Product Description
SmoothDrag CarbonTex Drag Washer Kit – Trinidad A & Tranx 500 Series
Maximize the stopping power of your high-performance star drag and low-profile reels with the SmoothDrag CarbonTex Drag Kit. This premium carbon fiber upgrade is precision-cut for the Shimano Trinidad 16A, 20A, 30A and the powerhouse Tranx 500HG/PG.
Whether you are throwing surface irons for yellowtail or live-baiting for tuna, CarbonTex washers provide a level of smoothness and reliability that factory materials cannot match. By eliminating "start-up inertia"—that split-second stickiness when a fish first bolts—this kit ensures your drag engages instantly and remains fluid throughout the most grueling, high-speed runs.
Performance Advantages
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Ultra-Smooth Startup: Virtually eliminates "drag jerk," protecting thin-diameter braids and preventing pulled hooks during the initial strike.
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Extreme Heat Dissipation: Engineered to handle the massive friction heat generated by the Trinidad's high-speed retrieval and the Tranx's high-torque gearing.
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Hydrophobic Stability: Carbon fiber does not absorb moisture or swell, ensuring consistent drag settings even in heavy salt spray or high-humidity offshore environments.
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Linear Pressure Curve: Maintains a smooth, predictable increase in drag pressure as you tighten the star drag.
Compatibility & Fitment
This kit is a precision-cut, direct-fit upgrade for the internal drag stack of the following high-performance Shimano reels. For a detailed breakdown of the internal assembly, please consult the official PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Fits the following models:
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Trinidad: 16A, 20A, 30A
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Tranx: 500HG, 500PG
Professional Maintenance & Lubrication
To achieve the legendary "silky" feel of a CarbonTex system and protect your precision-cut gears, proper lubrication is essential during installation:
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Drag Surface Treatment: Apply a very thin, translucent coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to both sides of the CarbonTex washers. This specialized grease is engineered to stay on the carbon surface under extreme pressure, providing a waterproof barrier and preventing "chatter" under heavy load.
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Mechanical Fluidity: Use Deuthlon Reel Oil on the spool bearings and drive shaft to ensure the reel operates with zero friction, maximizing your casting distance and complementing the upgraded drag system.
Installation Tip: Before installing your new kit, use a high-quality degreaser to remove all old, hardened grease and debris from the metal drag plates. Ensuring these plates are perfectly clean and free of scoring is vital for the CarbonTex washers to seat and perform at their peak.

