TLD 25 operation question

[Baitcatcher]

I've read archived post about the TLD 25 only being able to have around 13 lbs of drag and still maintain free spool. I have two new TLD 25's that I just bought that I only have 6 lb of drag according to the scale but both reels will not go into free spool unless I pull the lever all the way back over top of the silver free spool button. My old TLD 15 with the same 6 lb drag setting will go into free spool before getting to the silver free spool button with the lever. Is it possible I got two bad TLD 25s or am I just not understanding what others are saying about free spooling on these reels. What strike drag setting do most of you use with 30 lb test line?

Thanks,
Doug

[gw204]

Doug, my TLD20s and 25 work just the same as your 25. The only way to put them in free spool is to pull the lever all the way back and click it over the button. IMO they are designed that way to prevent accidental "free spool".

I believe the general rule for lever drag reels is to set the drag so you get 25% of the line's breaking strength in "strike". This will equate to rougly 33% of the breaking strength in "full strike". With 30 lb. line you sould set the drag so you get betwen 7 and 8 lbs. in the "strike" position. That will give you about 10 lbs. if you need to push to "full strike". That is how I set mine, and then I back off just a tad when I set the rod out. As soon as a fish hits...full strike and set the hook!!!! Unless it's a marlin, then you hafta let 'em run a few seconds to get the bait turned in his mouth...then you whack 'em!!!!!!

[Bullshipper]

Yup, thats how they work, Free spool is all the way back.
Remember to also pull the lever all the way back into free spool position before adjusting the drag, especially if you want to crank em down.
I run 50 lb on mine, and 13 lbs is about 25% with a full spool, more if he has run off a lot of line.
Use 300 yds Spiderlne + mono to fill to increase line capacity to about 450 with 50 lb test.
14 lbs was all I could get on my 3 new ones, all tested at the same time with a scale and roller guides.

[Baitcatcher]

Thanks Guys,
I just thought it was weird that with the same drag setting
the TLD 15 would go into free spool before the free spool
button and the TLD 25s would not. I'm glad to find out the
25s are working as designed and now I can go fishing.

Thanks,
Doug