Best spool bearings for '13 Metanium 100?

[Riazuli]

Hey everyone, what are your opinions on the best spool bearings (part BNT3627) for the '13 Shimano metanium 100?

 

I purchased two used reels in great condition, but one has NMB bearings (if anyone has info on these I would really appreciate it).  They have a black ring outside the inner hole.  I do not think these bearings perform better than stock just based on several free spool tests I performed (the stock bearings consistently spun longer, even when started first).   *Correction - I've come to the conclusion  that this reel actually can have two different sets of bearings, maybe based on when/where it was purchased (?) 

 

I am weighing between the hedgehog air HD bearings, stock bearings, and boca bearings just based on some research.  

 

I know there was a YouTube test performed that showed stock bearings outperforming abec 7 ceramic bearings, so I'm leaning toward stock.  What do you all think?  (would especially appreciate thoughts from MET100 owners and,  if possible, someone who has been able to make direct comparisons). 

Edited January 5, 2018 by Riazuli
Correction

[Angry John]

Zpi makes a great all around bearing and hh makes good specialty bearings.  I would stick to those on a high end reel.  You could use some brand new stock bearings, they are good out of the highest end reels.

[Riazuli]

5 minutes ago, Angry John said:

Zpi makes a great all around bearing and hh makes good specialty bearings.  I would stick to those on a high end reel.  You could use some brand new stock bearings, they are good out of the highest end reels.

Thanks for posting.  Definitely gonna look into ZPI.  I'm leaning toward stock bearings with those being a sure bet, but if there happen to be bearings that outperform the stock ones, I would likely go with those. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Those you tube free spool videos are a complete joke. Unless the bearings you have are worn out you won't see much difference on the water once they're flushed and oiled correctly. 

[Riazuli]

Thanks guys.  I came across this thread and it was really helpful.  I appreciate yalls input! 

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/133578-upgrading-bearings-shimano-reels-what-is-in-there-originally/

[Yumeya]

Hedgehog air or ZPI are excellent.

On some of my high end reels like the Shimano calcutta conquest I don't change because they are excellent.

[rippin-lips]

Zpi Sic - $32 set from Tackle Trap.  Well worth the money for a super high quality Jdm bearing. 

[Riazuli]

Thanks guys. I've gone ahead and purchased hedgehog zr bearings as I wasn't too keen on any added sound from ceramics.  I've heard a lot of good things about them and they seem to be rated higher than the stock ones.  I'll report back with findings from several free spool runs! 

[kschultz76]

I had HH ZR bearings put in my Tatula SV and I’m pleased with them so far. But I don’t have a lot of time on the reel yet. 

[Angry John]

Still think the casting tests would provide quality data.  It would also give you real world improvement information to go by.  Pitching would be most easy to replicate.  Do all the tests back to back on the same day...  then you could determine if there is any value...

[Stephen B]

22 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Those you tube free spool videos are a complete joke. Unless the bearings you have are worn out you won't see much difference on the water once they're flushed and oiled correctly. 

While I do agree the Youtube videos can be deceiving. Do HH or ZPI bearings provide an increase in casting distance for lets say the bearings used by Shimano in the Curado 200I?

[Riazuli]

2 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

I had HH ZR bearings put in my Tatula SV and I’m pleased with them so far. But I don’t have a lot of time on the reel yet. 

Good to know! Thank you 

2 hours ago, Angry John said:

Still think the casting tests would provide quality data.  It would also give you real world improvement information to go by.  Pitching would be most easy to replicate.  Do all the tests back to back on the same day...  then you could determine if there is any value...

I will be doing cast tests for sure. Thank you! 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

6 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

While I do agree the Youtube videos can be deceiving. Do HH or ZPI bearings provide an increase in casting distance for lets say the bearings used by Shimano in the Curado 200I?

When compared to flushed and properly oiled stock bearings, barely. 

[rippin-lips]

6 hours ago, Riazuli said:

Thanks guys. I've gone ahead and purchased hedgehog zr bearings as I wasn't too keen on any added sound from ceramics.  I've heard a lot of good things about them and they seem to be rated higher than the stock ones.  I'll report back with findings from several free spool runs! 

For future reference ceramic doesn’t have to mean loud. Bocas are loud for sure. The Zpi uses a Sic material and are the quietest bearings I’ve used so far next to YT Fusions. The HH ones are nice too though. I have a set of air hd’s in a reel and they’re also very quiet.  

[Riazuli]

2 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

While I do agree the Youtube videos can be deceiving. Do HH or ZPI bearings provide an increase in casting distance for lets say the bearings used by Shimano in the Curado 200I?

I can offer my thoughts once I receive my hedgehogs! 

17 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

For future reference ceramic doesn’t have to mean loud. Bocas are loud for sure. The Zpi uses a Sic material and are the quietest bearings I’ve used so far next to YT Fusions. The HH ones are nice too though. I have a set of air hd’s in a reel and they’re also very quiet.  

Would you say the zpi's or hh air HD are quieter than s/s one's? 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I don't get the noise concern honestly. Ceramic bearing sound is no worse than the D.C. Whine people claim to like. It's like hot rodding a car and keeping the stock exhaust. 

[Riazuli]

Just now, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I don't get the noise concern honestly. Ceramic bearing sound is no worse than the D.C. Whine people claim to like. It's like hot rodding a car and keeping the stock exhaust. 

I guess I would have to try em to find out!  I'm considering the Zpi Sic or air HD actually now... Will probably keep those on one reel and the zr's on another (although I am also happy with the stock bearings on the one I would put the ceramics on).  I love tinkering with this stuff, and am also a car enthusiast.  I play music too, and I would consider my ears sensitive. I think that's why I initially backed off of them, as I was already dreading the thought of listening to something I might not like all day.  I do love the sound of a good exhaust, and I can see how I might like the sound of performance in a reel at play! 

[rippin-lips]

54 minutes ago, Riazuli said:

I can offer my thoughts once I receive my hedgehogs! 

Would you say the zpi's or hh air HD are quieter than s/s one's? 

Never tried any aftermarket stainless bearings. I ditch the stock bearings right away. Air HD’s are close to the Zpi Sic’s as far as being quiet goes. Slight nod to the Zpi’s. 

[kschultz76]

39 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

Never tried any aftermarket stainless bearings. I ditch the stock bearings right away. Air HD’s are close to the Zpi Sic’s as far as being quiet goes. Slight nod to the Zpi’s. 

 

Rippin I’ve got ZRs in my Tatula SV and am pretty impressed so far. I’m about to get two Zillion SV TW from the Trap. I’m debating Air HD vs ZPI in them, or maybe going ZR. The Air HD are really interesting to me bc of the casting weight range info on the HH site for them. One of the reels will be used for tossing small 1/4 oz up to med 1/2oz cranks. Might be a hard comparison to make but do you see any advantage between the Air HD and ZPI for 1/4 oz total weight?

 

Of course the HH would also be more cost effective bc I already have a vial of Alchemy oil for maintence. But who worries about something like that where reel tuning is concerned?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's going to take some serious convincing for me to buy into lure weight having anything to do with what bearing to use. Marketing is one thing but that's wayyy out there to me. 

[rippin-lips]

14 minutes ago, kschultz76 said:

 

Rippin I’ve got ZRs in my Tatula SV and am pretty impressed so far. I’m about to get two Zillion SV TW from the Trap. I’m debating Air HD vs ZPI in them, or maybe going ZR. The Air HD are really interesting to me bc of the casting weight range info on the HH site for them. One of the reels will be used for tossing small 1/4 oz up to med 1/2oz cranks. Might be a hard comparison to make but do you see any advantage between the Air HD and ZPI for 1/4 oz total weight?

 

Of course the HH would also be more cost effective bc I already have a vial of Alchemy oil for maintence. But who worries about something like that where reel tuning is concerned?

Either Hd or sic would be fine for 1/4oz. I’ve used them both for that weight range. Chat with Bryan (spankey) about the oil. I think it’ll be fine to use on the sic’s. I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be. 

[kschultz76]

11 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

It's going to take some serious convincing for me to buy into lure weight having anything to do with what bearing to use. Marketing is one thing but that's wayyy out there to me. 

And that’s what I’m trying to avoid is being over sold by marketing and pretty charts. I’d rather go by hands on user experience for the best product. Of course knowing full well upgraded after market bearings aren’t a massive game changer anyway. It’s juat fun tuning reels at this point.