Okuma Epixor XT Spin Fishing Reels

During a short break near Noosa, I purchased an Okuma Epixor XT 40 from the local store, as I usually do when visiting the area. I intended to use it for surf and river mouth fishing. On the first day of use, I noticed a slight rough spot when winding the reel, and by the following day the issue had become noticeably worse. Within 36 hours of purchase, I returned the reel to the store to seek assistance.
The manager advised that the reel would need to be passed on to the supplier’s representative for assessment. I was also informed that, because the reel had been used in saltwater and had been exposed to waves, this might affect the warranty outcome. There was no clear indication of when the representative would next attend the store, and the discussion left me with the impression that a warranty claim might not be supported due to saltwater use, despite the reel being marketed for this type of fishing.
After researching the model further, I discovered that the Epixor XT series has several well documented weak points that can cause rough winding shortly after saltwater exposure, including:
1. Line roller bearing sensitivity to salt
2. Pinion bearing being lightly greased from factory
3. Minimal lubrication on the main shaft
I will attempt the recommended basic maintenance steps that do not involve opening the gearbox. However, the overall experience — particularly the uncertainty around warranty support and the lack of interest in exploring whether the issue may relate to manufacturing or component tolerances — has been disappointing.