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 :-)
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.
The first new 33 Platinum had me stumped at first. But Zebco generally makes it simple, but you have to figure it out. I need to do some short videos just on taking the front and backs off. By the way. I love the Delta and Omega.
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. 👍🏻😎
Take your Dremel tool and make a straight slot across the head of the screw. Now it is usable with a flat screw driver. We do the same thing to weird carburetor adjustment bolts
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
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.
@@j.t.cooper2963 You are welcome. It took be about 5 minutes (edited out) to figure that out. Then I thought, "wait, why did they make this cover oblong?" then it dawned on me. Squeeze and slip on. It worked!
Hmm. The majority of time allen screws are used when you want more tork and held in more secure... Less chance of the screw loosen up... Maybe they thought it was added upgrade int the secure department? IDK..🤷 .... Anyway just picked this up a couple of weeks ago and took it for a test run over the weekend... Just blue gill fishing but man this casted like a dream... And the retrieval was nice an smooth... Really enjoyed using this reel.... Was impressed seeing all the metal on the inside.... Your videos are addicting.. Thanks
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!
@@OutFishing13Matthew I wound up taking the platinum back and trading it for a new 888 for the same money…for now. (It is also still in the package until I find a heavy action rod that makes sense money wise. Have plenty of regular 33s that I know I can supertune now thanks to your videos.
Also have you ever run across the 33 Black. Looking at the specs I've send to fall in between the 33 Gold and the Platinum.... Had 4 bearings. Internals , on paper, seem to be on par with the Platinum.... O didn't see to much out there on that reel... It's only available through the combo..... But we have one and it's just as impressive as the Platinum... Though slightly lighter.... Just wondering... Thanks
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!
That "o-ring" is called the Line Brake and is part of the Spinner Cone. The line brake pinches the line against the front cone so you can cast the line. If that line brake is worn out, then you will need to fix it, since getting replacement parts is impossible. See my video on fixing it. Come join one of the Facebook Zebco groups. Zebco Collectors or Zebco Shop and Swap.
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.
I have not heard of that problem with corrosion on the spools until yours. Is the corrosion red or white? The model I used to make this video with was a loaner I tuned up and used for a week. The reel is being sent to a lot of fishermen to try out. I would send your question to Zebco for some feedback. They should do a better job of plating those or using a better ss material.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Contacted Zebco like you suggested, explained the problem and they sent me a new spool at no cost, so we'll see how it goes. Thanks much for your assistance.
Unfortunately due to a company change, tackleservice.com and parts ordering online will no longer be supported. For parts, please call Zebco at 1-800-588-9030 and They will be happy to help you.
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 have been curious about the Brutus. Looks like a good reel, but has little to no support for parts. That is my concern. I hope Zebco will continue to support their reels with spare parts.
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.
Try scrubbing with a brush and some WD-40 and then clean with hot water and soap. The WD will cut through the grease and then the soap and water will remove the WD.
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.
Yes, it is made in China. However, it is engineered in the USA. Some thought went into some improvements which means they were listening to users and paying attention to weaknesses in the previous models. I would not recommend using braid. That will wear out your spinner head assembly too fast. If you really need to use braid, get a bait caster.
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?
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?
Go to the Zebco website page and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Call or email them. www.zebco.com/ 1.800.588.9030 You will need to know the part number. Zebco can email you the schematics.
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.
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 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
@@bullseyepete8367 The line is breaking? inside the spool? How odd. Check the spool and make sure there is nothing sharp or abrasive the line can rub against. Or get some brand new line. 10 pound test mono.
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.
Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish I could get your feedback to Zebco. I do NOT like the new handle screws with the Allen head instead of the slot. Was it the bearings from the AR bearing?
He means for the Allen head screw so that a flat screwdriver can be used with it. I did the same thing with a Dremel tool. The hacksaw was probably a cleaner, straighter cut. Good idea
@@OutFishing13MatthewYea the spinner cone won't come off the rod. More importantly now a spring (about 1/2 inch coil spring) fell out when I took the push button off, now the push button just gets stuck and falls, and the rod and spinner cone just pull right out, nothing keeping them down. Not sure what happened or if something's missing..
I know what is going on. See if you can get the spinner cone off the middle shaft. Next watch this video on the 202 (th-cam.com/video/Pu5RYJ1xDLY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dlgWjSV9f6GaKNA1) at 6:30 or how I repaired a 33 platinum (th-cam.com/video/7XJE_M4DMfM/w-d-xo.html) and 5:35. That will show you how the spring comes off and how you can put it back on . If you get the spinner cone off that shaft, you can put the center shaft back in and put the spring back on.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Thanks for the help. I was able to get the spring back on but I think it somehow lost it's "taper". I tried bending it tight again and it stays on but after working the push button a couple times it pops back off. Also a tiny little rod came out of somewhere.. lol. I seem to remember you talking about this with the anti reverse piece but I cannot see how that would go in anywhere, and interestingly the reel still reels, it's a little hard though.
@@overratedprogrammer that rod is a bearing from the AR. See if you can bend the tapered end of the spring a little more. If not contact Zebco by email and mail the reel to them.
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.
You are welcome. Glad I can help.
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 :-)
Tim, glad to hear. Thanks for watching and commenting!
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.
The first new 33 Platinum had me stumped at first. But Zebco generally makes it simple, but you have to figure it out. I need to do some short videos just on taking the front and backs off. By the way. I love the Delta and Omega.
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. 👍🏻😎
thanks for the comment and watching.
Take your Dremel tool and make a straight slot across the head of the screw. Now it is usable with a flat screw driver. We do the same thing to weird carburetor adjustment bolts
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
good deal! I bet your kid is happy. If you take a some line off the spool the line is less likely to get tangled under the spinner cone.
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.
great tip. Thank you! The back cover removal and reassembly is a little tricky too. Squeeze the sides. Who knew?
@@OutFishing13Matthew I had a bear of a time with that back cover. Thanks for the tip on how to get it on easy.
@@j.t.cooper2963 You are welcome. It took be about 5 minutes (edited out) to figure that out. Then I thought, "wait, why did they make this cover oblong?" then it dawned on me. Squeeze and slip on. It worked!
Hmm. The majority of time allen screws are used when you want more tork and held in more secure... Less chance of the screw loosen up... Maybe they thought it was added upgrade int the secure department? IDK..🤷 .... Anyway just picked this up a couple of weeks ago and took it for a test run over the weekend... Just blue gill fishing but man this casted like a dream... And the retrieval was nice an smooth... Really enjoyed using this reel.... Was impressed seeing all the metal on the inside.... Your videos are addicting.. Thanks
It might be a better screw, but it make it more difficult to change the handle around.
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!
Good job. The 33 Platinum sure is a nice reel.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I wound up taking the platinum back and trading it for a new 888 for the same money…for now. (It is also still in the package until I find a heavy action rod that makes sense money wise. Have plenty of regular 33s that I know I can supertune now thanks to your videos.
@@tannertuner you're welcome. Thanks for watching
Also have you ever run across the 33 Black. Looking at the specs I've send to fall in between the 33 Gold and the Platinum.... Had 4 bearings. Internals , on paper, seem to be on par with the Platinum.... O didn't see to much out there on that reel... It's only available through the combo..... But we have one and it's just as impressive as the Platinum... Though slightly lighter.... Just wondering... Thanks
I have seen a 33 Max Black. They tend to have more bearings. I am not really sure if there are other differences though.
Watched as I done one myself..lol..took spool off found line around inner shelf..
That can happen when the spool has too much line.
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!
That "o-ring" is called the Line Brake and is part of the Spinner Cone. The line brake pinches the line against the front cone so you can cast the line. If that line brake is worn out, then you will need to fix it, since getting replacement parts is impossible. See my video on fixing it. Come join one of the Facebook Zebco groups. Zebco Collectors or Zebco Shop and Swap.
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.
I have not heard of that problem with corrosion on the spools until yours. Is the corrosion red or white? The model I used to make this video with was a loaner I tuned up and used for a week. The reel is being sent to a lot of fishermen to try out. I would send your question to Zebco for some feedback. They should do a better job of plating those or using a better ss material.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Contacted Zebco like you suggested, explained the problem and they sent me a new spool at no cost, so we'll see how it goes. Thanks much for your assistance.
@@robertpapps3618 you are welcome. Zebco is great about standing behind their product. Great customer service.
Excellent reel with faster retrieve!
you are right about that. It's a nice reel.
I just bought one for 27 bucks at fleet farm. I cant wait to test it!
I think you will really enjoy it. I did.
Good video, can you please tell me a place I can get parts for my zebco platinum
Unfortunately due to a company change, tackleservice.com and parts ordering online will no longer be supported.
For parts, please call Zebco at 1-800-588-9030 and They will be happy to help you.
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 have been curious about the Brutus. Looks like a good reel, but has little to no support for parts. That is my concern. I hope Zebco will continue to support their reels with spare parts.
Just bought one and loving it so far. Will I wear out the drag system reeling hard against the drag? Nice vid!
Don't reel when the drag is working. That just twists the line badly.
I would have so many extra parts left over that you could build another one !
Hopefully my platinum is greased well.
I am sure it is. How is it working so far?
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.
Try scrubbing with a brush and some WD-40 and then clean with hot water and soap. The WD will cut through the grease and then the soap and water will remove the WD.
You can buy the handle pins on the bay, are they interchangeable with ones with the flathead screw?
Not sure if Ebay will have them. The are metric. You may be able to get one at a hardware store. Contact Zebco.
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.
Yes, it is made in China. However, it is engineered in the USA. Some thought went into some improvements which means they were listening to users and paying attention to weaknesses in the previous models. I would not recommend using braid. That will wear out your spinner head assembly too fast. If you really need to use braid, get a bait caster.
Braid will wear out the pickup pins in any of the numbered Zebco spincasts.
Spincast and Braid...go with the Zebco Omega or Bullet.
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 haven't. If you want a top Zebco, get an Omega.
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?
Go to the Zebco website page and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Call or email them. www.zebco.com/ 1.800.588.9030 You will need to know the part number. Zebco can email you the schematics.
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.
It's hard to say why the handle is stiff. You might have too much line on it.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I'll check it out then thanks for the advice
@@OutFishing13Matthew oh and I have a authentic zebco 33 but its red do you know what type it is?
@@mercifulhorror4935 might be a 33 Titanium
@@mercifulhorror4935 yw
Hi Matt. Is this reel continuous anti reverse or have I done something wrong? Thanks
Yes, the 33 Platinum is a continuous AR.
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?
Yes, that would make the drag too loose and barely tighten up. I would return it or send it to Zebco.
That's a nice reel, might have to get myself one
You would enjoy it.
My son found one of these reels but, it does not have a front cover. Do you know where I can buy one?
Zebco will have a new front cone. Send them an email and ask for the schematics. Then order a front cover/cone.
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
I have seen that several times. little to no grease on a new reel. How is it now that you greased it?
@@OutFishing13Matthew much smoother now. I've caught multiple 3+ lbrs. New issue is that line seems to be breaking off inside the reel randomly??
@@bullseyepete8367 The line is breaking? inside the spool? How odd. Check the spool and make sure there is nothing sharp or abrasive the line can rub against. Or get some brand new line. 10 pound test mono.
Nice reel.
Thanks! It is is good one. It was lent to me for a week or so and I liked it.
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.
Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish I could get your feedback to Zebco. I do NOT like the new handle screws with the Allen head instead of the slot. Was it the bearings from the AR bearing?
on my new33 i just cut a slot in it with a hack saaw
hmm. What for? to drain water?
He means for the Allen head screw so that a flat screwdriver can be used with it. I did the same thing with a Dremel tool. The hacksaw was probably a cleaner, straighter cut. Good idea
i have a daiwa XD120 trigger under spin real . could you do one on it
If I had one of those I sure would! I have a video on a Daiwa SC120. th-cam.com/video/aJhCzOqFb38/w-d-xo.html
Can I send you a reel Zebco Omega for a cleaning?
Send me an email. Outfishingthirteen@gmail.com
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.
I hope they change the screw soon.
Do a Zebco Roam Video
Okay. Great idea.
I'm holding the handle but it won't come off
That can happen. Those spinner cones can be put on too tight.
@@OutFishing13MatthewYea the spinner cone won't come off the rod. More importantly now a spring (about 1/2 inch coil spring) fell out when I took the push button off, now the push button just gets stuck and falls, and the rod and spinner cone just pull right out, nothing keeping them down. Not sure what happened or if something's missing..
I know what is going on. See if you can get the spinner cone off the middle shaft. Next watch this video on the 202 (th-cam.com/video/Pu5RYJ1xDLY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dlgWjSV9f6GaKNA1) at 6:30 or how I repaired a 33 platinum (th-cam.com/video/7XJE_M4DMfM/w-d-xo.html) and 5:35. That will show you how the spring comes off and how you can put it back on . If you get the spinner cone off that shaft, you can put the center shaft back in and put the spring back on.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Thanks for the help. I was able to get the spring back on but I think it somehow lost it's "taper". I tried bending it tight again and it stays on but after working the push button a couple times it pops back off. Also a tiny little rod came out of somewhere.. lol. I seem to remember you talking about this with the anti reverse piece but I cannot see how that would go in anywhere, and interestingly the reel still reels, it's a little hard though.
@@overratedprogrammer that rod is a bearing from the AR. See if you can bend the tapered end of the spring a little more. If not contact Zebco by email and mail the reel to them.