Set #500 Carbon Drag Kit

Product Description

Fits Penn: 500, 112H, 210, 505, 506, 309, 185, 190. Fits Newell: 200’s, 300’s, 400’s. Fits Pro Gear: 250, 251, 255, GR2000, GR2500.

The Universal Workhorse Upgrade: Smoothdrag Carbontex Drag Kit (Set #500)

The Smoothdrag Set #500 is perhaps the most famous upgrade kit in the history of conventional fishing. It services the legendary Penn Jigmaster 500, the high-speed 112H (3/0 Senator), and the cult-classic Newell series. These reels are known for their "bulletproof" simplicity, but their original factory washers (often fiber or early HT-100) are the primary cause of stiction—that jerky hesitation that snaps your line when a big fish first surges.

By upgrading to high-density, cross-weave Carbontex, you replace those antiquated materials with a modern system offering zero start-up inertia. This ensures that whether you are bouncing jigs for Yellowtail or trolling for Salmon, the drag engages instantly and stays perfectly linear under pressure.

Why Upgrade Your Jigmaster, Newell, or Pro Gear?

• Eliminate "Stick-Slip": Large-frame conventional reels generate significant friction. Carbontex removes the "catch" common in factory stacks, allowing the line to peel off with buttery smoothness even under high lockdown pressure.

• Superior Heat Management: Fighting a big fish on a Jigmaster or a Newell 400 generates intense internal friction. Carbon fiber handles these temperatures far better than standard composites, preventing drag "fade" or glazing mid-fight.

• Modern Braid Ready: These reels are the top choice for heavy braid conversions. Carbontex provides the consistent, non-compressible surface required to maintain steady pressure without the "mushy" feel.

• All-Weather Reliability: These reels face heavy salt spray and high humidity. Carbontex is virtually impervious to moisture and won't rot or become "mushy" when wet, maintaining a consistent feel trip after trip.

Comprehensive Fitment & Compatibility

This kit is precision-lapped to fit the internal gear stacks of the most popular mid-sized conventional platforms ever made.

Technical Note: These models typically utilize a 3-washer stack located inside the main drive gear. For Newell owners, this upgrade is particularly critical, as the original Newell "Soft Drag" washers are prone to wearing out and contaminating the gear box.

Professional Installation & Lubrication Protocol

For mid-sized legacy reels, a "wet drag" setup is the professional standard for maximum smoothness and internal protection:

1. Cal’s Universal Drag Grease: Apply an ultra-thin, translucent coating of Cal’s Grease (Tan) to both sides of each Carbontex washer. This specialized PTFE grease prevents "chatter" and creates a waterproof seal that protects your legacy metal parts from salt corrosion.

2. Metal Washer Restoration: Polish your original stainless steel drive washers (the metal ones between the carbon) with 0000 grade steel wool until they have a mirror finish. This is the "secret sauce" for a perfectly smooth vintage Penn or Newell.

3. Gear Sleeve Inspection: Check your brass gear sleeve (the post the handle sits on). If the flats are rounded, the drag may feel "spongy." Consider upgrading to a Stainless Steel Gear Sleeve to handle the increased power of your new Carbontex stack.

4. Main Gear Lube: While the side plate is off, apply a fresh coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the main gear teeth to keep the retrieve smooth under the high torque of a big fight.

SEO & Technical Summary

• Product Type: Premium Carbon Fiber Drag Washer Upgrade

• Brand: Smoothdrag (Carbontex)

• Kit ID: Set #500

• Application: Classic Conventional / Jigging / Trolling / Newell & Pro Gear Restoration

• Key Benefits: Zero-stiction start-up, high heat tolerance, and extreme longevity.