A friction ring (12) for reel shafts (10), having on its inner periphery a friction surface (22) for frictional engagement with the reel shaft (10), and on its outer periphery a plurality of radially projecting leaf springs (24) that are inclined relative to the radial direction in a uniform direction (D) of rotation, each leaf spring having a base portion (26) held in a slot (28) of the friction ring (12), wherein each leaf spring (24) is adapted to be bent back into a recess (30) of the friction ring (12) on the side facing forward in said direction (D) of rotation and is supported on a wall (32) of this recess on the opposite side.