Super User Micro Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 I'm wondering what the best reel lubricants are. I've been using Abu oil and grease for years, but am wondering if this is the best lubricants to use. The oil is rather thick, but it has a relatively high viscosity. Would a lower viscosity oil (used more frequently) result in significantly better spool bearing performance. The red oil that came with my Daiwas seems significantly thinner than the Abu oil, but the manual recommends a drop on the spool bearings after each outing. So, I'm wondering what oil you folks use for your bearings, and while you are at it what grease you use for your gears. Quote
ILfisherman Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 I use Ardent Reel Butter on my Shimanos and Daiwas. I find that it lasts longer and performs better than the Shimano stuff. As for grease, I just use regular old silicone grease. Quote
Super User burleytog Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Do you want performance or longevity? The lower viscosity oils offer better performance, but do not last as long. Quote
Super User Jimzee Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Do you want performance or longevity?The lower viscosity oils offer better performance, but do not last as long. Yep, if you're wanting some killer rpm's on your spool check out Friction Zero grease and oil. The Daiwa oil is a good middle of the road oil to use but I still have to apply it about every two fishing trips for good performance. Also check out The Rocket Fuel line of lubricants. There is a few more but I have not tried those, I hear good things about them also. Gotta go, the game is back on. ;D Quote
Pantera61 Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Do you want performance or longevity?The lower viscosity oils offer better performance, but do not last as long. Yep, if you're wanting some killer rpm's on your spool check out Friction Zero grease and oil. The Daiwa oil is a good middle of the road oil to use but I still have to apply it about every two fishing trips for good performance. Also check out The Rocket Fuel line of lubricants. There is a few more but I have not tried those, I hear good things about them also. Gotta go, the game is back on. ;D x2 on the Friction-0 Quote
JShrock07 Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 I prefer to use Quantum's Hot Sauce It has worked great for me in the past and all of my reels are still in fantastic shape. Quote
Super User CWB Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 I prefer to use Quantum's Hot Sauce It has worked great for me in the past and all of my reels are still in fantastic shape. X2 Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Well, I'm not challenging any one's "opinion", but we have two professional reel service men on board: Reel Mech and Bantam1. For my money, I'd take their recommendations. p.s. Although Bantam1 only addresses Shimano products, Reel Mech services the "wrong brands", too! 8-) Quote
Bass Tracker Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 I service my own reels, use Reel Mechanic's oil and grease. I have used his products on several reels,and like it very much. Works alot better than Hot Sauce that I was using on my Quantum I used to own. His grease stays put, does not break down like Hot Sauce, which tends to break down and leach that red dye out. Quote
bassripper2000 Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Reel Mech's products... Sewing machine oil works well in bearings as well. Reel Mech's is Gold Lithium Grease and the oil I am not sure about, but it is very much like Shimano Oil.... Quote
Pantera61 Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Well, I'm not challenging any one's "opinion", but we have twoprofessional reel service men on board: Reel Mech and Bantam1. For my money, I'd take their recommendations. p.s. Although Bantam1 only addresses Shimano products, Reel Mech services the "wrong brands", too! 8-) That is an excellent criterion upon which to base your choice of advisors. There is also the possibility, however, an individual may have engaged in an occupation in the past but pursues it now only as a hobby. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 No doubt, and no offense intended. 8-) Quote
Pantera61 Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 No doubt, and no offense intended. 8-) None taken! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Reel Mech warned against using Hot Sauce, I will go with him! I use the ABU oil and grease also. I've got Hot Sauce in a Daiwa for about a year. I've also used it in a couple of Quantums. I've seen no negative effects other than it actually stains brass gearing. It is fast stuff, and easy to apply since its RED. I've found better products, some are more suited to high end bearings, and offer no gain on typical OEM bearings. Its always easiest to stick with Shimano for Shimano, Daiwa for Daiwa, etc. but one weird thing - I've never seen a Quantum come off the shelf with Hot Sauce in it. I wonder why? Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 i use rem oil for my bearings... though i have to put it on um often and i use garcia silicone grease on my gears .both do fine and i cant amagine any more perfermance then what i have unless i go to ceramic or hp bearings Quote
Super User Micro Posted January 10, 2009 Author Super User Posted January 10, 2009 Thanks for the responses. Quote
BARON49_Northern NY Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 Reel Mech warned against using Hot Sauce, I will go with him! I use the ABU oil and grease also. I've got Hot Sauce in a Daiwa for about a year. I've also used it in a couple of Quantums. I've seen no negative effects other than it actually stains brass gearing. It is fast stuff, and easy to apply since its RED. At the recommendation of a qualified reel mechanic and tech I started using Hot Sauce and have to say I am impressed. I get 180+ days a year on the water and have been using Hot Sauce oil and grease on my Quantum and Revo reels with no problems at all. In fact, the first thing I do when I buy a new reel is to take it apart and relube it with Hot Sauce. It holds up in hot and cold weather and especially under the stress of throwing swimbaits and crankbaits all day long. Quote
Super User Micro Posted January 11, 2009 Author Super User Posted January 11, 2009 I guess if I want the same oils and grease that my Daiwas came lubed with, I should call Daiwa and order it. I'd guess it's probably best to stick with their stuff, at least until the warranty runs out. Quote
Super User cart7t Posted January 11, 2009 Super User Posted January 11, 2009 For the Hot sauce users, try raspberry jam. It works even better. Make sure to pick out the seeds first. Quote
Super User Muddy Posted January 11, 2009 Super User Posted January 11, 2009 Reel Mech warned against using Hot Sauce, I will go with him! I use the ABU oil and grease also. I've got Hot Sauce in a Daiwa for about a year. I've also used it in a couple of Quantums. I've seen no negative effects other than it actually stains brass gearing. It is fast stuff, and easy to apply since its RED. At the recommendation of a qualified reel mechanic and tech I started using Hot Sauce and have to say I am impressed. I get 180+ days a year on the water and have been using Hot Sauce oil and grease on my Quantum and Revo reels with no problems at all. In fact, the first thing I do when I buy a new reel is to take it apart and relube it with Hot Sauce. It holds up in hot and cold weather and especially under the stress of throwing swimbaits and crankbaits all day long. Can't argue with that kind of experience. Especially from someone who is not selling an alternate product. Quote
fish-fighting-illini Posted January 11, 2009 Posted January 11, 2009 a big x 2 on the warranty aspect One member was about to get burnt on that very recently. Shimano ( I think it was ) denied his warranty because he used "Hot sauce". He did the lube deal as right out of the box the reel had a noise. He tried to lube it to save the hassle of taking it back. In the process he voided the warranty. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 11, 2009 Super User Posted January 11, 2009 a big x 2 on the warranty aspect One member was about to get burnt on that very recently. Shimano ( I think it was ) denied his warranty because he used "Hot sauce". He did the lube deal as right out of the box the reel had a noise. He tried to lube it to save the hassle of taking it back. In the process he voided the warranty. Technically correct, but I believe the issue was resolved and the reel replaced. Shimano's customer service is very user friendly. 8-) Quote
Super User Muddy Posted January 11, 2009 Super User Posted January 11, 2009 Can't say anything bad about the Holy Shimanos around here ;D Quote
lubina Posted January 11, 2009 Posted January 11, 2009 Can't say anything bad about the Holy Shimanos around here ;D Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 12, 2009 Super User Posted January 12, 2009 Reel Mech warned against using Hot Sauce, I will go with him! I use the ABU oil and grease also. I've got Hot Sauce in a Daiwa for about a year. I've also used it in a couple of Quantums. I've seen no negative effects other than it actually stains brass gearing. It is fast stuff, and easy to apply since its RED. At the recommendation of a qualified reel mechanic and tech I started using Hot Sauce and have to say I am impressed. I get 180+ days a year on the water and have been using Hot Sauce oil and grease on my Quantum and Revo reels with no problems at all. In fact, the first thing I do when I buy a new reel is to take it apart and relube it with Hot Sauce. It holds up in hot and cold weather and especially under the stress of throwing swimbaits and crankbaits all day long. I get out about the same, and you don't have to tell me. I just don't like the staining aspect. Otherwise, it works great. Quote
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