papajoe222 Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 I recently purchase a few sets of bearings from HawgTech that I installed on the spools of a few of my less expensive reels. A Daiwa TD Pro, Exceller and a BPS Pro Lite ( the 10 bearing promo model). The only way I can describe the results other than to say awesome difference in performance is with an analogy. It's like fishing with braid for the first time after using mono your whole life when it comes to sensitivity. I've done bearing upgrades on a number of reels, but until this year never ordered from HawgTech. After installing them in a Sol I'd just purchased I couldn't believe the difference in free spool spin time and just overall smoothness. Yes, ceramics are a little noisy, but only on the cast and I don't wear my hearing aids when on the water, so I don't notice it. For $16 plus shipping, IMO, it was more than worth it and installing them was a breeze as I've had these reels apart many times. 1 Quote
Texas bassman Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 I replaced the spool bearings with some boca abec5 ceramics on a curado g7 and the bearings on a g6 with hp ceramic bearings. Worth the upgrade. On both and I wearing hearing aids too brother lol Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 ABEC5> ceramic hybrid bearings are an upgrade over stock in most cases but the level varies reel to reel. Also, flush and lightly oil the stock ones before pulling the trigger. The difference won't be nearly as glaring as it is compared to the over greased stockers. I say all this as a Boca dealer. 1 Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted March 28, 2015 Super User Posted March 28, 2015 I'm glad you are happy with your purchase. That's all that really matters in the end. I have them in all my reels but don't notice any real difference except in my bfs reels. Free spool time doesn't exactly equate to any real on the water gains. 1 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted March 28, 2015 Super User Posted March 28, 2015 I have to agree with Mike (DVT) and rippin-lips. I notice that tuned and bearing upgraded reels (I have) almost always require less braking. However, performance is definitely not a night and day thing. Free spool time is something I have come to totally ignore. Far as I can tell it makes absolutely no difference on the water. Mike did one of my Curado 51Es. (Actually he cleaned both but I only had him tune and upgrade one.) Although I can use one less brake on the tuned and upgraded reel, I feel more comfortable leaving that other brake on. Casting distance with both seems to be about the same. If you blindfolded me, I seriously doubt I could tell the difference between the two. However, I don't think I am as observant as most. It may be easier to get the same casting difference with the upgraded reel, and I simply am not noticing the extra effort I am imparting with the factory reel. I assume you normally clean your own reels upon getting them. Had the reels been cleaned and used before the bearing upgrade? That can make a big difference (so I've read). I must admit that I like my reels tuned and upgraded....even if it is only psychological. I like knowing the only limitation keeping the reel from performing up to its best potential is the bozo doing the casting. I don't mind a little noise on the cast. It helps me know spool speed and when to feather. I have never used my factory and supertuned Sols side-by-side. Will have to give it a shot to see if I notice the differences you mentioned. Hopefully I am not that clueless to notice none. Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted March 28, 2015 Super User Posted March 28, 2015 I thought the Hawgtech bearings were quite good as well, too noisy for me. I felt like in pitching there was a advantage, that is where I noticed it. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted March 28, 2015 Super User Posted March 28, 2015 What's nice about the Hawgtech bearing is that Mike or Robert tests each single one before shipping to you. Quote
Super User WRB Posted March 28, 2015 Super User Posted March 28, 2015 ABEC5> ceramic hybrid bearings are an upgrade over stock in most cases but the level varies reel to reel. Also, flush and lightly oil the stock ones before pulling the trigger. The difference won't be nearly as glaring as it is compared to the over greased stockers. I say all this as a Boca dealer.Good advice! Professional cleaning each year will extend the life of reels and keep them running smooth, performing good. If you have worn bearings the tech will replace them with whatever upgrade is correct.Some anglers buy grade 7 or 9 thinking space grades are better, they are more expensive and a reel doesn't need them. Tom Quote
Krappiehog Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Best money I have ever spent!! I took measurements, I picked up 50 feet on my cast of my spinnerbait rod... Denali Kovert MH 7'2" . Is a jig rod but I like it for spinnerbaits. Made my Shimano Caenan go from great to sick! What I did notice is how much smoother, less backlashes and when I did backlash they are way easier to get out. I am new to bait casters, only 2 years into using them and this just made my life so much easier! 1 Quote
papajoe222 Posted March 30, 2015 Author Posted March 30, 2015 Finally got out and gave my newest Sol with the HawgTech bearings a tryout. Gotta say I was impressed with the improvement in both casting distance and reduction in spool over runs, which I didn't expect. They seemed a little more noisy than my Bocas, but I was comparing it to how I remembered they had sounded. After all, it's been five months since I made a cast. The noise bothered another angler, but it 's like my wife's constant rambling........don't bother me. I haven't had a chance to tryout the other reels, but I'm really not anticipating any huge difference. I am sur that I will be happy with any pluses. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted March 31, 2015 Super User Posted March 31, 2015 Finally got out and gave my newest Sol with the HawgTech bearings a tryout. Gotta say I was impressed with the improvement in both casting distance and reduction in spool over runs, which I didn't expect. They seemed a little more noisy than my Bocas, but I was comparing it to how I remembered they had sounded. After all, it's been five months since I made a cast. The noise bothered another angler, but it 's like my wife's constant rambling........don't bother me. I haven't had a chance to tryout the other reels, but I'm really not anticipating any huge difference. I am sur that I will be happy with any pluses. Now I know the real reason the noise doesn't bother me. Like you, I am use to letting it in one ear and out the other without any pit stops. I also find I have fewer overruns which is why I can almost always run brakes lower on a tuned reel. They are a pleasure to use. Quote
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