Upgrading Reels

[Robert Riley]

So I want to stop (probably just slow down) on reel purchases, I figure I'll just start upgrading my reels (ie spools or bearings) I've got a 2 sets of questions:

1) Can someone link me to a good overall thread about upgrades?

2) Are most reels worth the upgrading? I'm sure bearings are mostly worth it, but what about upgrading a spool?

 

Thanks

[J._Bricker]

23 minutes ago, Robert Riley said:

So I want to stop (probably just slow down) on reel purchases, I figure I'll just start upgrading my reels (ie spools or bearings) I've got a 2 sets of questions:

1) Can someone link me to a good overall thread about upgrades?

2) Are most reels worth the upgrading? I'm sure bearings are mostly worth it, but what about upgrading a spool?

 

Thanks

 

Robert, I believe if you bought a quality reel, then definitely upgrading components is a sound investment.  I've upgraded bearings and drag washers and now the reel's preform like/ or better than new. I haven't upgraded any of my reel's spools as I don't think I personally would notice the difference from the other upgrades, but that's me. 

[Robert Riley]

I bought a Lew's Custom SLP and I figured I'd just upgrade it here and there over this season to see what works and what doesn't. 

[kschultz76]

Start with sending it to DVT for a professional cleaning, and supertune. Do a drag upgrade if he recommends it for that reel. If possible add bearings under the handle knobs to increase smoothness/refinement. I wouldn't upgrade other bearings until doing all of that first. The cleaning and tuning alone will be a surprising increase in performance. 

[J._Bricker]

7 minutes ago, Robert Riley said:

I bought a Lew's Custom SLP and I figured I'd just upgrade it here and there over this season to see what works and what doesn't. 

 

Sounds like the way to do it, as you should be able to notice any improvement in performance.  My main goal was to extend the life of my Curados and Zillions. In the case of my curados, fish don't know they're getting beat by a 20 year old reel :). I hope you let us know how it goes. JB 

[Angry John]

12 minutes ago, J._Bricker said:

 

Sounds like the way to do it, as you should be able to notice any improvement in performance.  My main goal was to extend the life of my Curados and Zillions. In the case of my curados, fish don't know they're getting beat by a 20 year old reel :). I hope you let us know how it goes. JB 

http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/page/82

I have linked you to daiwa but they also have stuff for your carado.  Dont go to broke

[CTBassin860]

Is it worth super tuning a brand new reel?

[JDNKC]

I swap out the bearings in all my shimano with ceramic boca bearings.  Great upgrade.  My friend and I bought in bulk so we got them half price, I think around 15 a set rather than 30.  Also consider just upgrading the line.  It can make the reel perform better with really good line.

[Raul]

Should have purchased a Curado/Tatula and then you would have forgotten about "upgrading" .....

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Feel free to contact me for advice regarding particular models. Shimanos for instance respond well to flushing stock bearings and then tuning. Carbontex drags are a good bet for most any reel. 

[kschultz76]

1 hour ago, MassBassin508 said:

Is it worth super tuning a brand new reel?

Yes what the super tuning entails improves the performance of even a brand new reel. Besides involving a full cleaning, bearing flush, and proper lubrication with quality lubricants a tuning would involve polishing of friction points beyond what the factory does in mass production. Proper lubrication of the bearings and reduced friction means less effort required for casting and pitching, which equals less backlashing and more accurate casts. I've experienced the results and I'm a believer, especially in the fact that even a brand new reel needs the bearings flushed and properly lubricated.