Legit Grease and Lube?

[Banned User]

Hey all, I'm planning to do my first reel break down soon.

 

Is this legit?

https://a.co/d/0FaIKK2

 

Can I use any old grease on the drag washer?

 

I was thinking Daiwa blue grease for the gears? Or could I just put cals on everything?

 

I have the shimano bantam oil that came in the box, should I use that or just get something better? I'm upgrading many reels to hybrid ceramic anyway...

[MN Fisher]

The Bantam oil is a valid choice, not top of the line but definitely good enough.

 

5 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

Is this legit?

Cals is the only grease to touch my fiber drags, and it's the grease I use where-ever you'd use grease inside the reel. You don't need much - I have the 1oz tin and I re-grease my reels every year...13 casting reels and 7 spinning reels, all with fiber washers, and I think that tin will last me a few more years anyway.

9 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

I'm upgrading many reels to hybrid ceramic anyway...

There a reason for it? I haven't seen the need to go to ceramics in any of my reels.

[Banned User]

14 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

There a reason for it?

Honestly the big reason is to have to do less maintenance not having to oil them, I'm totally new with any kind of maintenance so i have no idea about the whens and how muchs. Also it seems that an equal casting distance can be made with less effort in my experience. My tat CT casts effortlessly with hybrids in it.

 

Thanks for your thoughts, maybe I'll just get the cals for everything. I thought I read somewhere that cals isn't great for gears compared to others, requires more frequent applications?

 

Plus @bulldog1935 recommended Si3N4 bearings in the zillion, got a set, and I figured hybrid Si3N4 would be good enough to try in my SV 103.

[bulldog1935]

Some people use Cal's for everything - I use it for drag washers - that;s what it's made for, and it works great.  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256569214104

 

I wouldn't use Cal's on gears, but match viscosity to gear load range.  I'm sure I buy higher grade synthetic grease than many, but an ounce lasts forever, unless you're working on OP's reels.  Daiwa blue will do the job, but you'll also need to clean and relube gears every couple of years - it simply doesn't last as long.  

 

While I've gone to silicon nitride bearings for salt, they're certainly the lowest-inertia bearings made, can run dry, reasonably quiet, and higher load range than zirconia.  

 

[Banned User]

7 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Daiwa blue will do the job, but you'll also need to clean and relube gears every couple of years

What lube wouldn't you need to do this with?

 

7 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

lowest-inertia bearings made, can run dry, reasonably quiet,

Well, I'll let you know how they throw my buzzbait on my zillion, these are the things I was looking for... I think 🤔

[bulldog1935]

High-grade synthetic grease  I use MTCW-B and -SW for my two load ranges. Not a specific recommendation, as there is bound to be equivalent grease that's easy to find.    All the Japan aftermarket reel suppliers, their bread and butter is motorcycle racing - they understand lube holding up under tough conditions.   What synthetic grease doesn't do is turn to wax, so it doesn't need cleaning as often.  

 

I was throwing buzzbaits on 4500C a week ago with SiN bearings.  

The thing is, you can also throw weightless senko with them.  

 

[little giant]

I use Reel X grease and oil. They're both synthetic. Use oil on the level wind after it's been cleaned, Grease will attract dirt.

Are you only changing spool bearings??

[FishTank]

I use TSI 321 on spool bearings,  Bantam oil on everything else,  Cal's on drag washers and the Daiwa blue grease on gears (except level wind).

[Banned User]

28 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

was throwing buzzbaits on 4500C a week ago with SiN bearings

I knew I could trust you

 

I'll look into some reasonably priced synthetic lube available on Amazon or Walmart. Might run it by you for your thoughtsif i find anything.

 

12 minutes ago, little giant said:

Are you only changing spool bearings

I mean, I'm not sure I'm sold on the value:cost ratio for upgrading bearings anywhere else. Might feel slightly smoother, but I'm looking to maximize performance while not breaking the budget... if i don't have to.

 

How often are you oiling the level wind?

 

@FishTank you too, oil level wind how often?

 

I can see the benefit of that over grease where it's exposed.

[ABU is overpriced]

I used cal's for everything, and its fine, but shimano grease is superior for gears, worm shaft, etc. Superior and cheap, so i am not too sure why you wouldn't use their grease. These days i am only usiong cals on carbontex washers, and as soon as i run out, i won't be getting any in the future. The ACE-2 from Shimano is as good for carbontex washers, while aslo being the grease i prefer for gears, so will be sticking with that.

[FishTank]

8 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

I knew I could trust you

 

I'll look into some reasonably priced synthetic lube available on Amazon or Walmart. Might run it by you for your thoughtsif i find anything.

 

I mean, I'm not sure I'm sold on the value:cost ratio for upgrading bearings anywhere else. Might feel slightly smoother, but I'm looking to maximize performance while not breaking the budget... if i don't have to.

 

How often are you oiling the level wind?

 

@FishTank you too, oil level wind how often?

 

I can see the benefit of that over grease where it's exposed.

 

A couple of times a year,  depending on the reel, line and what it's used for. A cranking reel with FC might get it twice but a frog reel with braid might get it more often depending how dirty it gets. Keeping it clean is equally as important. Grease tends to attract all kinds of gunk.

[little giant]

Be sure to flush out the bearings your not changing. I use a small container with isopropyl alcohol and let bearings soak 20 minutes, then swirl them around and let dry on paper towel. Alcohol will evaporate fast. Then oil them.

When I see dirt on the level wind, I pull out a bunch of line, hold wet soft toothbrush against it and turn handle slowly. Brush will grab the dirt. Then re-oil. I don't take the reel off the rod.

Cal's on the drags.

[little giant]

Also, when removing the wire bearing clips, do it inside a zip lock bag in case they fly! Hope you have the correct tool to remove spool pin.

[webertime]

Phil Wood Grease this stuff is amazing on gears.  

 

Suspension fork grease (slickoleum friction reducing grease) is good on worm gears as it's super thin but won't drip out.

 

Tsi321 on bearings

 

Cals on drag if you grease the washers 

[Banned User]

On 3/31/2025 at 4:00 PM, bulldog1935 said:

High-grade synthetic grease

How's this for the gears?

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBH9HI?language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

 

 

[T2DM]

19 minutes ago, Banned User said:

How's this for the gears?

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBH9HI?language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

 

 

I've used the Super Lube stuff in the past for gears and sliding parts, it wasn't too bad I remember but ended up going back to Shimano ACE-2 for gears and drag washers.

 

These are what I use now for casters and spinners, plus Bantam 100 oil or TSI 321 for spool bearings.

 

[Banned User]

@T2DM what are the differences between all those shimano grease?

 

Why use Ace 2 over something else for gears?

 

Why use ace 2 over Cals for drag?

[dk2429]

Literally doesn't matter, it's grease. I use Lews Super Duty grease on all my reels (Daiwa, Shimano, Lews, etc...)

[T2DM]

1 hour ago, Banned User said:

@T2DM what are the differences between all those shimano grease?

 

Why use Ace 2 over something else for gears?

 

Why use ace 2 over Cals for drag?

 

I only own Shimano reels; it's a personal preference and nothing against other brands. I believe using Shimano formulated grease on their own products makes more sense IMO. Same as using their lubricants on their bicycle products too.

 

Plus, you can use the ACE 2 on both gears and carbon drag washers.

 

I have no experience with Cal's drag grease, but a lot of folks here will tell you it's a good product.

 

Just sharing my experience, sharing ideas. Use what works for you, it's all that matters.

 

 

 

 

[WRB]

ReelX oil for spool bearings.

Hot Sauce gear grease.

Break Free CLP for level wind worm gear.

Tom

PS, Carbontex drag disk Cals grease works a long time for bass reels.

[bulldog1935]

9 hours ago, Banned User said:

How's this for the gears?

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBH9HI?language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

 

I'll simply add I don't know anything about the product, but @T2DM is on the exact track - picking viscosity to match gear loads.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Use the KISS principle and don’t over think this. For a few reels of your own Cals is a fine choice for gears and drags. Oil level winds. If you want to step it up a notch use a marine grease like yamalube etc for enhanced water repulsion. If you’re a gear head and find it fun to geek out on this stuff go for it. You’re not hurting a thing. Keeping gear clean and lubed with something appropriate is 90% of the battle. 

[ike8120]

I use Reel X grease and oil  and for drag washers Cal Drag Grease.

[ABU is overpriced]

ACE-2 is also the best grease i found for the old style drag washers used on daiwa reels from the early 2000s (the ones that feel like compressed felt or something). You use cal's grease on them, and they will stutter like crazy when drag pressure is applied, but with the ACE-2, it's buttery smooth. Also great for shimano's dartanium drag washers.

The pot of grease is only $10. No idea why would anyone not use it.

[Banned User]

@Delaware Valley Tackle @bulldog1935

 

Whats the downside of cals grease on everything?