Replacing Reel Bearings

[midgastumpjumper]

I'm certain this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find enough information to make a decision on whether or not to upgrade and if so,  which bearings to buy.  It seems like if there was a real benefit that more people would do it.  Then again maybe more people do I just don't realize it.  I mostly throw pro qualifiers and h20 express mettles, also have a daiwa laguna, if that matters.  Also it seems you need a special tool to remove the spool pin so that the spool bearing, which apparently is the most important one for casting, can be removed.  Is it necessary to remove the bearing to clean it properly?  These are the questions I cant seem to find answers to.   

[rippin-lips]

Upgrading bearings is more of an enthusiast thing. You really only need to replace/upgrade if you have one go bad. You're going to get people that tell you that it's money well spent but honestly it's not. At least not in my experience. It will aid in pitching but you aren't going to see great gains in casting distance. I do it because I like to tinker with things. Your rod plays a bigger role in casting distance. You want it to load properly with whatever bait you're throwing. You do need the tool to remove the pin to replace them but not to clean them. Put tape around the spool to hold the line down and then put some cleaning solution in a small cup of some sort. Then sit the spool in the cup and let it soak. The cups from cough medicine work really well.

[mjseverson24]

I personally like to upgrade my spool bearings, for a few different reasons...

1) they do increase casting performance when pitching...

2) they can be run dry so you never have to worry about lubricating them...

3) when i do upgrade i go with the hawgtech bearings... 

 

Mitch

[Hogsticker]

To answer your question, it depends on the bearings. Most spool bearing upgrades will assist with the ease of accomplishing casting and pitching with less effort. The only bearings I have found that provide some noticeable distance gains are the Hedgehog Air bearings.

[midgastumpjumper]

thanks guys.  So lets say i was going to do it.  I should replace the bearing on the side plate and the one on the spool shaft?

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Here a before after test with upgraded bearings

http://fishinglifestyle.net/2012/02/boca-bearings-orange-seal-review-extreme-casting-distance/

 

I know Im getting more distance throwing to places wasnt able to get to with cleaned stock lighly oil bearings. Im stingy with my money will take items back in a heartbeat if not pleased. I bought some like the beneifit and bought more. They take some adjustment to learn to get get better.with. They make more noise but it gets less with use. Its the special tool that will increase your initial cost. My shimano reels were just an easy swap.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On the PQ you need to do all 3 spool support bearings to get the full benefit. On a cost/benefit basis I suggest you proceed this way:

 

1. Deep Cleaning which includes flushing and re-oiling of stock bearings $22

2. Super Tune includes above plus fine polishing of spool friction surfaces $34

3. Spool bearing upgrade ABEC5 Boca Lightning $27.95 (3pc kit)

 

I extend a 10% discount off these prices to BassResource.com members.

 

Let me know if I can help.

[midgastumpjumper]

thanks, is it necessary to remove a side shield of the bearing to get it good and clean? what do yall use for cleaning them?  lighter fluid? acetone? general degreaser?

[midgastumpjumper]

ok i pulled the trigger on a spool pin removal tool and Kattobi" Spool Bearing Kit - AIR CERAMIC, to fit my diawa laguna, but im almost positive they will fit in the h20 as well.  ill stick them in one of them and let you all know how they are