Best OEM Or Generic Bearings

[EzyEric]

I am looking to get baitcaster reel bearings in bulk (5+).  I just want the original quality or slightly better.  This is mostly for Shimano reels.  I do not want to buy expensive super speed bearings which come in just two packs.  I have had one set of Boca Bearings for years and I have never installed them.  Once I found out hot to properly clean bearings the original bearings work just fine.  Occasionally a bearing goes bad so that is why I am looking to have some spares.  Has anyone tried to buy some larger packs from someplace like Amazon with good results?

[J Francho]

You could see if Smooth Drags offers a quantity discount. They are a small family run operation that offers quality bearings. You want their SS bearings. Call and get all to Dawn. 

[Edrod13]

Just get shimano OEM bearings. Can't beat them for the price ($4-11) each and can be shipped out to you very quickly. I agree that a properly cleaned/maintained stock bearing is all you really need. I used to buy BOCA but they weren't that much better than the OEM's. I can order all the bearings for my Curado K's for $35 per reel.

Something I posted a few weeks ago. I enjoy taking apart my reels and flushing out bearings/greasing gears and such but this last round I just replaced them. Just makes sense.

 

10EX8 – Shimano US Fish Shop
$4.30 x2 (BNT3927) Lower pinion/Upper main handle side (Used on Higher end models)

                                Manual calls for BNT5858 x2 @ $11.36

105BP – Shimano US Fish Shop
$4.33 x2 (BNT4194) Lower main handle side, X-ship

                                 Manual calls for BNT4945 @ $7.06 for X-ship 

105C0 - Shimano US Fish Shop

$6.75 x2 (BNT3627) Spool bearings for Antares, Aldebaran, Chronarch (nice upgrade)

                                Manual calls for BNT4343 x2 @ $3.27 

 

6 new OEM bearings for $30.76 plus tax. Almost not worth soaking in acetone and debating how much more life a bearing will have based on a spin test. Especially if you do the work yourself.

 

[EzyEric]

18 minutes ago, Edrod13 said:

Just get shimano OEM bearings. Can't beat them for the price ($4-11) each and can be shipped out to you very quickly. I agree that a properly cleaned/maintained stock bearing is all you really need. I used to buy BOCA but they weren't that much better than the OEM's. I can order all the bearings for my Curado K's for $35 per reel.

Something I posted a few weeks ago. I enjoy taking apart my reels and flushing out bearings/greasing gears and such but this last round I just replaced them. Just makes sense.

 

10EX8 – Shimano US Fish Shop
$4.30 x2 (BNT3927) Lower pinion/Upper main handle side (Used on Higher end models)

                                Manual calls for BNT5858 x2 @ $11.36

105BP – Shimano US Fish Shop
$4.33 x2 (BNT4194) Lower main handle side, X-ship

                                 Manual calls for BNT4945 @ $7.06 for X-ship 

105C0 - Shimano US Fish Shop

$6.75 x2 (BNT3627) Spool bearings for Antares, Aldebaran, Chronarch (nice upgrade)

                                Manual calls for BNT4343 x2 @ $3.27 

 

6 new OEM bearings for $30.76 plus tax. Almost not worth soaking in acetone and debating how much more life a bearing will have based on a spin test. Especially if you do the work yourself.

 

 

Perfect.  I did not know you could buy them directly from Shimano.  I wish they said the size of the bearings though.  Sounds like its worth the upgrade to buy bearings from one one the higher end reels assuming they are the same size?  I think the standard Shimano spool bearing size is:  3x10x4

[Edrod13]

Interesting enough some of the higher end model bearings are cheaper and they are the same size. Go to shimano USA and on the bottom left there is reel warranty list link. You can then go over the parts section, view the PDF for you particular reel to get part numbers. 

[EzyEric]

Hmm the parts numbers on the Schematic do not align with the shop part numbers.

EDIT: Correction, some of the Schematics have both part numbers.

 

Example:  BTN4343 (schematic) vs 105C3 (shop part number)

[T2DM]

3 minutes ago, EzyEric said:

Hmm the parts numbers on the Schematic do not align with the shop part numbers.

 

Example:  BTN4343 (schematic) vs 105C3 (shop part number)

Shimano was in the process of assigning/replacing new parts numbers for their reels, so if you search the website for the old part numbers (which you should) that was in the original schematic that came with your reel (typically starts with "BNT" or "RD") then it should give you a new part number.

 

For example, BNT4343 is now 105C3.

 

Good luck.

[Edrod13]

3 hours ago, EzyEric said:

Hmm the parts numbers on the Schematic do not align with the shop part numbers.

EDIT: Correction, some of the Schematics have both part numbers.

 

Example:  BTN4343 (schematic) vs 105C3 (shop part number)

Put in the BNT number and then it will  link you to the current number.  Also, they usually offer free shipping for orders over $35 or $50, it just depends from time to time. Because I maintain 5 Curado K's I also throw in the small screws that hold the sides together, bearing clips, etc... Because its not something you can just buy at home depot. This will help get to the amount to qualify for free shipping if needed. After 5 seasons some of the screw heads have wear. lol

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Oem shimano bearings are very good. They used to be really expensive compared to equivalent aftermarket options but if the price is right you know what you’re getting.