cddan

Yes the Engetsu I have 4+1 bearings is quite smooth as of now. I'm guessing you swapped to a bushing because the bearing gets a touch of water and becomes rough feeling? I say this because my curado I got that way and had to replace the bearing (I used ceramic bearing for its better protection from moisture that a great friend provided) I tried repacking the old bearing with grease but I guess the balls we're too far gone (using a sharp hook to open the bearing)

That's actually the reel I was aiming for. The seller I bought from did a switch-a-roo to the Engetsu I got (more of a caisitas) but for its price I agreed and it turned out to be a cool reel for the price. Hopefully they do come out with this version of the 70 or imo the 200k. A deeper spool would serve it well for stripes but for bassin' it looks like a solid platform! Hopefully we don't drive its price up.

The bearing supporting the pinion. Right side of spool, right hand Baitcaster. Left side of pinion. I don't believe it has the second x-ship bearing on the right side of the pinion

It is a neat reel tbh. It seems to have protection for the pinion support bearing similar to the tranx with the hydrostatic gasket. I was wondering if anyone can confirm that. Inside it looks very similar.

So it's to be put on the bottom of the reel seat to protect rod and reel seat?

Got this new reel. The box had small clear stickers in it about 3/4 of an inch long. Anyone know their purpose?

I used its stock hooks and it stayed under the surface so I started giving it a jerk jerk pause retrieve. I saw a giant musk just nip its back hook. I then upgraded hooks immediately and only have caught a small bass on it.

Anyone fish this lure with upgraded split rings and hooks? Can it be upgraded and still maintain buoyancy? It seems to sink right out of the package with a snap attached to the front o-ring. I'd prefer it floated like the standard Mikey but the jr with the weight of a snap in front sinks. Still looks great subsurface but I wanted to make it stronger for larger fish and maintain floatation. Any ideas? I've considered removing front split ring and also front hook which only leaves one hook. Looking for anyone with experience tweaking the jackall Mikey jr. 5/8 oz lure

True to the point poolshark. They're good reels but I'd be hesitant to buy another.

I ran it again tonight without the bearing it went well but it's not a fix. Standard reels are basically that way. Last night I snagged and just pulled to free it. Hard on 50 lb braid. Afterwards it kinda clicked like the pinion was torqued wrong. It probably has a larger inside diameter than normal allowing more play on the spool shaft. Kinda needs that bearing for full powered functionality. Otherwise it was smooth tonight without the bearing but unfortunately still not tested on a reasonable sized fish. I did feel as though the main drive bearing may have also gotten a splash of water because I could faintly feel it's inconsistency. I've gotten water in other reel bearings(corrosion resistant) and you feel a faint rough spot so I made the assumption.

I've only noticed a small amount but if it gets in a bearing its not good. My reel is in the car as well i can't get a pic to you right now. The slot is about a half inch. Inside the side plate there's a channel built in I assume to catch the water. I'm sure it just goes under it where it meets the frame (not tight enough) there is a drain port there as well but while fishing it likely doesn't drain. A sure fire fix would be great to come across. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Good information. I've done the same but the bearing is still noisy. I believe it's no good. I believe the water comes in from the thumbar. There's a slot there that's usually covered in other reels when you press the thumbar down on the right side of frame on a right hand reel. Imo it's through the thumbar slot. It gets water to the bearing and with use and allowed to set in the bearing degrades the bearings. I haven't figured out the fix although I've greased the heck out of the reel inside in that area. Can't say that'll do it but it may help fend off the water.

My friends is new enough to return mine is not. I've tried three different bearings all the same results. Frustrating to say the least. I have found that many others on different forums are having the same issue but haven't yet found the solution myself

It did run smoothly this way but eventually I could hear subtle pinion chatter clicks I assume. So this is not a solution imo. My friend bought a 70 and it after limited freshwater use is beginning to show the same signs. We're thinking a corrosion resistant bearing or ceramic bearing may be a good solution.. Gonna try sometime to open the existing bearing when I figure out how

Update: I purchased a x-ship pinion bearing it also became rough after 2nd outing. My new solution which seems to work after 3 pitches and three yard casts is to remove the bearing and run without it. The reel feels and sounds great. Until I fish with it I can't be sure but so far it works really great. I'll fish it this weekend.