newapti5

If it's the same noise when you cast, it's likely the spool bearings. When a reel's cast is normal, the only moving parts are the spool and the spool bearings. Daiwa reels use magnetic brakes, so no friction noise there, which leads to the spool bearings. Once bearings are damaged, they may still rotate well, but oil or cleaning is not gonna quiet them down. Try changing the spool bearings for a change if that noise bothers you. They're 3x8x4mm and 3x10x4mm. Of course there's still that small possibility of damaged spool, but that usually cause some noticeable wobble of the spool during cast.

I have to add jp.mercari.com (paired with Buyee) to the list. It's the biggest Japan flea market site I've seen, and lately I've been a bit addicted to it. It's like the Japan equivalent of eBay, only more items and much better pricing. With the discount (~15% off) the proxy company Buyee has been giving out lately, it's pretty much tax free and shipping free. Mint/great condition Metanium for ~$150, Conquest for ~$260, Zillion SV for ~$180... I just purchased a mint condition Abu Revo LTX for $80 to-my-door. BFS isn't actually my cup of tea, but a magnesium BFS reel for $80 is just too tempting.

Finally got a chance to give this used Aldebaran 51 a deep clean. For $118 to-my-door, it's in really great shape. But the cleaning process was such a pain in the butt, not because it's dirty but because there're some many extra and small parts that need attention, way more than other Shimano reels. Some of the designs I like and some I don't, but I can definitely tell how Shimano is trying everything to shed a gram or two, while keeping the reel as sturdy and smooth as possible.

GLX MBR has better action and wider applications, and NRX JWR has better sensitivity and a more universal reel seat. It's a pickel, but I'll take the upgrade for sure. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and get a GLX MBR. You'll still have some leftover for lures.

It looks awfully similar to the one I sold on eBay, down to the knobs. I had to pull out my photo for comparison to make sure it's not the same one.

Speaking of drag, I believe BG is the only reel around $100 that has a bearing-supported drag. If you don't mind the weight, best value reel in its class. Daiwa don't make much money on this one.

I think we had similar discussions in the forum before? My drag is set about 3~4lb most of the time, even lower with treble hooks. If I need extra drag force during hookset, I just thumb my spool a little. If the drag is locked down, all the drag force, and the shock force during hookset, will be applied to the gear set. All that 10+lb force on those tiny teeth, it will shorten the "smoothness period" of those gears if not damage them. I don't fish grass, so there's no need for me drag the fish to the boat ASAP. Besides, heavy hookset will likely tear a big gap in fish's mouth unless it's hooked on the upper lip.

I couldn't help it but ordered the 7'2 M Regular (final price $70), and a bunch of other stuff. It's rated 1/4 - 3/4oz, and knowing Tatula rods, I believe the Regular action is similar to others' Moderate Fast, perfect for me. The MH Fast is actually a little stiffer than others. G.Loomis NRX+ MBR 783c, GLX MBR 782c, 783c, they're all on sale as well. With discounts, the final price would be 35% off. Not much discount compared to Tatula rods', but a LOT for Loomis rods.

I stored them inside a closet, and I just put a spool of fluoro from 5, 6 years ago on a new reel. Everything is fine. One of my fishing buddies who has a PhD in Material Science told me that among those three line materials, mono is most prone to deterioration with sunline and humidity. That is the most scientific proof I have.

Well, I can't afford the best on everything, so I prioritize what I want and learn to enjoy cheaper things.

These wood knobs from the Chinese brand KAWA are decent. I mean sure there's some inconsistence in size and the surface could use another coating, but for the price ($30 a pair), I am not complaining about the craftsmanship.

I love shallow spools for finesse fishing, no matter spinning or baitcasting reels. Sure one could put all 300 yard of braid line on a deeper spool to save the trouble of respooling, but when the spool is only half full, the casting performance would definitely suffer, spinning or baitcasting. Like others said, if a spinning reel's casting distance and easiness matter to you, using shallow spools or backing on deep spools will keep the spool as full as possible. If not, a deep spool would be more versatile.

Although I've only oiled my AR bearings, I think the choice of grease or oil might depend on the size of the AR bearing. For a large size AR bearing in an Abu 6000 reel, light grease should be fine, but for the small ones in most low profile BCs, I'd stick with what works for me.

I have tried Midway's "openbox" item before. It's basically brand-new. So $200 for a US version Zillion is a rare opportunity. You'll get the brass gears of US version, but on the other hand, the JDM version is made in Japan if that matters to you.

Thanks for the detailed explanation! I use a bearing checking tool like this to check bearings' conditions, and you're right, sometimes although the bearing feel ok when rotated by my finger, it's already damaged on some level and shows when under load.

Yeah that's what I think, so I don't mess with them unless necessary. But lately I noticed some reels with new gears and new clean bearings are still sort of geary, which makes me think that maybe AR bearing is the issue.

Just click the link with the "Mercari" in my post, or, this is a good one I think: https://jp.mercari.com/item/m56042749533 It's a 22 Stella in mint condition, and with current exchange rate, it's only $400. Buyee has been giving out promotion coupon lately to every user, such as 12~15% off with the price. So the discounted price would be $350, you don't need to pay tax, and buyee usually gives new users free shipping, which is usually $20. So your final price for a barely used 22 Stella 2500 is just around $350. Just use Google translate on the webpages if you encounter language barrier like I did.

Since the AR bearing is locked in the sideplate, usually I'd just use Q-tips to wipe it clean, and put some oil in it. But do you guys dissemble it from the sideplate and deep-clean it thoroughly ? I do that with SOME spinning reel AR bearings, but never try that with BC reel AR bearings.

Hmm, actually I find Bantam/Metanium a better fit for the GLX reel seat, but again I digress. Zillion is great on performance and smoothness. I guess the "Hyper" design pays off, as it's one of the smoothest Daiwa reels I've tried. But I find myself less enthusiastic about its looks. It and the new Tatula, their looks are really not that impressing.

You don't need Exsence BB, you don't need Exsence BB..... You need a Stella, a Stella, a Stella...... You need to go to JDM sites such as Mercari to find great deals on barely used Stellas, and then use proxy companies like Buyee to buy it and ship it to US, US, US....... Usually a new user can get free shipping, free shipping......

Besides fishing the early hours, how about go wade fishing in creeks? It is quite fun and cool in hot summers. And there're some monsters in small creeks, as long as you can find them.

My fishing buddy won't buy any reels that don't have a clicking drag or the ability to be upgraded to one. But I think a clicking drag is overrated.

For bank fishing bass, 7'10 is way to long. 7'1~7'3 would be the limit. On the other hand, the Blackout series is surprisingly good for its price.

That's what I thought, until I see this: I mean...