Camalus Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Quick question for the gurus I'd like to upgrade the bearings on an Abu Garcia Silver Max Baitcaster reel. Does anyone have suggestions on what brand I should get, or any tips I should know before purchasing? There seems to be a lot of options out there, and I want to make sure I get quality bearing. Thanks for any help! Quote
yosef Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Everyone seems to go with boca bearing orange seal ceramics so I just bought some to put on my metanium reels to hopefully like the reel more if not I might have to venture into daiwa Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 To be honest I don't remember all the different bearings I have in various reels. I do know that a few have ZPI SiC spool bearings. Bought a set from a bassresource member for my Curado 51E, but don't recall the brand. Really don't see a difference between that reel and a stock 51E...both gone through by DVT. I guess some reels benefit more than others. You could ask Mike at DVT. There are several places that clean and upgrade reels if you want a few other opinions. Mike has a good reputation, but so do several others. BTW, to the forum. 1 Quote
cadman Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 I put ZPI bearing on my (3) Revo Premier gen 1 baitcasters, and noticed a substantial difference. First and foremost have your reel cleaned properly and then decide. You may not need new bearings. Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 The Taclke Trap is a good place to start. Call out and ask for their suggestions. They sell a few different brands. Quote
Super User WRB Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 Why put upgrade bearings in a $60 reel? Just clean the reel and use a high quality oil. Tom 4 Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 10 minutes ago, WRB said: Why put upgrade bearings in a $60 reel? Just clean the reel and use a high quality oil. Tom I was going to comment along the same lines. You're going to spend almost as much as your reel costs new as you would on a new set of Boca Orange Seals. I would recommend upgrading the entire reel, rather than dumping money into high tech bearings. You will see more of a performance upgrade from a better reel than you will with your current reel with upgraded bearings. 2 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 Not worth the effort or expense. I don't think you'll realize any gains from it either. Quote
Bass Turd Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Contrary to what others are saying I am in the camp that thinks bearing upgrades on a lower priced reel could have a much bigger impact than a comparable bearing upgrade on a higher priced reel. Bearings are definitely a place they cut costs on a lower priced reel. 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 30, 2017 Super User Posted March 30, 2017 3 minutes ago, Bass Turd said: Bearings are definitely a place they cut costs on a lower priced reel. Not really. Most reels use the equivalent of ABEC 3. Some higher end reels use better bearings, but for the most part, ABEC 3 will perform well enough for just about all fishing situations. I haven't come across a budget reel that I thought would benefit from a bearing upgrade. In fact, low price reels generally rely on MORE bearings to make up for greater tolerances in the parts. This keeps many or parts in alignment. It's especially true with spinning reels. Flushing, de-greasing, and lubing with a good oil will get the job done. Quote
shovelmouth83 Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 i have never replaced bearings. i have always stripped, wiped down and oiled them. put them back together, and reline them. i usually wait till winter to do this. when i am not so fish headed.. 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.