Reversing an Allen Kraken V reel from L to R

[Cabezon]

Hi folks, I purchased a Kraken V reel a few years ago as an albacore backup, but I never reversed it from left-hand retrieve to right-hand retrieve. I want to bring this reel as back-up on a striped marlin trip in two weeks and so I would like to reverse the retrieve finally. I can't find specific instructions online. In the only video on YouTube that appears to cover this process, the spool (blue structure in picture)

is quite a bit different from mine. For example, the YouTube version has a knurled knob at the base of the blue spindle that you can turn to loosen the spindle. This allows you to access the bearing which you need to flip to reverse direction. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Steve

 

[Evan B]

I'd love to help but I haven't touched one of these in over a decade and it looks like it may have changed a bit.

 

[chief]

Probably not a lot of help but I am wondering if the little hole in the side of the green base that the blue spindle is inserted into plays a role in the process?

 

[Cabezon]

There is a tiny hole on either side of the green base. But there isn't a screw or anything like that inside the tiny hole.
Steve

 

[Porter2]

????????

 

[Cabezon]

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Alas, that is the video that I found. But the spindle on my version of the Kraken V is different (green base is larger and the blue removable section is smaller on mine). Mine doesn't have the knurled ring that helps hold the assembly in place. I have tried to put a wrench to unscrew the blue section but it didn't appear to do anything but scratch up the finish...
Steve

 

[Porter2]

it appears that the Kraken reel has had a couple different versions or generations of this model where they made internal housing changes. Might need to try to contact them.

 

[boltej]

Here's what ChatGPT says, for what it's worth, after giving it your reel picture and a prompt:

Yes. The reel in your photo is an Allen Kraken V, and Allen specifically designed the Kraken series to be reversible from left- to right-hand retrieve without tools. Allen Fly Fishing

From your photo, you already have the spool removed from the frame, which is exactly where you need to be.

Change it from left-hand to right-hand retrieve​

1. Remove the spool from the frame — already done in your photo.
2. Turn the spool over so you are looking at the drag/mechanism side (the side that normally faces the reel frame).
3. Look for the small clicker/pawl mechanism associated with the center drag assembly.
4. The Kraken uses a reversible pawl arrangement. Move the pawl to its opposite position so that it allows the spool to rotate in the opposite direction for winding.
5. Reinstall the spool in the frame.
6. Test it:
   • The handle should turn freely in the right-hand retrieve direction.
   • When you pull line from the spool, the reel should make the click sound and provide drag.
   • The spool should not rotate freely in the opposite direction when the drag is engaged.

Allen's patent for this reel design specifically describes changing retrieve direction by moving the pawl from one operating position to the other, without having to remove the drag unit. Google Patents

Important detail about your particular reel​

Your photograph is actually useful because it shows the spool and frame separated, but I can't quite see the pawl/ratchet mechanism clearly enough to tell you which way to move the pawl from this angle.

If you take one more photograph of the back/inside of the spool, with the spool completely separated from the frame and the center mechanism clearly visible, I can mark up the photo and show you exactly which part to move and which direction to move it.

The good news is that you should not need to remove the carbon drag stack or disassemble the sealed drag. Allen describes the current Kraken as having a sealed carbon multi-disc drag and an easy left/right conversion. Allen Fly Fishing

Allen Fly Fishing — Kraken Series Reel

 

[RCF]

There is a discussion below on how to change the direction. It is from 2014 so it may relate to your generation of reel:

Allen Kraken retrieval change

Does anyone know how to change the retrieval on an allen kraken? I bought an allen kraken at the denver fly fishing show this weekend and when i got it home i realized it was a left hand retrieval and i am left handed. I checked the website and it had a how to on it, but after taking the reel...

www.theflyfishingforum.com