Riazuli

Thanks, guys. I'll stick with the Shimano oil. It's for Shimano reels, afterall. Good luck out there!

Hey everyone, I was wondering your thoughts on Shimano reel oil vs Tsi 321 (prefer this over 301 because of the solvent in 301). The reel is no longer under warranty, so that isn't a concern. Has anyone that has compared these two noticed any significant difference between them? I'm happy with the shimano oil, but if I can increase cast distance with the 321 then I'm all for it. I know the 321 is lower viscosity (around 20 vs 60 for Shimano at room temp), but not sure how this plays out in actual performance. Any info is appreciated!

Thanks, man! It felt great at the store, and I can't wait to set it up

Thanks, guys! I've got the 7mhmf graphite mojo coming tomorrow Can't wait! The comments definitely helped.

Thanks everyone. I forgot about the sensitivity factor. That's a big push for me to stick with the graphite model.

Thank you! I'm leaning toward the graphite myself, and already have it ordered - it's been on back order and in that time I have been considering the glass version, which at a slightly shorter length is like .2 or. 3 oz lighter (likely not noticeable)... Interestingly enough, for the mojos, even the same length glass rods are actually lighter than graphite ones (although I didn't compare power and action for those). That being said, the weight differences were still fairly negligible. I plan to test them out against each other if I can manage it before the rod ships, but I've done enough reviewing (and actually having held that rod) to be content if it does before I can test the glass one.

Hey all, I'm wondering what you all think about a 7'0 medium heavy/moderate fast St. Croix Mojo compared to a 6'10" medium/moderate Mojo glass rod for cranking, all around, and spinner/chatterbaits. I'll also be using it with top waters ranging from 1/2-3/4 oz like spooks. Do you all think this comes down to personal preference, or will one clearly suit me better than the other for my needs? I want to add that I do have other medium/fast rods, but not ones with moderate action.

I had lost a handful of lures to ppo #15 snapping after digging in... That about drove me nuts lol. I messed with brakes, tension, and what I thought was everything else. I started using line conditioner more, which helped and the rest I attribute to my own errors. Now, especially when changing lures, I'll always recheck my brakes and tension knob (even more especially for spinners/chatterbaits which I'll go up on brakes with seeing as they have more drag in the air). However, even after switching to #30, I still lost two lures... Back to back... That about did it for me lol. Admittedly, I casted too hard on the first one, and then didn't readjust for a chatterbait on the second one (and also didn't check my line thoroughly after losing the first one). I seem to be doing just fine now after now considering all of those factors (including lure weight to rod specs, by at least not going heavier than what the rod recommends). I'll also do an easy cast or two when using a different lure just to test things out, before doing a full cast. This helps me ensure that if there are any line or reel setting issues, I'm not putting too much force on the braid. That all being said, I'd like to go with a line that is maybe more forgiving, because let's face it, every now and then we're going to do something we shouldn't (or not do something we should) when casting... I don't want to lose a 5-10 dollar lure and have to put on another one every time that happens lol. It kills my confidence as I then become concerned about losing another lure instead of paying full attention to my technique.

If the extra cost wasn't a concern, would you say the 832 is better and if so, why?

Hey all, I was hoping for some suggestions on what lures/techniques to focus on with the following two rods (both paired with '13 Shimano metanium 100s): Johnny Morris Signature series 7'2" medium/fast St. Croix Mojo bass 7'0 medium heavy/moderate fast I plan on using all spinner and chatterbaits, as well as 1/2 oz and up crankbaits and topwaters on the mojo. I hear it may be good for flipping too. I plan on using lighter baits, worms, and just all around stuff (including the stuff I mentioned for the mojo) for the jm rod. What do you all think?

Hey all. I know there are a few threads for this already, but I'm wondering what you all think about original power pro vs pp super slick vs sufix 832 for the following things: 1. Best at not digging in and snapping as a result 2. Smoothest and longest casting (can be separate rankings) 3. Abrasion resistance and thick vegetation (can be separate) Currently, I use original Power pro with kvd line and lure conditioner. I feel like that combo may make it similar to the super slick? Would rather not have to use the conditioner unless it's useful and not excessive for the super slick or 832. I'll likely continue using original pp on two of my reels and the new line (or continue with ppo) on two higher end reels (Shimano MET100s). I hear the original power pro holds up better with thick vegetation, which I'll be fishing more of in the summer in Potomac River creeks. The new line will be more for all around fishing (freshwater largemouth bass of course) but not needing to gear toward heavy vegetation. I'm a big fan of 1/2-3/4oz lipless and regular crankbaits and topwater, with sometimes going as low as 1/8. Looking forward to your suggestions!

I guess I would have to try em to find out! I'm considering the Zpi Sic or air HD actually now... Will probably keep those on one reel and the zr's on another (although I am also happy with the stock bearings on the one I would put the ceramics on). I love tinkering with this stuff, and am also a car enthusiast. I play music too, and I would consider my ears sensitive. I think that's why I initially backed off of them, as I was already dreading the thought of listening to something I might not like all day. I do love the sound of a good exhaust, and I can see how I might like the sound of performance in a reel at play!

Thank you! Can you see if it has "NMB" engraved on it?

I can offer my thoughts once I receive my hedgehogs! Would you say the zpi's or hh air HD are quieter than s/s one's?

Good to know! Thank you I will be doing cast tests for sure. Thank you!

I appreciate the info. I already ordered hedgehog bearings as stated earlier, and I am pretty sure I am thinking about this how I want to think about it This is more of a question about what bearings are being used for stock more so than an actual performance difference. I also understand the difference between free spool tests and casting tests - I am just doing an initial assessment here. As far as relevance, that would be relevant to the person and situation. A free spool test, with certain factors controlled for, can at least give you an idea in regard to friction, which is more than just cosmetic. As the title of the post says: for "reel" nerds. This must be too nerdy for you

Anyone with a JDM version of the '13 MET100? Interested to know what color the bearings are on it - I've come across some on Ebay with silver bearings, so rather than a general location thing, it could be a time or specific factory thing.

I had all brakes (inside and outside) off and the tension knob as loose as it can get without coming off (not sure how loose is too loose, which could be another factor as the spool needs some tension on the knob end). I definitely considered the other factors you mentioned, and tried my best to control for what I could through running several tests. I honestly don't think it would make a big difference in casting (although, I do plan to test that with the same rod). You're right about swapping bearings - that would be a great way to remove some of the other factors. Thank you! This is exactly what I am thinking. Check out my comparison pics below (posting soon). The one with the black ring on the far left is actually from a Japanese video. Far left: Japanese video with black bearing Second from left: mine with black bearing Second from right: mine with silver bearing Far right: video with silver bearing (I found several videos with both bearings)

Hey everyone, so I've got an interesting theory/conclusion about spool bearings for the Shimano '13 Metanium 100. I've come to the conclusion, based on several videos and confirmation from previous owners of two MET100s that I have, that the reel may come with a different set of bearings, maybe based on when/where it was purchased. Mind blowing, I know...end sarcasm. What got me started on this was that I purchased two used reels in great condition from reputable sellers. Upon inspecting the reels and lubricating them, I noticed that each reel had a different set of bearings from the other. One had a pair of bearings with a black outer ring, and the other had a bearing with a metal colored outer ring (pictures coming). I've further confirmed this through watching several videos where people are opening up their '13 MET100s. I've paused the videos when they show the bearings and can clearly see that some have the bearing with a black ring and some have the bearing with the metal colored ring. The black ring on mine has the letters "NMB" on it. The main thing is of course, does this all really matter in terms of performance and what other factors are involved? Upon comparing the two reels with free several free spool tests, I am confident that the metal colored ones outperform the black ones. I did this several times to control for differences in how strong I spun the reels and I started both reels before the other. The black ones consistently stopped before the metal ones, indicating that they may have more friction which is slowing them down. The difference isn't huge, but it's consistently several seconds (maybe over 10 seconds, which I can confirm later) behind. Of course, there are the factors of how much oil is in each (too much or not enough), what other components may be a factor, how hard I spun it (somewhat controlled for by running several tests), whether or not the previous owners were telling me accurate info (I don't have any reason to believe they aren't as they been very open with telling me about the reels, and I never approached them with any issues but more of curiosity), and other factors. So, my question for you all is, what are you thoughts, and have you come across something like this before? I've already sent an inquiry to Shimano and will be reporting back with those findings. Look forward to my thoughts on the hedgehog Zr bearings after I try them out! I bought them after I originally thought that the black bearings were not stock and seemingly performed not as well as the metal stock ones. Yes, little things like that annoy me, and I want the best performance from what I've got

Thanks guys. I've gone ahead and purchased hedgehog zr bearings as I wasn't too keen on any added sound from ceramics. I've heard a lot of good things about them and they seem to be rated higher than the stock ones. I'll report back with findings from several free spool runs!

Thanks guys. I came across this thread and it was really helpful. I appreciate yalls input! https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/133578-upgrading-bearings-shimano-reels-what-is-in-there-originally/

Thanks for posting. Definitely gonna look into ZPI. I'm leaning toward stock bearings with those being a sure bet, but if there happen to be bearings that outperform the stock ones, I would likely go with those.

Hey everyone, what are your opinions on the best spool bearings (part BNT3627) for the '13 Shimano metanium 100? I purchased two used reels in great condition, but one has NMB bearings (if anyone has info on these I would really appreciate it). They have a black ring outside the inner hole. I do not think these bearings perform better than stock just based on several free spool tests I performed (the stock bearings consistently spun longer, even when started first). *Correction - I've come to the conclusion that this reel actually can have two different sets of bearings, maybe based on when/where it was purchased (?) I am weighing between the hedgehog air HD bearings, stock bearings, and boca bearings just based on some research. I know there was a YouTube test performed that showed stock bearings outperforming abec 7 ceramic bearings, so I'm leaning toward stock. What do you all think? (would especially appreciate thoughts from MET100 owners and, if possible, someone who has been able to make direct comparisons).

VA small ponds in the winter - they gotta be somewhere in there right?? I'm looking forward to getting a winter bite on one - they are fun to use for sure.

I've got the jerkbait on deck and have used it a couple times this December, but I feel like I have more control with the lipless because I'm more aware of where it is in the depth column. Also, the bass that I've caught this december were on the lipless, so I'm sticking with what works for now! I do have some swimbaits that look crazy close to a wounded shad, and am waiting to catch one on those, so I might throw that on every now and then. Thank you! The slower fall hits on the 1/4 definitely makes sense. Great advice all around!