Testing your Drag?

[srt44116]

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OK so today i Decided to test my drag on a my tuna spinning Rod that i plan on using for Small bluefin tuna. . Let me know if i did this right.

Reel
Penn Sargus 8000 ( supposably 18lb drag ) 500yards 50lb power pro braid+ 60lb Mono leader (parlmore knot at ring-to-scale, Modified albright knot from braid to mono)

So i hooked up a 50lb scale to my parked truck and, began to walk backwards up the street slowly righting the drag as i go. With a friend at the scale watching the lbs. Tried this 5 times and all 5 times i could make it to 25-26 lbs, WAY past the 18lb mark Penn claims. This is Great and i am very happy with the Reel. BUT all 5 times the braid would break, NOT at the knots either. Is this normal? I would think the braid would be 50lbs of strength? No

Any input will help thanks.