I have a sxj g2 and it is one of my favorite reels. Have it halfway filled with braid and change the top shot as needed. 15-40lb line usually live bait fishing. Have caught mahi mahi and school sized tuna offshore and shallow water rockfish and other inshore fish. Throw it on my spj rod sometimes. Yes lever drags washers sound like that when new and dry. I greased mine straight out of the box.
Avet doesn't grease its drags because it gives better performance when the drags start to heat up. That's why Avet reels are more "scratchy" than other brand reels. Avet reels are made in Los Angeles and are built for west coast species like tuna that go on massive runs. If you don't plan on finishing for Tuna, you can grease the drags yourself.
