Trailer Posted May 3, 2013 Posted May 3, 2013 What would be some components that a novice could install to improve your average baitcaster's performance? I don't have any issues with a reel. This is a generic question. I have some Abu Garcia Black Max and Silver Max reels and I don't necessarily feel the need to replace them with more expensive models. I just want to know if there is anything simple to do that could improve the overall durability and performance. Quote
TiNuts Posted May 3, 2013 Posted May 3, 2013 Spool bearings and drag disc(s) are simple enough to replace. Clean and relube while you're at it. You could go as far as the "supertuning" process yourself, or send them in and have it done. Quote
Trailer Posted May 3, 2013 Author Posted May 3, 2013 Spool bearings and drag disc(s) are simple enough to replace. Clean and relube while you're at it. You could go as far as the "supertuning" process yourself, or send them in and have it done. I hear the name Boca come up when talking about bearings. What company would makes drag discs? Quote
Maico1 Posted May 3, 2013 Posted May 3, 2013 Dawn is great to deal with......http://www.smoothdrag.com Quote
Capt.Bob Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 I would not spend the money, your happy with them the way they are, if not I would sugeswt putting the money to better use and upgrade the reel. JMO 2 Quote
Trailer Posted May 4, 2013 Author Posted May 4, 2013 I would not spend the money, your happy with them the way they are, if not I would sugeswt putting the money to better use and upgrade the reel. JMO Ignorance is bliss most of the time, but could a $25 set of bearings make a $49 reel fish a lot better? I don't know. No one will know until they try. And if it does make a world of difference then were you better off spending the now $74 or was it better to spend $129 on a Revo S? And if that $25 set of bearings doesn't make that much of a difference (in this case on a "cheaper" reel) then why is everyone buying them? Devil's advocate. Quote
21farms Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 with the black max and the silver max, the biggest thing hindering better performance and feel is the graphite frame which is not as rigid or solid as an aluminum frame. even if you dropped in a set of boca bearings and switched to carbontex drag washers, you'll still be limited by the flexy frame. i think you'd be much better off putting that money toward a better reel. everything starts with solid frame because that provides for better gear alignment, the spool shafts sit on the bearings better which in turn allow the bearings to spin easier, etc. as to why people install better bearings, they do help incrementally...maybe slightly better casting distance, definitely smoother and increased durability. Quote
Trailer Posted May 4, 2013 Author Posted May 4, 2013 Yeah, they are what they are. It's not like a Revo Winch and won't ever be. I just hate to shell out more money! I also hate to get rid of them because they still work and I can only have so many rods and reels. I thought if I could enhance the performance drastically I could see my myself using them a few more years. It would be the equivalent of hot rod-ing a Gremlin... 1 Quote
Capt.Bob Posted May 5, 2013 Posted May 5, 2013 Yeah, they are what they are. It's not like a Revo Winch and won't ever be. I just hate to shell out more money! I also hate to get rid of them because they still work and I can only have so many rods and reels. I thought if I could enhance the performance drastically I could see my myself using them a few more years. It would be the equivalent of hot rod-ing a Gremlin... Exactly and why that was never very popular either, you said it your self it's throwing money away, it will always be what it is and never compare to a revo winch or any reel in the middle range, regardless what you waste on it!! Quote
MSPbass Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 You might be surprised by what a good cleaning and proper grease and oiling does to your reels thopugh. Quote
Fishwhittler Posted May 10, 2013 Posted May 10, 2013 If you like them, fish 'em until they drop dead. IMO, there is no graphite-framed baitcaster worth upgrading. 1 Quote
Greeneye8181 Posted May 11, 2013 Posted May 11, 2013 I do think Boca bearings slightly improve casting performance. I've put them in my Metanium and MGX. Quote
dam0007 Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 All my salt water reels I pull out my gun polish, Flint, my dremel and a round soft disc, and polish my washers. Noticeable difference on fish 10# and up. Idk if this would be an improvement for freshwater seeing as how I typically have my drag cranked down. Quote
BradH Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 It would be the equivalent of hot rod-ing a Gremlin... Hmmmmm...........there might just be a market. Have you seen the big wings, annoying exhaust and neon lights on the 4 cylinder FWD cars? I might start the "Fast and Furious" line of reel upgrades for the plastic framed 3 bearing reels. Seriously though, I've got a handful of those reels laying around too. I use them for loaners or steal small parts off of them. By the time you upgrade bearings, drag and possibly the handle you'll have more money in parts than the reel cost to begin with. Quote
Super User .RM. Posted May 12, 2013 Super User Posted May 12, 2013 Exactly and why that was never very popular either, you said it your self it's throwing money away, it will always be what it is and never compare to a revo winch or any reel in the middle range, regardless what you waste on it!! X2 Quote
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