Do The Amount Of Bearings Make A Difference In A Baitcaster

[CYP]

Just wondering if the amount of bearings make a difference in a baitcaster.  I see all types with all different amounts of bearings.  Im leaning towards a Shimano Calais but then I keep thinking do I really need to spend 650.00 on a reel when I could get 2 or 3.  Just looking for thoughts.

 

Thanks,

 

CYP

[Crestliner2008]

Depends on the size of your wallet. Sarcasm aside, the more bearings usually means more smoothness. But it's going to cost you. I'm sure some folks here will offer several good, viable suggestions for your consideration. I'm more old school....Abu 5500-C type old school.

[John G]

You don't need 10 or 12 bearings but they are noticeable and they can easily spoil the person using the reel that has them. I am only referring to Shimano's here.

[Tywithay]

Quality of craftsmanship has more to do with how good a reel is than the number of bearings. You can buy a $50 reel with 12 bearings and it will not fish better than a $200 reel with 4 bearings.

[tbone1993]

Honestly no.  My cheaper reels have the same quantity of bearings as my high end reels. The only difference is the quality of the bearings. You could get a few decent reels and simply upgrade the bearings. Ive seen videos of people upgrading the bearings on that reel as well. Why spend the money if you need to change them out?  I do see the appeal of some of these reels but honestly the prices are getting ridiculous 

[CYP]

Honestly no.  My cheaper reels have the same quantity of bearings as my high end reels. The only difference is the quality of the bearings. You could get a few decent reels and simply upgrade the bearings. Ive seen videos of people upgrading the bearings on that reel as well. Why spend the money if you need to change them out?  I do see the appeal of some of these reels but honestly the prices are getting ridiculous 

 

Ive seen that also and it boggles my mind.  

[conorsixtakc]

There's a reason you see Shimano reels with less bearings at the same price point as reels with more bearings. Not all bearings are created equal.

[Darren.]

I agree with the "it depends" votes. More is not always better, nor is it equal to quality. Just my .02.

[Wbeadlescomb]

My curado's only have 5 I think and they are the smoothest reels I've ever fished

[bigbill]

Doesn't the faster ratio with more ball bearings make them harder to crank?

I purchased a good quality spinning reel that was a 6.3 ratio for my spinnerbaits rod setup. By the end of the trip I was burned out from cranking the 6.3 ratio reel. My point is, does the 6.3 spinning reel feel the same as the 6.3 bait caster to crank when they have an equal number of ball bearings?

[WIGuide]

It's more about the quality of the bearings than it is about the number of bearings. If it's worth it is for you to decide. Personally, I'd rather buy 2 $300 reels than 1 $600 one.

[Tywithay]

Doesn't the faster ratio with more ball bearings make them harder to crank?

I purchased a good quality spinning reel that was a 6.3 ratio for my spinnerbaits rod setup. By the end of the trip I was burned out from cranking the 6.3 ratio reel. My point is, does the 6.3 spinning reel feel the same as the 6.3 bait caster to crank when they have an equal number of ball bearings?

A 6.3 spinning reel is technically faster than a 6.3 baitcaster if you're considering IPT. The number of ball bearings really have little to do with it though. The Shimano Calcutta B have 3 bearings and it's an absolute beast for cranking. Length of the handle will make it easier to crank a resistance bait than more bearings, because of added leverage.

[Maico1]

Just wondering if the amount of bearings make a difference in a baitcaster.  I see all types with all different amounts of bearings.  Im leaning towards a Shimano Calais but then I keep thinking do I really need to spend 650.00 on a reel when I could get 2 or 3.  Just looking for thoughts.

 

Thanks,

 

CYP

I would not make a decision on purchasing a Calais DC based on how many bearings it has, the reel is just to refined for that alone. Yes you could buy multiple reels for the cost of one Calais DC no question about that. Yes you would be buying a reel that will be handed down to your grandchildren if you so choose. And yes you do not have to upgrade the bearings on the Calais DC period.

I can attest to the fact it is a very buttery smooth and durable reel for having owned them since they came out eight years ago.Yes I would recommend a Calais DC hands down to you in a heartbeat. However what your needs and wants are is what is important here so you will have to make the decision as to whether a Calais DC is right for you. Here is some reading for you regarding the reel......

http://tackletour.com/reviewshimanocalaisdcreview.html

P.S. If you hunt you can find it for less than the 650.

[CYP]

I would not make a decision on purchasing a Calais DC based on how many bearings it has, the reel is just to refined for that alone. Yes you could buy multiple reels for the cost of one Calais DC no question about that. Yes you would be buying a reel that will be handed down to your grandchildren if you so choose. And yes you do not have to upgrade the bearings on the Calais DC period.

I can attest to the fact it is a very buttery smooth and durable reel for having owned them since they came out eight years ago.Yes I would recommend a Calais DC hands down to you in a heartbeat. However what your needs and wants are is what is important here so you will have to make the decision as to whether a Calais DC is right for you. Here is some reading for you regarding the reel......

http://tackletour.com/reviewshimanocalaisdcreview.html

P.S. If you hunt you can find it for less than the 650.

Thanks,  I have read this, one of the reasons I want one and am leaning towards it but than I think about all the other stuff I could do.  I have 10 days until my bonus check so Ill just keep researching and reading and hunting to see if I can find it cheaper than the 650 and exploring my options.   

 

All of the responses so far have helped me greatly,  I think I read and research too much though lol

[Tywithay]

Thanks,  I have read this, one of the reasons I want one and am leaning towards it but than I think about all the other stuff I could do.  I have 10 days until my bonus check so Ill just keep researching and reading and hunting to see if I can find it cheaper than the 650 and exploring my options.   

 

All of the responses so far have helped me greatly,  I think I read and research too much though lol

You can find a Calais DC for far cheaper by looking around. My local Cabela's has a left handed one for $399 in the bargain cave. I would also advise waiting for the next 15% off sale at TW or somewere like that. 15% off $650 is a really nice chunk of money. That reel is truly a work of art and I think it's worth someone using at least one time in their life just to experience the ziiiiiiiing when you cast it. Makes my heart sing.

[.RM.]

Only 2-3 brngs that really matter in a baitcaster. They are the spool support brngs, all other are located in the crank assembly (crank base, knobs, etc) for smoothness in cranking. As far as brngs go the tolerances will be the differance....

 

More is not always better....

 

Just an old service techs .02¢

 

Tight Lines All

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Only 2-3 brngs that really matter in a baitcaster. They are the spool support brngs, all other are located in the crank assembly (crank base, knobs, etc) for smoothness in cranking. As far as brngs go the tolerances will be the differance....

 

More is not always better....

 

Just an old service techs .02¢

 

Tight Lines All

X2 Dead on. 

[OnthePotomac]

^{That is what I like about Shimano reels.  Their engineering design places few bearings in places needed for maximum reel performance.  I believe the expensive Core does not even have bearings in the handle.  I have replaced drive shaft bushings with bearings and frankly, I cannot tell the difference.}

[Raul]

More means smoother in general terms, but from those the only 2 or 3 that make a performance difference are the spool supporting bearings, so a 10 bearing reel only has 2 - 3 bearings that really matter, and within those that matter what really matters are the quality of those that support the spool.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Spool bearings are #1. Bearings on the pinion and both ends of the drive shaft (Shimano's new X-ship) make for a nice feeling reel and should enhance longevity as well. Daiwa has been doing this for a while. In a non-disengaging level wind, bearings there help casting otherwise level-wind bearings don't add much. Handle bearings are next to meaningless to me.