Tuning up and improving casting reels

MikeS - doctor

Has anyone tried changing the bearings out in a casting reel to the ceramic bearings and is it worth it?

August 21, 2019 10:35:21 PM
mattfish11 - graduate

I do a bunch of them... The ceramic hybrid bearings will out cast and outlast stock bearings. They area tad louder while casting, but hardly noticeable.

December 31, 2019 03:47:26 PM
Jondoe67 - graduate

Eagerly waiting responses....
reason is i have no doubt they work
But wondered on some slight older gear if the new bearing out play the brakes

May 30, 2020 06:53:20 PM
mattfish11 - graduate

The bearings and brakes play together nicely. When you install better bearings, you just need to adjust the brakes appropriately but will certainly be able to cast farther. In addition to casting distance, ease of casting is improved. This means it takes way less effort to cast the same distance. Let me know if you have any other questions, I do ceramic hybrid bearing upgrades all the time.

May 30, 2020 06:57:41 PM
Jondoe67 - graduate

Thanks Matt

May 30, 2020 08:36:34 PM
MikeS - doctor

Which bearings have you found to be the best

May 30, 2020 11:00:26 PM
mattfish11 - graduate

There are a few top notch bearings, in my opinion. Hedgehog Studio, Boca, ZPI come to mind. And honestly for the price, speedspool bearings are impressive!

May 31, 2020 08:41:59 AM

I have bought some on ebay for around $25 and really like them. Most of these bearings are made in the same factory and rebranded.

May 31, 2020 01:20:20 PM
Jason Admin - admin

How difficult is it to make this change as a first-timer? Do certain bearings only fit certain reels? I've got some old Curados and Citicas (late 90's editions) that would probably benefit from bearing replacement.

June 1, 2020 10:26:57 PM
mattfish11 - graduate

Bearing replacement is very easy. The bearing retainers are spring loaded but pretty easy to remove to switch out bearings. Most older shimano reels are 3x10x4 - and you'll need 2 of them. Hit me up and I can walk you through replacement. It should be pretty basic.

June 1, 2020 11:05:09 PM
Jondoe67 - graduate

Jason Im sure Matt willing to help

Just keep in mind some spools have a pin that must be knocked out before bearing comes off. Should really be done with the special tool to prevent hurting a delicate spool shaft.

Im sure Matt can help you.

June 2, 2020 11:14:24 AM
Dustin newer - graduate

Just installed new ceramic BOCa bearings in my 1998 vintage shimano critical and they cast like a dream and are loud AF. But for $30 I got two brand new reels

July 1, 2020 09:47:31 PM

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