Varivas line markings

[Jim Squibb]

In regards to tension on the line while filling the spool.
can you wind the line on to tight? i wind the line on an alvey first and then wind it on to my reel under heavy drag. it's a bit more time consuming but it goes on there super tight.

[Brandon Khoo]

that's not a bad idea, Jim
I used to use an old 30 or 50 International to do that too.

[Robert Palcak]

I made up my own spool tensioner...
It's just a length on threaded rod, I machined up some tapered plastic stocks(to center the spool) and an old set of drag washers. I then put one end of the threaded rod in a vice, slide on the drag washers, slide on one stock, then the spool with braid, then the other end stock and adjust the tension with a nut on the threaded rod, then lock the tension in with a second locking nut... OK, that even sounds a bit confusing to me  ... but it works a treat!