Yup mostly noise and the need to lubricate more often...

Went back to Stainless Steel real quick, imo no need for anything else...

 

Tight Lines All! 

100% spot on, noisy if you run em dry, and wont see a difference if you run them wet. Boca is a brand and they come in any grade you like, I suggest an Abec 5 to my customers as most won't see the difference in the 7's, the very best is the Abec7's in my book, and from Boca as good as it gets for fishing reel applications. Unless you want the noise for hardly any noticeable difference with a lot of noise! Abec 5 Flushed and lubed with a quality light oil, and you will be delighted!!

100% spot on, noisy if you run em dry, and wont see a difference if you run them wet. Boca is a brand and they come in any grade you like, I suggest an Abec 5 to my customers as most won't see the difference in the 7's, the very best is the Abec7's in my book, and from Boca as good as it gets for fishing reel applications. Unless you want the noise for hardly any noticeable difference with a lot of noise! Abec 5 Flushed and lubed with a quality light oil, and you will be delighted!!

Right On Capt.Bob......

Back when all this silliness started with ABEC tolerances and bearing upgrades, I learned that the 7's (especially ceramics) were made for RC, sewing machine, and other super high speed motors (10,000rpm) or better.

We i'm sure there isn't to many bc reels out there that can get the spool rotations up to that speed. We never suggest to our clients any bearing upgrades over the ABEC5 stainless steel's, and only when the stocks get really rough or stop rotating all together.

 

Never had anyone say they weren't pleased with the 5's.

 

Tight Lines!

I have replaced my hybrids with SS 5s from Smooth Drags in my three Daiwa Sol/Alphas cranking reels.  I'm more than satisfied with free spool performance, and they are quiet and fast.

Just received my SS Abec5s from BB. They are pretty much up the street from me. Only took 1 day to get to me. Might order another set for a CU100B I have coming.

Thanks all,

 

You just never stop learning if your willing to ask a few questions   

 

After a thorough cleaning and light oil the original bearings are fine. But when they do need replaced I know what i want now.