I've stayed out of it till now, too.

I have two 6500 series (6501 and 6500) that I use on my plug rods. I do like the reels, but the drag performance sucks big time.

Both mine were essentially new in Jan. 2005, and are due for their first service now. I plan to leave the drag washers dry as suggested by a fellow on IFish, and light lube elsewhere.

Thought about trying the high-perf drag washers, but it seems reviews are mixed...not worth the $ if they don't work.

Can't really afford to replace them right now, so they are going to have to perform, like it or not.

I'll be replacing them next Spring, or sooner, but for now they have to do.

Mike