[jerrybait]

hello out there....have a orvis battenkill 3 mid arbor reel /new fished half dozen times in salt water from boat..no sand and the drag works fine but the drag knob is very jerky to turn!! reel has been soaked in fresh water after every use ...!!! any ideas???????

[dmwphoto]

I would take it back. My guess is they will replace it. I have the same reel and it is smooth on the drag knob.

[Rip Tide]

You have some salt build-up in a fairly inexcessible spot
You could bring it to a good tackle shop for a cleaning or you could break it down and clean it yourself.
It's not really hard as long as you keep track of what goes where.(and don't lose any little pieces)
The first thing I would do is try to work some light machine oil in without taking anything apart.

I completely break down and clean all my saltwater reels regularly.
Probably as often as I clean the line
I got use to it doing it back in the days when I fished a Medalist in the salt
Those required a thorough cleaning and lube after every outing

[Joe D]

jerrybait,

Could just have some residue or junk stuck under the knob. Use a good screwdriver and take the knob off and clean everything up real good. If that doesn't work, call Orvis tech. dept. at 800-778-4778.

[jerrybait]

hello again. soaked the reel in very warm soapy water it freed up the knob back to orvis smooth.....very new reel and never dunked under ....live & learn....hope this helps someone !?!?