I'm trying to set this thing according to instructions.
I,ve got a 2 oz. sinker on 17 lb line. In order to get the
sinker to "slowly descend .... when the rod tip is flexed.."
I have to crank it almost completely shut. is this right??

Dunka.

You'll be casting about 10 feet too. Adjust the control until the line peels off fairly quickly on even a light .5oz jib then tighten it up a bit, go to a ball field with a bottle of water and a 2 ounce plug with no hooks and start lob casting. Apply constant pressure with your thumb on the edge of the spool. As you get more comfortable you can losen the cast control up. But you can never forget your thumb :kewl: