How To Read the Graphs
One of the most interesting parts of our 8-Weight Challenge was the great data we got from Admet - which we translated into easily readable graphs. Here's a quick guide to help interpret the graphs.
For each test, the initial rise is caused by the stretching of the line before the drag engages. Once it engages, the drag strength is easily visible on the Y-axis. Drag smoothness is also easy to see. Ideally, you'd want every drag to be a horizontal line, which corresponds to perfectly uniform drag force across the test. In reality, we see some waviness.
Start-up Inertia
Start-up inertia is easily visible in the graphs. It shows up as an initial spike, followed by a drop. Keep in mind that these tests were performed at 40 inches per minute. At higher speeds, this effect is greatly exacerbated.
Why Rigging Matters
When backing isn't wound with enough pressure, it's very easy for the line to "bite" into itself. This significantly decreases drag smoothness and performance. In fact, it has a larger effect than the quality of the reel itself.
Drag Clicks
Admet's testing machines were so accurate, that we could even see the effect of drag clicks. There's a slight change in drag strength as the clicking mechanism interacts with the spool
1. Slower speeds allow us to see how the drag performs in more detail.
2. The Tibor Signature graph is due to a large amount of startup inertia, as you pointed out. The line stretches more and then the drag gives, which essentially stops the drag again, and the process repeats. If you were to do this at a much higher speed, you'd still see the drop, but the drag would then engage in a more reliable way.