Knockoff Orange Seal Bearings. You Guys Tried These?

[bassbassontherange]

I've used Boca  bearings for some time now. I think for a good real, if you want to get the most out of it, this is pretty much a necessary upgrade.

 

-But-

 

They're kinda expensive in comparison to other orange seal abec-7 bearings that are out there. I recently purchased these-- 

FISHING REEL BEARING SMR623C-- I won't link because I dont think we're supposed to here, but they look identical to Boca's. If you search "smr623c abec-7" BOCA's website is even the first hit but I don't find that model anywhere on their website.

 

Anyone have any experience with other "orange seal" ceramic bearings?

 

Thanks!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The problem with knock off bearings is that counterfeit ABEC specs are a real problem. Also, there are more cost effective methods to "get the most out of your reel". I say this as a Boca dealer and have been flamed by other dealers to whom I simply point out that my loyalty is to my customers and followers and not to any vendor or supplier. That said, if you're going to pop for new bearings, spend the few extra bucks and get a trusted brand that backs up their product - Boca. 

[bassbassontherange]

The problem with knock off bearings is that counterfeit ABEC specs are a real problem. Also, there are more cost effective methods to "get the most out of your reel". I say this as a Boca dealer and have been flamed by other dealers to whom I simply point out that my loyalty is to my customers and followers and not to any vendor or supplier. That said, if you're going to pop for new bearings, spend the few extra bucks and get a trusted brand that backs up their product - Boca. 

I agree in pretty much every instance of this sort of topic. In fact, I bought these bearings not knowing they weren't actually Boca. I assumed they were and didn't look closely enough.

 

I noticed today when they came in the mail that they were just in a generic plastic baggy, not a Boca package like I was used to seeing, so I asked.

 

That being said, I went ahead and popped them in just now. They seem 100% identical to Boca to me. I wonder if it's like when you buy a bargain alkaline battery, a lot of the time you take the outer wrapping off the battery itself and it says "energizer" underneath. They sometimes repackage their older batteries with one of their other brands  (I've seen it happen with Everready alkalines).

 

I'm wondering if it's not Boca or their holding company just marketing these to different markets, cheaper, without the name?

 

I popped them in my Chronarch Ci4 and was absolutely blown away... 2:07, 2:05, and 2:10 freespool. I guess I'll see how they hold up. I ran them dry btw.

[WPCfishing]

I agree in pretty much every instance of this sort of topic. In fact, I bought these bearings not knowing they weren't actually Boca. I assumed they were and didn't look closely enough.

 

I noticed today when they came in the mail that they were just in a generic plastic baggy, not a Boca package like I was used to seeing, so I asked.

 

That being said, I went ahead and popped them in just now. They seem 100% identical to Boca to me. I wonder if it's like when you buy a bargain alkaline battery, a lot of the time you take the outer wrapping off the battery itself and it says "energizer" underneath. They sometimes repackage their older batteries with one of their other brands  (I've seen it happen with Everready alkalines).

 

I'm wondering if it's not Boca or their holding company just marketing these to different markets, cheaper, without the name?

 

I popped them in my Chronarch Ci4 and was absolutely blown away... 2:07, 2:05, and 2:10 freespool. I guess I'll see how they hold up. I ran them dry btw.

 

Those times are crazy good.. But, what does it really equate to when you have to use more braking and spool axle tension. I'm fine with a quality reel and the bearings in it. 

Maybe a good bearing cleaning and that's about it. 

[bassbassontherange]

Those times are crazy good.. But, what does it really equate to when you have to use more braking and spool axle tension. I'm fine with a quality reel and the bearings in it. 

Maybe a good bearing cleaning and that's about it. 

I get that. I don't know if something that freespools for 1min will perform worse on the water than something that does 2min, but there's definitely a noticeable difference between stock (even cleaned well) bearings and good ceramics. The spool starts up faster and I think the performance is better, but the main thing is it's easier cast and just more fun for me. 

 

To each their own. I always say do what makes your experience most enjoyable. 

[WPCfishing]

I get that. I don't know if something that freespools for 1min will perform worse on the water than something that does 2min, but there's definitely a noticeable difference between stock (even cleaned well) bearings and good ceramics. The spool starts up faster and I think the performance is better, but the main thing is it's easier cast and just more fun for me. 

 

To each their own. I always say do what makes your experience most enjoyable. 

 

I'm not suggesting bearings shouldn't be replaced. Do what you like. I just offered my common sense take on the 7 bearings. I suppose if I was to add new bearings I'd be fine with 5's.

A casting reel cannot possibly do any better with 7's even if its just for smooth short casting.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A reel doesn't have high enough sustained speeds to benefit from higher than abec5 rated bearings.

[poisonokie]

A reel doesn't have high enough sustained speeds to benefit from higher than abec5 rated bearings.

 

they start up faster and spools do hit some pretty high rpm's, if only briefly. The smoother the better to get it there.

[rippin-lips]

A reel doesn't have high enough sustained speeds to benefit from higher than abec5 rated bearings.

Mike, I think it's a mental thing for most people. They see it's rated abec 7 and they will believe it will be better than a 5. We should start selling abec 5's as abec 9's and charge triple the price. One could make a killing that way. One could also say that you used some space aged nano infused grease for servicing reels too. Add $15 for the 'special' grease. I'm only joking of course.

[bassbassontherange]

Mike, I think it's a mental thing for most people. They see it's rated abec 7 and they will believe it will be better than a 5. We should start selling abec 5's as abec 9's and charge triple the price. One could make a killing that way. One could also say that you used some space aged nano infused grease for servicing reels too. Add $15 for the 'special' grease. I'm only joking of course.

I dunno guys. When I throw even a 1/32nd trout fly on my Chronarch I get speeds that would benefit from abec-11's, but that's not normal, I realize. It's my huge muscles is all. I'm surprised I don't break my rods from the centrifugal motion, honestly.

 

Really though, this turned into quite the fishing geek thread. Everyone push their $5 polarized sunglasses a little farther up their noses and double check that your neckbeards are trimmed properly (as in not at all). 

 

I love the responses though. Good info. I just think it's pretty funny that we're arguing about fishing reel bearings.

[d-camarena]

Lol subscribed

[WPCfishing]

I dunno guys. When I throw even a 1/32nd trout fly on my Chronarch I get speeds that would benefit from abec-11's, but that's not normal, I realize. It's my huge muscles is all. I'm surprised I don't break my rods from the centrifugal motion, honestly.

Really though, this turned into quite the fishing geek thread. Everyone push their $5 polarized sunglasses a little farther up their noses and double check that your neckbeards are trimmed properly (as in not at all).

I love the responses though. Good info. I just think it's pretty funny that we're arguing about fishing reel bearings.

I see it as a worth while debate.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Well doing some rough figuring with my Core50 spool.

One rotation of the spool lets out 3.9" of line-

Lure travels 100' in 3 seconds-

100' / 3.9" = 307 rotations-

307 rotaions in 3 seconds-

6140rpm

now once the line gets out toward 100' the spool will get smaller so one may think the spool will spin faster but the lure will be slowing down as well so the spool speed wont go faster it sort of levels off.

 

 Maybe that first 10' with the lure going faster (muzzel velocity if you will) than at the end of the cast it goes 10' in .25 seconds

10' / 3.9" = 30.76 rotations-

30.76 rotations in .25sec-

7382rpm

 

How about a hard cast and 10' in .1 seconds = 18,456rpm

 

 

most "cheap" bearings can handle that speed oiled properly. I checked Fastenal and their $1.50 bearings rate to 67,000rpm.

[bassbassontherange]

Thank you, Mission Control. I do believe that's hard evidence that most bocas are overkill, but they're sure smooth:)

[Josh Smith]

Subbing for later.

[desmobob]

A reel doesn't have high enough sustained speeds to benefit from higher than abec5 rated bearings.

 

But don't most guys here buy the higher ABEC rated bearings not for the need to handle higher RPM, but for the tighter tolerances?

 

I get that. I don't know if something that freespools for 1min will perform worse on the water than something that does 2min, but there's definitely a noticeable difference between stock (even cleaned well) bearings and good ceramics. The spool starts up faster and I think the performance is better, but the main thing is it's easier cast and just more fun for me. 

 

To each their own. I always say do what makes your experience most enjoyable. 

 

^  This pretty much mirrors my feelings.

 

Tight lines (and smooth reels),

Bob

[WPCfishing]

If you were going to swap out one bearing which would it be?

[shaggydog]

I would do the spool bearings if any.  I cleaned all my spool bearings and am satisfied.  On the water the cleaned shimanos was hard to tell a difference,  the lews tp once cleaned was a completely different real.  After that I didnt feel like I needed new bearings.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

But don't most guys here buy the higher ABEC rated bearings not for the need to handle higher RPM, but for the tighter tolerances?

^ This pretty much mirrors my feelings.

Tight lines (and smooth reels),

Bob

Tighter tolerances are what makes a bearing faster and in certain circumstances longer life or better gear alignment. Tighter tolerances just for the sake of themselves just aren't cost effective. Not going to hurt anything.

[Boca Jeff Brooks]

There a lot of companies out there selling 'orange seal' bearings for a much lower price. 20 years ago we were excited to be the first company to bring ceramic bearing technology to the fishing reel market. With over 8000 products and 27 years in the business, the The expert staff at Boca Bearings has you covered. Boca Bearing, because not all bearings are created equal! If you have any questions feel free to email me jeff@bocabearings.com'