Old Debate Brought Up Again

[skunked_again]

ive had these bearings in a few different reels and didnt think much of them over good, stock bearings. that said i ordered a set for my Alphas because after 2 flush/lubes one of the spool bearings was screaming like a monkey on the cast. the first thing i noticed is the new bearings dont have the rubber orange seal. maybe they have been doing this for a while now but i had no idea. this alone makes the bearing much more desirable to me. prior to install i did not clean/lube the bearings. the rumor is they have a factory lube so i didnt touch them. after install i test drove the reel with weights ranging from 3/8 oz to 1/4 oz. all i can say is im impressed. the reel has never preformed this well in the 2 years ive owned it.

long story short, if you need bearings, id give these a try.

[bilgerat]

I think the only way to settle the debate would to start with a freshly cleaned and lubed reel with it's stock bearings. Make about 10 or so casts in a field and determine the average length. Then install the 'upgraded' bearings and repeat the test.

I'm sure someone somewhere has done this, but I've never seen anything showing this.

[UBA]

I really didn't think I saw much of an improvement with the orange seal bearings in my Daiwa Sol, until I had run the bearings in for a year. I then re-installed the stock bearings for a comparision. After I installed the stock bearings I found that the casting distance was no where near as good as the orange seals. I was averaging 10-15 feet more with the orange seals, and was also able to turn down the magnetic braking which had better spool control compared to the stock bearings.

[BassThumb]

I have Orange Seals in one Curado. I think they've added at least 15 feet to my cast and made pitching and roll casting easier.

I picked up a pair of HP ceramic hybrids last week and I'm looking forward to trying them vs the Orange Seals. They both cost about the same.

[.ghoti.]

I think the only way to settle the debate would to start with a freshly cleaned and lubed reel with it's stock bearings. Make about 10 or so casts in a field and determine the average length. Then install the 'upgraded' bearings and repeat the test.

I'm sure someone somewhere has done this, but I've never seen anything showing this.

I did this a couple of years ago with two Fuegos and two identical rods; Setyr 7' M-F.

The bearings were TG ceramics. Both reels had been freshly serviced, and had a fresh fill of the same new line. One reel had stock bearings and one had the new TG's. I used the same baits; Pop-r's for one test and 1/4oz jigs with no trailer for the second.

The reel with TG's tossed both baits a bit farther. Maybe 15 feet or so. I could achieve similar distances with a bit less effort using the TG reel. I then swapped the reels out and tested again with he same results. Absolutely nothing earthshaking about ceramic bearings as far as i was concerned.

When I got home I removed the ceramics and sold them at a loss to a buddy of mine. I could not stand the sound they made. I prefer that my reels be seen and NOT heard. I've heard since that you need to allow time for the bearings to break in, and then they will be quieter. As far as I'm concerned, breaking in is another term for wearing out. In any event, I do not like ceramic bearings and will not be buying any more.

I did the same test last year with stainless steel ABEC 7's, with very similar results. 10 -15' more distance with the same effort or equal distance with a little less effort. The only real difference I could tell was the stainless steel ABEC 7's were quiet. They were also less expensive.

I would say that if I ever need to replace spool bearings, I will buy SS ABEC 7's instead of factory stock bearings. Biggreenfish sells these for $10 each, minimal shipping cost and very fast service. Or I can buy from Daiwa and get stock bearings for a little higher price, higher shipping and very slow service. Seems a no-brainer to me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Even though the Orange Seal are marketed as a "non-contact" shield, I run them open with no problem and get better performance. IMO the improved accuracy of being able to cast with less effort is more if an advantage than distance casting. I flush the factory lube from all bearings and re-lube them. I typically recommend bearing upgrades when the stockers have worn out. You can get a better bearing for less than OEM costs. As a Boca dealer I have access to their entire line, which includes a wide variety of material and ABEC rating options and extend a 10% discount off retail to members here.

FWIW, I've seen some reports of supposed comparison tests but don't know how well controlled they were. I am flirting with the idea of doing something just for fun, but whatever the results, I'd put more weight on your own experience and that of others who's opinions you value.