Product Description
Fits: Azores Z Z55S Z65S 80S Z6000H Blue Z8000 Blue 14000H Blue, Cedros CJ 8000 10000 14000.
Saltwater Stopping Power: Smoothdrag Carbontex Drag Kit (Set #17) for Okuma Azores & Cedros
The Okuma Azores and Cedros spinning reels are heavy-duty saltwater specialists known for their Dual Force Drag (DFD) system. While the factory DFD is powerful, the top drag stack in many of these models traditionally uses felt washers. Under the extreme heat and pressure of offshore battles with Tuna, Jacks, or Pelagics, felt can compress or "stutter."
The Smoothdrag Okuma Set #17 is the essential upgrade to convert your reel to a full carbon fiber system. By replacing the top felt stack with high-density Carbontex, you gain zero start-up inertia and extreme thermal stability, ensuring that your drag remains silky smooth even at the 30lb+ pressures these reels are capable of producing.
Why Upgrade the Azores & Cedros DFD System?
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Eliminate "Stick-Slip": Saltwater gamefish are known for violent initial runs. Carbontex ensures the drag engages instantly and smoothly, preventing "shock-snaps" that often occur with factory felt washers.
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Superior Thermal Stability: The DFD system is designed to dissipate heat by using both surfaces of the spool. Carbontex handles the friction heat of long, high-speed runs far better than felt, preventing drag "fade" or glazing.
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All-Weather Resilience: Salt spray and heavy humidity can make factory felt washers "mushy" or inconsistent. Carbontex is virtually impervious to moisture and won't rot or compress over time.
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Precision "Lock-Down": Maintain a perfectly linear drag curve. This allows you to trust your settings when you need to "winch" a big fish away from structure or a reef.
Comprehensive Fitment & Compatibility
This kit (Set #17) is precision-lapped to fit the large-frame top drag stacks of Okuma's premier saltwater spinning series.
| Series | Compatible Models |
| Okuma Azores Z | Z55S, Z65S, Z80S, Z90S |
| Okuma Azores Blue | Z6000H, Z8000, Z14000H (Blue Variants) |
| Okuma Cedros CJ | CJ-8000, CJ-10000, CJ-14000 (Next Gen LITECAST) |
Technical Note on DFD: These reels utilize a "Dual Force" system. The top stack (which this kit replaces) is located under the drag knob. The bottom stack features an oversized carbonite disc already built into the reel. Upgrading the top stack to Carbontex makes the reel a "Full Carbon" machine, providing the ultimate in saltwater performance.
Professional Installation & Lubrication Protocol
For heavy-duty saltwater reels like the Azores and Cedros, a "wet drag" setup is the professional standard for maximum protection:
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Cal’s Universal Drag Grease: Apply an ultra-thin, translucent coating of Cal’s Grease (Tan or Purple) to both sides of each Carbontex washer. This specialized PTFE grease prevents "chatter" and creates a waterproof seal that protects your stainless steel metal plates from salt pitting.
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Metal Washer Inspection: Because these reels generate massive drag pressure, check your stainless steel drive washers for any signs of "bluing" from heat or salt scoring. Polish them with 0000 grade steel wool to a mirror finish before installing the new Carbontex.
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Hydro Block Check: When reassembling, ensure the Hydro Block watertight seal (the rubber gasket on the drag knob) is clean and properly seated to keep saltwater out of your new drag stack.
SEO & Technical Specifications
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Product Type: Premium Carbon Fiber Drag Washer Upgrade
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Brand: Smoothdrag (Carbontex)
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Kit ID: Okuma Set #17 (Spinning)
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Configuration: Typically a 3-Washer Top Stack Set
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Key Benefits: High heat tolerance, zero-stiction start-up, and extreme longevity.
