Reel Bearing Question

[BASSPATROL247]

 I know that the quality/design of parts in a reel determine how well the reel works and casts and would like some opinions on bearings in terms of upgrading them and how much they will improve cast control if any on lower priced reels without dual brakes. I was thinking about putting ceramics in one of my laser mg's or pro max's but if its not gonna improve the casting and only make it feel smoother then I will save my money..

[masterbass]

I find that bearing upgrades in less expensive reels can make the biggest difference in performance, but if you know how to flush and properly lube spool bearings it can also be a dramatic improvement.  Try removing the stock bearings and spinning them on a q tip and feel how smooth they are first.  After flushing/lubing I'll bet you see a difference unless the bearing is damaged then replacing will be the way to go.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

An abec 5 SS bearing would likely be an improvement over stock in a lower end reel. Proper setup of stock ones should always be the first step. Abec 5 are all you need SS or ceramic hybrid

[OnthePotomac]

Thank you Delaware.  I will never understand anglers who think they need ABC 9 bearings in their reels when the RPM do not even come close to needing a bearing like that.  You will never even convince some that ABEC 7 is really overkill.  I remember Bantam1 from Shimano stating the same thing you just posted.

[Jeff H]

I've experimented with them all.  A really clean stock bearing not, over lubed, can exhibit stellar performance....or it may not.  I have had some that no matter how much I cleaned them they just didn't spin well.  In the trash they go!

 

I tried hybrids with very light lube and dry,  heck, if I can run them dry that's an advantage for me across the season, not having to lube them or worry about it.  So, now I'm running dry hybrids, no seals or shields, in most of my reels.  

 

I don't notice much difference in casting distance but they cast easier and pitching ability is slightly improved.  I have never done any objective distance tests as I'm not a long caster.  

[BASSPATROL247]

thanks for the replys and i forgot to ask about abec ratings but got my answer.. how do you suggest cleaning or flushing out stock bearings? also im not so much concerned about distance just performance...

[kickerfish1]

For a cheaper reel the benefit may be less. It wouldn't hurt to take DVTs advice and throw some abec 5s in one reel. I would measure my 3 furthest casts the way the reel is now and mark down the distance. Then install the abec 5s and put the same bait and rod back into the equation and measure your distance of your 3 best casts. Bottom line is it will be difficult to assume it will or will not make a difference. If you like the end result maybe order some more for your other reels. Worst case scenario is you ar out 20 somthing dollars for bearings. Your only other options would be upgrading your reels to better casting reels but that would be much more costly.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Easier thus more accurate casts are the best measure of performance. Max distance is over rated and affected by many details.

[BASSPATROL247]

what would you guys use to clean the stock bearings and how much oil would you use.. ive been told to squeeze the bottle so the oil barely comes out of the tip but doesent fall and touch the bearing so that little bit goes in the bearing... i used a team kvd reel(walmart) the other day that a neighbor had and it is night and day difference compared to my max's, carbonfires and mg's... i wouldnt think 50 more bucks would get a reel that much better.. i also have a gen1 or 2 revo sx that i would think is 130-150 range new but my other reels perform better..

[BobP]

To clean bearings, I spray some ether starting fluid into a shot glass, throw in the bearings, agitate occasionally and let them soak for awhile, then take them out and spin them on the end of a pencil to see whether they run smooth and long.  If not, put them back in the glass and repeat.  if they haven't become smooth after 3 sessions in the glass, they probably never will and need to be replaced.  If they do OK, sit them on a paper towel and let them dry before oiling them.  You know they're ready to oil when you spin them and they don't spin as long as they did when first out of the starting fluid.

 

As far as the amount of bearing oil to use, the standard amount is one drop of oil in spool bearings.  I usually put a drop in each side of the bearing because I'm more concerned with keeping them oiled than in making them fast, and 2 drops stays in the bearing longer.  Bearings don't burn oil, it just migrates out of the bearing eventually.  You need to re-oil spool bearings occasionally during the fishing season.

[BASSPATROL247]

THANKS OR ALL YOU GUYS ADVICE..