by Justin C » Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:21 am
was the drag "locked down" when you took it out of the box? A new reel comes with the drag completely backed off - and is basically in free spool. Could be that you bought a "demo" - TE's have smooth drags (when working) - I would return it for another
edit * when you say you took it "of the box" - I assumed you meant it was a brand new reel - is that the case? If not don't store reels with the drag locked down - if it is new - someone opened the box and locked the drag down IMO.