timsford Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 I just picked up a shimano citica g super cheap and im thinking of doing a few upgrades to it. Im more of a daiwa and lews fan so i dont know much about parts interchanging on shimanos. Im going to upgrade the spool bearings and install a carbontex drag. Id also like to either add a longer handle or at least change the knobs to those like on the curado or chronarch. Is there a longer shimano handle that will fit, and if so does anyone know the part number? If not does anyone know the part number for the septon powergrips or powergrip II's? If i stick with this handle and just change the grips id like to install ball bearings instead of the bushings. Anyone know the correct size? I know this is a lot of questions, but im lost when it comes to shimanos and i know they seem pretty popular on here so hopefully someone can help Quote
Cgrinder Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 I'd recommend a nice 102mm Hawgtech handle with Septon knobs and silver accents. Quote
bootytrain Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 I'd go aftermarket and get an avail wishbone. They come in different lenghths and colors. Quote
timsford Posted September 30, 2014 Author Posted September 30, 2014 Thanks guys i had thought about both of those but havent made my mind up yet. I dont want to dump a ton of money in it but i like the reel and think it could be a very good one with a few upgrades. How about the worm gear bearing from the curado? Anyone know the part number from shimano or size so i can pick one up? Quote
TrippyJai Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 I'm going to start of by saying, you don't want to spend too much money on this reel because it's not going to sell very well if you ever plan on selling it. If you plan on keep it then that's fine. I would upgrade the spool bearings to Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 bearings. You can reuse these for other shimano reels in the future. Carbontex drags are great and will cost around $10. Personally, after these 2 upgrades, I would replace the handle knobs with the bigger power knobs and be satisfied with my upgrades. Knobs - BNT 4220 https://fishshop.shimano.com/vip/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441848608 As you can also see from the link, handle knob bearings cost $4.28 each (BNT4120). The drive shaft bearing upgrade BNT0031 will cost $10.38. There is no worm gear bearing. I've this upgrade before and it doesn't make much of a difference. You can order your parts from that link. All the parts I listed are interchangeable. Quote
timsford Posted September 30, 2014 Author Posted September 30, 2014 Also will either of those handles work with the stock drag star or do i need to get a swept one? Do any of the stock shimano swept stars work or do i have to go aftermarket? Id like to put the swept hawgtech handle on it but by the time i buy the knobs and the handle and the drag star from them it would be 100+ dollars. Plus the spool bearings and carbontex and worm gear bearing and i would have as much in upgrades as a citica at retail would cost. im not completely opposed to that but then in my line of thinking i might as well get a chronarch ci4 or used core. And honestly while the reel seems nice and ive heard rave reviews on the core and chronarch id rather have a lews team gold or daiwa zillion if im spending 200+. Are there any cheaper options out there Quote
timsford Posted September 30, 2014 Author Posted September 30, 2014 I'm going to start of by saying, you don't want to spend too much money on this reel because it's not going to sell very well if you ever plan on selling it. If you plan on keep it then that's fine. I would upgrade the spool bearings to Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 bearings. You can reuse these for other shimano reels in the future. Carbontex drags are great and will cost around $10. Personally, after these 2 upgrades, I would replace the handle knobs with the bigger power knobs and be satisfied with my upgrades. Knobs - BNT 4220 https://fishshop.shimano.com/vip/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441848608 As you can also see from the link, handle knob bearings cost $4.28 each (BNT4120). The drive shaft bearing upgrade BNT0031 will cost $10.38. There is no worm gear bearing. I've this upgrade before and it doesn't make much of a difference. You can order your parts from that link. All the parts I listed are interchangeable. Awesome thats exactly what i was looking for. I havent taken the knobs off yet so i didnt know if they had a single bearing support or double. I dont plan on selling the reel and i know i would have a hatd time getting a lot out of it even with upgrades. I think i will just go with what you suggested and see how the reel feels then. Thanks! Quote
Cgrinder Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 The 102mm Hawg Handle will fit with the stock drag star. Quote
TrippyJai Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 You can upgrade with a straight or swept handle from Hawgtech and keep the stock handle for back up so that when you buy a Core or Chronarch in the future, you can put the Hawgtech handle on the better reel. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 For the biggest bang for your buck, pass on the bearings and have the reel Super Tuned and the drag upgraded and add a drive shaft bearing. You're looking at about $50 bucks all together. As for the handle, any other Shimano handle should fit. The HawgTech handles are sweet, but cost almost what the whole reel is worth in this case. Quote
timsford Posted September 30, 2014 Author Posted September 30, 2014 For the biggest bang for your buck, pass on the bearings and have the reel Super Tuned and the drag upgraded and add a drive shaft bearing. You're looking at about $50 bucks all together. As for the handle, any other Shimano handle should fit. The HawgTech handles are sweet, but cost almost what the whole reel is worth in this case. Thanks dvt thats some good info. Are there any other shimano handles that are longer? I was thinking the handle from the core 100 mg7 was longer but if it costs a ton its not really worth it. The main thing im worried about is casting a little farther and those barrel knobs! My favorite knobs on any reel are the lews paddle knobs. I actually put lews handles on all my daiwas too because i like them so much but they wont fit on a shimano. The septon powergrip II knobs look pretty nice though. Id really like a little longer handle for the reel but as long as i can get it to cast a little farther, get the drag smoother, and get some better knobs on it ill be happy with it. I have always been die hard daiwa, then i tried lews and own several, but this shimano seems like a pretty good reel as well. Just goes to show that people shouldnt get caught up in one brand over another because there are tons of good options out there Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Pull the plug from the grips and see if they're screwed on or riveted. That will tell you if they are replaceable. Some of the round reels should have longer handles. Someone here that has one will chime in. Quote
GoDeep Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Why do people want to spend so much $ on handle knob bearings? They make little difference, if any, and you can go the avidrc.com and get some very nice bearings for $1 a piece. Smh. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 30, 2014 Super User Posted September 30, 2014 Pro cleaning, driveshaft bearing, Carbontex drag. Quote
bootytrain Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Why do people want to spend so much $ on handle knob bearings? They make little difference, if any, and you can go the avidrc.com and get some very nice bearings for $1 a piece. Smh. Cause we can lol Quote
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