I know grease goes on gears and lube on bearings so....

Just wondering if putting a drop of lube in the shimano maintenance port has any real benefit or is more of a gimmick?

Outside of replacing bail springs, line roller bearings, septon handles and a bail arm, the maintenance port works well on my stradics.  I would caution not to use anything but Shimano oil if under warranty, I had a claim rejected some years ago on a spheros as I used another product.

IMO the best way to do maintenance on a reel is to open it up, clean out the old grease, and replace it with fresh grease.

I know grease goes on gears and lube on bearings so....

Just wondering if putting a drop of lube in the shimano maintenance port has any real benefit or is more of a gimmick?

Not a gimmick, just stay out and do basic outer maintenance.

Let the complete brake downs be done by a pro..

Not a gimmick, just stay out and do basic outer maintenance.

Let the complete brake downs be done by a pro..

He's right, if you don't know how to do it DON"T open up a reel, especially Shimano's.

No gimmick, keep it oiled with the shimano oil it comes with.