Upgrading reels

[JSP28]

I have a couple Curado K reels that I’ve had since they came out. I’d really love to re condition these reels and replace or upgrade parts. Guess I’m looking for what you all replace on your reels and where you purchase the parts. Thank you fellows !

[webertime]

Having felt the same way and done it...  You're better off just cleaning them real well and running them stock.  Money saved for more exciting things.  Maybe a handle length change if anything. 

[JustJames]

You can spend some money on the Rees but I doubt you really call it upgrading. You can swap all bushing with bearing, replace spool bearing with ceramic bearing, replace handle with carbon or longer handle. Ultimately you can get lighter spool like MGL spool or shallow spool if available. All in all you might end up spending as much as the reel cost but gain only 10-20% of smoothness or cast ability. @webertimeis right keeping the reel clean is the best you can do for your reel. I think it is better to upgrade to higher model reel than spending on the original reel.

Now if you are a Daiwa guy, they love to customize their reel to be a unique reel. It might have nothing to do with performance just pure cosmetic but they willing to spend a fortune or more than what the reel cost. Crazy, huh? I agree, luckily I’m not completely into that rabbit hole.

 

 

 

 

[WRB]

Contact Dan Isaac @ ReelEx, he is Shimano reel top technician.

Tom

[Catt]

@Delaware Valley Tackle did an excellent job on Calcuttas for a very reasonable price.

[papajoe222]

There are upgrades that are both beneficial and recognizable, like carbon fiber drag washers,  longer handles with bearings (if the current ones don't) and lighter spools. There are also upgrades that are beneficial, but you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in performance.  Bearing upgrades and replacing bushings with bearings is an example. Then there are cosmetic upgrades whose only benefit is the beauty in the eyes of the owner.

The only thing I would recommend other than a good cleaning and lube, would be replacing the level wind pawl. Let the bait monkey convince you into getting a new reel. It's one of his specialties. 

[garroyo130]

34 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

The only thing I would recommend other than a good cleaning and lube, would be replacing the level wind pawl. 

Are these known to wear out on K's? I always assumed the worm gear itself would go first given its plastic. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If the level wind is kept clean they’ll last as long as any other. 

[MN Fisher]

27 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

If the level wind is kept clean they’ll last as long as any other. 

Ditto that - the level wind on my Ambassadeur 500R from the early 80s is still fine.

[papajoe222]

4 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Are these known to wear out on K's? I always assumed the worm gear itself would go first given its plastic. 

I wasn’t aware it was plastic.  All my reels have metal worm gears, so I incorrectly assumed all reels had metal ones.  

[garroyo130]

Yeah if you really got the itch I guess you could add bearings to the handle. Theres also a bushing for the worm gear but given the build of these reels I wouldn't put a bearing in there.