re Orvis 50A

[nunc]

Was it ever issued without a drag ? I have now bought my second, returned the first because anti-reverse wouldn't disengage, and spool was completely locked, no drag function at all. Just received the second and … spool is completely locked, no drag function at all. Pulled up a copy of a 1978 catalog page that uses "… their adjustable drags absolutely smooth … ", but don't know if that was true of all years? Any help ?

[Midway Tommy D]

The Orvis 50A stayed relatively unchanged from 1967 (Zangi) - 1982 (Coptes) other than a small change in the bail configuration. If the anti-reverse mechanism was locked up it more than likely had old stiff grease that would not allow the spring to move the A/R dog or the spring was broken or weak. The drag mechanism, i.e. clutch plate & spring is located inside the front portion of the spool. See the attached schematic, the drag may have been left too tight for a long period so the spring is compressed and won't release, or it could possibly be broken. Remove the clutch retainer(#40), clutch plate (#41) and spring (39) from the spool and clean all the old grease crud out and put it back together with a little new grease. Also, check the teflon washer (38) to make sure it is still there, is lubricated and in good condition. The drag mechanism on a 50A generally works fine and is about as simple as they get so it should be an easy fix.