assembly: Remove the star drag, the tension washer, and the two Belleville Washers.

   • Note: On the RZ1HA, there is a Leaf Spring (Key #77) behind the star drag that provides the "click." Ensure this doesn't stick to the back of the star and fall into your workspace.

3. Spool & Side Plate: Pull the plunger on the palm side plate, rotate, and remove. Slide out the aluminum U-spool. Clean the Zirconia line guide at the front of the reel with a cotton swab to ensure no braided line fibers are restricting the "level wind" flow.

Phase 2: Servicing the RZ Internals

1. Opening the Gear Box: Remove the three gear-side cover screws. The RZ1HA uses a Solid Brass Main Gear and Crankshaft. These are durable but prone to "crunchiness" if salt or grit enters the housing.

    

    

2. The Drag Stack: The RZ utilizes Rulon washers (Key #42-45).

   • Maintenance: If your drag is slipping even when tightened, look for oil contamination. Clean the washers with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Rulon is best kept dry for maximum 10-lb stop power.

3. Pinion Gear & Yoke: The pinion gear is supported by a bearing (Key #55). If you feel a vibration only while cranking under load, this bearing is likely the culprit.

Phase 3: Lubrication & The "Zero-Reverse" Clutch

The RZ features a Zero-Reverse one-way stainless steel clutch.

• The Clutch Warning: This bearing (Key #53) is pressed into the side plate. Do not apply grease to the rollers inside this bearing. Grease will cause the "Zero-Reverse" feature to fail in cold weather or under heavy hook sets, causing the handle to "back-slap."

• Brass Gears: Use a toothbrush to apply a moderate coat of synthetic grease to the brass main gear and pinion.

• Speed Bearings: Place one drop of low-viscosity oil on the spool bearings (one in the side plate, one on the spool shaft).

Phase 4: Magnetic Cast Control (MCS) Tuning

The RZ1HA uses an external click-dial magnetic system.

1. The Magnets: Wipe the magnets inside the palm plate. Dust from carbon-rich environments can build up here.

2. The Spool Wall: The aluminum U-spool acts as the "braking surface." Ensure the outer flat rim of the spool is perfectly clean. Even a fingerprint’s worth of oil can reduce the braking efficiency by 20%, leading to professional-grade birdsnests.

RZ1HA Troubleshooting

Pro Reassembly Tip

When putting the Gear Side Plate back on, make sure the Clutch Cam (Key #33) is in the "Up" position. If you try to force the plate on while the clutch is engaged, you risk snapping the plastic link that connects the thumb bar to the gear assembly.