Has anyone tried teflon drag washers in their Calcutta?? I just changed out the factory felts and I'm sick of doing it. Hoping someone has some more info. on aftermarket teflon washers.

Beancounter, I don't know if your talking about the 400 or the 250. I do know the new drag washers for the 400 are some kinda kevlar/titanium composite but, not sure if they have changed for the smaller reel. By the way, the new drags for the 400 have worked well. I don't think it was a performance problem that made them make the switch but, a durability issue. Hope this helps!

Hey Beancounter,
Try these guys, they have some drags that you can't get in stock US Shimano.

http://www.japantackle.com/

I had teflon washer put in my calcutta and curado. Its nice to never have to replace drag washers again. Smooth drag forever.

Id tell ya who I had do it but he made me promise not to tell anybody.

They are dartanium.
It seems like I have to clean out my drag washers every other months because they stick too much and look all black.
Currently I am using the regular shimano drag washer grease and put just a thin layer b/w the washers.
What kind of grease are you using that is better than the shimano stuff, I love to know?

I'm speaking of the 250's. Well, it looks like I'm sticking to the factory variety...until Rich G. fesses up. Thanks for the input. Hopefully this round of smoothness will last me a few months.

I could use some advice on how/where to get this done. My calcutta 251 has cost me more in repairs to those drag washers that the origional cost of the reel! HELP!!!

Changing drag washers is something that the average person would be able to do themself. You can obtain all the parts you need from John's Sporting goods in Everett. He is the N'West repair guy for Shimano. It looks like you live the OP so you'll have to order all your parts. Be sure to buy several sets and get the grease as well. The procedure is like any other mechanical preocedure. Disassemble (remembering order) and put back together. Having two reels is a bonus because you can look at the other for refence. If you think you want to tackle it yourself, let me know. I can post something with a description of the actual procedure.

beancounter-

Does Johns carry the better washers? He is the person who has repaired mine every year... I would appreciate any help you can offer.

elkrun

I was up there a month ago and he said he only carries factory shimano parts. As for the "better" washers, I'm not sure if there are any. Since I put in my new ones with the correct shimano drag grease, seems to be good. Only time will tell

Beancounter,

I have a guy do if for me but I have watched him do it, and you should be able to go any place that sells nutts and bolts and such and find. white/tan plastic teflon type washers. Take your old drag washer with you and grab the same size. The new one will be thinner than the old one. Swap it out and no more drag washer problems. You may have to double up the teflon washer.

He only charges me 5 bucks so I have never tried it myself but the washers he uses look like they could be baught at a hardwear store I have seen ones that look like the ones he uses.

Thanks for the info. I am going to stick with the ones I just put in (I do it myself and have done it three times now to both 250s) but when these go out, I will give the hardware store search a shot.

http://www.smoothdrag.com/price.html