I have noticed a grind develop when I have my drag tighened. Not crazy tight, just a normal drag setting. However, when trying to find the issue, I completely loosened it and the grind completly went away an it was smooth as butter. Curious if there any experience with this. Maybe a suspect part speficic to the drag?

Sounds like you might want to disassemble and clean it.

Yessir, I agree, but the reel is new and has been fished only a handul of times and has not had the chance to accumlulte the dust and grime. At least to the extent of causing the grind.

Ahh. I’d take it back and get a replacement if it’s that new.

Daiwa