I certainly didn't adjust the tension dial with drag on. I will have to check with my mate. But you wouldn't expect the gamefish guy down the road would have either - that rule applies to all reels as far as I know. I have a 2 spd TLD 30 I've used for yrs with no issues. I may have even set the original drag on these (my mate never had any scales til about a month ago).
But it looks like we need to pull the drag apart. I did pull the tension cap off both and had a look to see if any cam issues I could detect. Everything 'looked' fine.
But I will go back and investigate further, now I have some things to check. He may have a manual for them - never thought to ask.
Can anyone explain what Kikbac means by () and not (()) orientation of the washers - so I know what I'm checking. I'm in Vanuatu and my good TLD is in NZ so I have nothing to compare too.
Laidbackdood - thats what I have done with these reels - after pulling the tension caps and looking at the drag cam. I reset the drags just as you suggest. Perfect. problem fixed - whatever it was. Smooth drag progression and 8kg at strike. Next time we take them out, same problem.
Thanks
Alan