Quote Originally Posted by Alphahawk View Post
There's bearings...and then there is bearings. One is not going to get good bearings in a 59 dollar spinning reel. Many high end reels do not have sealed bearings either. But they do have bearings that have been treated and will not rust. All of my reels are in the medium to medium-high category. All of them have rust proof bearings. Some are sealed dry...some have sealed oil filled beings...some are open oil bearings, and some are open dry bearings. Good bearings are not cheap. Here is some info if interested. You will also get varied opinions on bearings if they should be lightly lubed....oiled...or dry.

DAIWA Line Roller 2 Bearing upgrade Kit [RG] (For 17 THEORY, 16 EM MS, 15 LUVIAS, 14 CALDIA, 14 X FIRE, 14 EMERALDAS MX, 14 PRESSO)

Regards
I have wondered about bearings before. Even in a relatively inexpensive reel like the Daiwa Regal LT, I’ve been impressed with how smooth the bearings are. I’m guessing biggest difference in the higher end stuff is lifespan and durability?

Many moons ago, as a young man, I was into skateboarding as a hobby. I remember the wide variety of and heated discussions people would have over bearings. Much like fishing reels, bearings make or break the experience there. Another thing I remember from those days was that the Swiss seemed to make a lot of the better high end bearings, ceramic and the like.

I have always thought it would be fun to take a cheap reel and swap the bearings out to see how much it could be improved. Lo and behold, of course, Victor over at i_Fish has already been there done that. I really enjoyed watching him overhaul some cheap reels.


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