[skrilla]

Nothing wrong with your reel. The spool tension knob is not an "ebrake". Use the spool tension knob to adjust the sideplay of the spool and don't rely on it as a cast control device. Besides, on the Squall 25N the spool rides on bearings and spins independently from the shaft anyway. Tightening down too tight may bind or damage parts.

To prevent the 2oz sinker from dropping simply apply pressure onto the line with your thumb when you go into freespool. Hold the spool in place until you are ready to release on the cast. When you cast let your thumb glide above the line... applying slight pressure as needed to prevent overruns and backlashes.

Depending on where you are I'd glady check your reel for you for any tampering it may have experienced during it's demo model life.