I assume that the new three-speeds in 30 and 50 lb. class continue to use a ball bearing for one end of the spool, albeit I'd bet it's a big one. What's the top-end drag one could reasonably ask of this reel without unduly stressing the bearing?
The ball bearing that you are concerned about in lever drag reels is the pinion bearing much more than the left side spool bearing. Both are huge in the EX30 and EX50. That said, the EX30 gets 35 pounds of drag at strike and 40 pounds at full. The 50 gets a bit more. Personally, I can't fish more than 28# at strike and only beyond that when the fish is at color.This message has been edited. Last edited by: ak-fish,
