Has anybody used both and can tell a difference between them? i have seen free spool videos using both bearings and they both seem to be just as good as the other. That being said if they are the same performance wise im guessing it would be better to use HawgTechs since they are a lot cheaper?

Has anybody used both and can tell a difference between them? i have seen free spool videos using both bearings and they both seem to be just as good as the other. That being said if they are the same performance wise im guessing it would be better to use HawgTechs since they are a lot cheaper?

I believe the primary difference in the bearings is that the Hawgtech bearings use a polymer cage and the Bocas use a SS cage.

Spin time videos are about as overblown a hype as I've ever seen. There are just too many variables. It's a cool in that it's a visual difference, but there are a number of ways to improve a reels free-spool. The Hawgtech guys are straight shooters and stand up guys from all accounts. I'm a Boca Dealer because of brand recognition, quality products, good service and most importantly support if there ever is a problem.

I'll back the support part. I had a bearing that would catch when spun slowly and roll backwards when it hit that spot. Called and a received a replacement free of charge. I have a set for my tatula in the mail now.

Jon, PM Mike and Rob from Hawgtech. They are BR sponsors and avid bass fisherman. They will answer any questions you will have. Who knows they might even give you a discount for being a BR member. 

I currently have both in multiple reels, and cannot tell any difference. I do think the hawgtechs are a tiny bit louder.

I'll take bocas all day.. Their double ribbon bearing is smoother,faster and quieter.. They are hard to beat for the price.. They have GREAT customer service as well

Convenience for me, I drive by Boca Bearings nearly every day, live a few minutes away.  I even have a fishing spot almost behind their building.

Spin time videos are about as overblown a hype as I've ever seen. There are just too many variables. It's a cool in that it's a visual difference, but there are a number of ways to improve a reels free-spool.

X2 your not alone in that belief...

I have both bocas and HT bearings, I do like both of them, and have not had any issues with either. for the price I think HT is the way to go.

 

Mitch

Spin time videos are about as overblown a hype as I've ever seen. There are just too many variables. It's a cool in that it's a visual difference, but there are a number of ways to improve a reels free-spool. The Hawgtech guys are straight shooters and stand up guys from all accounts. I'm a Boca Dealer because of brand recognition, quality products, good service and most importantly support if there ever is a problem.

 

X2 your not alone in that belief...

 

x3

 

I don't like those videos. A stock SS bearing completely flushed of factory grease will spin just as long as ceramic bearings on a full spool, except you shouldn't run SS dry because they overheat. If you put a big drop of oil on your boca bearings, they can slow the bearing down up to 60-70%.

 

Recently, I've gone back to the stock bearings because they are the easiest to maintain. With ceramics they are finicky, no oil and they spin too fast and are loud, too much oil slows them down a lot, the right amount of oil, you'll have to reapply often if you fish a lot. What I didn't like most was oil would run off the bearings and get everywhere (I don't run OS Boca bearings with the shields) with the thin oils, which you should be using.