How to Service the 2021 Zebco 33 Platinum 

This reel is a lot more complex than I thought. Making me somewhat reluctant to service my wife's 33 despite the fact that it definitely needs it. Thanks for posting this though, very helpful.

Thank you for the video. I received a new 33 Platinum that was nearly dry! Following your video I was able to apply oil and grease in all the right places. It doesn't fish like my Shimano SLX, but it is better than everything else I own :-)

I just got one of those about a week ago. I didn't like the allen screw either. Now I have to have an allen wrench in my bag. No big deal I guess. Overall it seems like a solid reel. We'll see how it works out long term. I had to take mine apart to make sure it was greased properly and no surprise, it wasn't. They totally missed the gear, like they always do. Thanks for the video. 👍🏻😎

You have to give that front cover a little more of a turn to the left until you hear a second click and the logo is completely centered with the drag wheel to get it fully locked down.

Yeap, that was me!! LOL You made it look easy to get that back cover on. I ruined the reel I had luckly I bought it at walmart they took it back no questions. I guess I can go buy another one. I did replace it with a Delta version which has been awesome. I do think they added that bearing on the new bullet MQ.

WOW...amazing. From zero knowledge, I was able to fix my kid's Zebco 33 after watching this vid. ( I really thought about just trash it and buy a new one because the line got all tangled up). I am a complete ABC newbie new into this thing : D :D

I would have so many extra parts left over that you could build another one ! Hopefully my platinum is greased well.

Watched as I done one myself..lol..took spool off found line around inner shelf..

I had been sold on the Kast King Brutus for the past few months that nothing in its price range could touch it, that is until I got the 33 Platinum last week. Hands down a much better built reel than the Brutus, but I still use them both.

I bought one of these but haven’t opened the package yet. They’re hard to find around here, so I grabbed it when I saw it. I don’t have another rod for it, so I’ve got to find a rod if I’m going to keep it. All we have is a small town Walmart and their selection of medium action casting rods is pathetic to non-existent. Bass Pro is 90 miles away in Savannah, but I don’t go in that direction more than once a year, if that, and only then for Christmas shopping. I’d rather have my toenails pulled out than have to go to Savannah. I’ll look at Academy and Dicks if I have time, next time I’m in that town. But I really don’t need another 33. I’ve got more 33s and 404s than I can fish with now. And thanks to your videos, they are all in like new condition! Lol!

I just bought one for 27 bucks at fleet farm. I cant wait to test it!

Excellent reel with faster retrieve!

That's a nice reel, might have to get myself one

So I got a new reel and the drag just turns forever.. I took it apart and I immediately noticed a difference between yours and my reel, there's no drag washer on top of the spool. Would this cause the drag to spin forever?

I like the improvements! I don’t like the Allen screw, however. I assume this is a China made reel? Also, do you think a braid line could be used on this reel? If so, what. Love your channel Matthew.

Hi Matt. Is this reel continuous anti reverse or have I done something wrong? Thanks

I've had mine for less than a year, used only in fresh water, and have noticed quite a bit of corrosion in and outside the line pick up spool. Also, line hang ups have been considerably more frequent than my older 33 platinum's which under the same usage also showed no corrosion. Have you seen or heard of any of these things? Checked the spool and it's highly magnetic so it's apparently just plated CS. My older platinum's are only slightly magnetic which is consistent with a SS material.

Just bought one and loving it so far. Will I wear out the drag system reeling hard against the drag? Nice vid!

Good video, can you please tell me a place I can get parts for my zebco platinum

I got a 33 platinum after really liking my son's regular 33 (which he lost in a kayak flip). But the platinum is not as smooth reeling or drag. I just took it apart to find no grease in the right spots.. oof

Picked up a 33 Silver anniversary today at goodwill for 1.99! On the front once the cover is off there is a gasket or O ring that is on the part the moves when the main button is pushed that looks like it seals off the front? Sorry I don't know the names of these parts,it's loose..is there a way to fix this? Not took the real completely apart yet..check thrift stores! THANK YOU FOR THE CHANNEL!

Matthew, Nice Video. Also, my older Zebco 33 Platinum has dirty grips on the handle. Do you have any suggestions to clean off the grease/grime? Thanks.

Matthew.l bought a new 33 Platinum and the plastic cocking mechanism was difficult to get off even though I knew it was a lefthand thread. The bottom line is I need a replacement part and I can't find a schematic or replacement part number. Where is best place to get replacement parts from?

You can buy the handle pins on the bay, are they interchangeable with ones with the flathead screw?

Worst POS reel I've ever tried servicing and I have many types & brands form cheap to expensive! Never seen one this difficult especially being a Zebco. Finally got the rear cover on but once it was all put back together, then it would not retrieve the line. Took it apart again & found out two of those little bearings slid out. After that, more came out so I said " F" it & threw it all in the trash can. I feel better now and will fish with the others I have.

I was thinking about buying one, but I read this review: I bought 2 of these from different sellers. Both have the same flaw. About 1/3 of the time the cast fails because one of retrieve pins doesn’t retract all of the way when casting. This is happening on both new reels. I’ve lubed them and replaced the lime a couple of times, still The same . First trouble I’ve had with zebco. I’ve ordered a new old model 33 to replace this one. Gears are loose too. Have you seen or heard of this issue?

I have a newer 33 as well and the handle seems to reel a little stiff how do I fix this? Besides that I'm liking the reel seems to be pretty solid the older zebco 33's work well too.

i have a daiwa XD120 trigger under spin real . could you do one on it

Nice reel.

Matthew, I will stick with the old 33j tried and true Allen O Brother some someone should show engenders the right way to do things.

Can I send you a reel Zebco Omega for a cleaning?

I'm holding the handle but it won't come off

Do a Zebco Roam Video

on my new33 i just cut a slot in it with a hack saaw