How to Change to Carbontex Drag Washers on Shimano Stradic Ci4

This video shows how to change the stock felt #dragwashers on a #ShimanoStradicCi4 to #carbontexdragwashers. The stock felt washers in Shimano reels are incredibly flimsy and will deteriorate quickly. One of the washers in this reel was almost completely melted away, a perfect example of what will happen to these washers over time.
Be sure to use Cals Universal Reel Grease for the carbontex washers to ensure best performance and durability.
Note: Using Ardent's Reel Butter on carbontex washers is not recommended as it is a synthetic grease and can have an adverse reaction with carbontex.
The process can seem intimidating but is actually quite simple and easy for anyone to do with some basic tools. I hope you find this helpful and please let me know in the comments what else you'd like to see in future videos!
Supplies Used:
- Carbontex Drag Washers (about $10 on Amazon or Ebay, search for your specific reel size)
- Tweezers
- Cals Universal Drag Grease
- Ardent Reel Clean
- Cleaning Cloth (Microfiber Recommended)
- Toothbrush (Optional)
- Q-Tip (or Ardent Reel Clean Swabs)
Any purchases made through the following affiliate links helps keep me fishing!
Carbontex Drag Washers for Shimano Stradic Ci4+2500 & 3000 size #SDS78 (compatible with both FA & FB models) - amzn.to/2QaaI8a
Ardent Saltwater Reel Cleaning Kit - amzn.to/33aorkn
Ardent Reel Kleen (Big Bottle) - amzn.to/3cKEzh7
Ardent Reel Guard (Big Bottle) - amzn.to/33fPnPV
#californiasurfanglers

[@DrumRunner813]

Thanks for the video! I just got my carbontex washers in today. My drag was seizing up on me when trying to tighten it down. The whole spool would turn with it. The felt washers were a horrible idea

[@Imjoshuabailey]

Always pulling through I need you bro 🤙🏼

[@Intheknow373]

Great to know!! Good video Benjie!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Derick much appreciated!!

[@kencleg7721]

Your good. Shims are sealed pretty well Submerged for a bit won’t hurt them

[@trailblaz3r2009]

Awesome video thanks. Are the instructions the same for the Ci4+ 4000 and will the same washers work or different size>

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you. Yes, the instructions are the same BUT you will need to get different size washers. Just search for your size reel and I'm guessing it'll pop right up.

[@josepharvizzigno4641]

My stradic is NIB...the drag is jerky....I have done this 2X, then on Shimanos advice I took a little grease out so the washers just had a thumprint of Cals...no help...I think the metal washers are likely out of kilter...Thoughts?

[@smile1234happy]

Hi any noticeable difference in drag power and smoothness with the carbontex drag washers upgrade compare to the old felt?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I can’t feel a noticeable difference. The felt washers perform great, but they seem to fall apart pretty quickly. The carbontex maintains the same smoothness and power and much sturdier. Just my experience. Hope that helps. 👍

[@smile1234happy]

Hi there has the carbontex washer worn down? Or still like new? Have you fished hard with it since upgraded?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Joey, the one in this vid was my friends reel so I’m not sure. I did the same for my stradic tho and I fished it hard for 1 year (3-6 times per week) and it was holding up great. I changed them out to new ones anyways a couple months ago as part of my annual maintenance. Felt washers perform great but they definitely wear out FAST.

[@rogersaefish]

Will this process work the same for the newer model stradic ci4?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yes, absolutely. It will work the same. 👍

[@richarde1355]

I’m new to these Stradics. Why would he have so much grease at the top of his spool?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This was from quite awhile ago but I'm primarily a surf fisherman so I do it so the grease can catch any sand that may get in. Not sure if it works or not but that's my rationale lol.

[@constantinepapoutsis6556]

Not sure if adding all that grease around the sides of spool is a good idea. That's a guarantee you're going to catch sand or dirt. Just put it on the drag washers. Grease is a dirt and grime magnet so it should be limited. Thanks for video though. Where did you buy the washers?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for your feedback and the comment! From what I’ve been taught from my fishing mentors, grease on the drag washers should be very minimal as too much grease can cause your drag to stick. I’ve been taught to put the bare minimum and the washers will absorb the very little u apply. In terms of greasing the sides (and everywhere else) I do apply heavy for the purpose of catching sand, as well as add protection from corrosion, as I fish 90% salt (surf and harbors). The thinking is to let the grease catch the sand before it can get into the gears. I sacrifice speed and smoothness for added protection. It’s what I’ve been taught and makes sense for me but I appreciate your feedback as it gives me an opportunity to consider better ways. Thanks so much for engaging and watching. I got my drag washers on amazon and have a link below. I believe u can get them on eBay as well. I hope that helps.

[@jayytee8062]

You need to keep the felt washers oiled otherwise they disintegrate. Grease on carbon washers mainly keeps the dust contained because yep they create carbon dust.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks for the pro tip re felt washers. 🤙

[@BankWalkerTV]

Hey bud I only fish in freshwater so my question is what kind of grease do I need or is it the same as you are using in the video?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there! Fresh or salt, same exact grease. I actually learned everything in this video from a green bass fisherman, cal’s is definitely the way to go for fresh. 🤙

[@BankWalkerTV]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you I appreciate your help

[@kencleg7721]

Penn grease

[@AnubhavAnkitGeorge]

Great tips, so does it work for baitcasting reel as well. How can we get this Carbontex washer here in India.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi there, thank you. This can also be done on bait casting reels. The process is still simple but also different just because bait casters are different in construction and schematics. As for how to get carbontex washers in India, I'm not sure. I get mine through eBay or amazon so I would check to see if shipping is available there. Good luck!

[@AnubhavAnkitGeorge]

@@BenjieKimFishing thanks bro. Here eBay is closed down and in Amazon it is not available.

[@AnubhavAnkitGeorge]

So after changing these drag washer how does reel perform and how long it smoothness last

[@BenjieKimFishing]

The reel performs the same. Carbontex simply lasts much much longer. In terms of how long they last, it really depends on the type and quantity of fish you are catching. But for the durability and performance, they are the way to go in my opinion.

[@AnubhavAnkitGeorge]

@@BenjieKimFishing thank you, well one more thing I wanted to know is it true that the higher gear ratio reel has low drag power and lesser gear ration has more power? Plz respond

[@herbertgearing1702]

In my experience quality oiled felt drag washers are smoother than carbon fiber at lower drag settings. They are not as durable, but you can make them last longer with a little extra care and they cost next to nothing. If you are fishing big water for big fish sure go ahead and upgrade. If you do any light to ultralight fishing for trout and other freshwater species you may want to "upgrade" to a better oiled felt washer and save a few bucks and some lost fish.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expertise. I mainly switched to carbontex for longevity, the stock felt washers on several of my reels deteriorated so fast. Appreciate the wisdom that with proper care, felt washers can last a bit longer than perceived.

[@joey1957]

I fish 2-3 lb targeting trophy trout in the Eastern Sierra. I prefer carbon drag washers over felt. One thing I will suggest is to “season” the new washers. I massage a decent amount Cals grease on them until they wipe away clean. Then install, hammer Down the drag and pull some line off at varying speeds. I then remove them and repeat the process. From my years of experience catching hog trout... the most important part of the fight is the start up. Felt washers are a lot more grabby on start up for reels that are not tuned or used frequently. Carbon is more forgiving for the average lazy angler. With that said, whether fishing felt or carbon the most important thing for reel performance is to maintain them in good working order. Tight lines

[@joeyjoe8892]

What's up but I have one question for you I dropped my Stradic ci-4 Plus in the water pulled it out rinsed it off with a hose and just left it for a day didn't reel it or anything.... Is that real sealed or do you think I got water in it

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Stradic ci4’s aren’t sealed so there’s always a chance sand got in the gears. However since you rinsed it, hopefully it’ll be ok. From what I’ve heard, stradics aren’t exactly the best for withstanding dunks but hopefully your reel is fine. If you notice it being gritty, get it serviced ASAP. The only reel I know that is sealed is the van stahl. I hope that helps!

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@BenjieKimFishing thank you brother I dropped it in brackish water though does that make a difference like if I dumped it in fresh water instead of salt???

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@BenjieKimFishing and the other question they also have will I be able to get it serviced where it would be perfect again???

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Joey Joe brackish water should be ok, given that you rinsed it. Nothing is worse than salt! How is your reel after rinsing and drying?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Joey Joe if the inside components of your reel is corroded, it will be tough to get it back to brand new status even if u get it serviced. Repair shops and even shimano will replace corroded parts but it’s hard to say if it would get back to where you first had it. But honestly, it sounds like your issue is minor and hopefully everything is fine. 👍

[@DamianT361]

This isn't 100% correct I was told at the specialty shop that the rough side of the washers had to be orientated a certain way. I just don't remember. Does anyone else remember the correct way to lay them in?

[@THEBOSS47MLG]

That reel is nasty bruh

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Agreed. It had been thru some wars and never been serviced.