...and now I know what the other three centrifugal brakes I wasn't using are for!  ;-)

 

The Lew's TP already casted like a dream... I was amazed at how far I was throwing 'traps this morning.  I wasn't really sure what to expect from the new bearings.  I found a noticeable difference in casting.  Now, it's even better.  

 

Before I put the new bearings in, I threw a jig in the back yard a few times (spool tension set for a steady drop, one centrifugal brake engaged, magnetic brake set on "4").  Then I put in the ABEC 7 ceramic hybrid bearings from Boca.  No lube was added; I left them dry.

 

I went back out in the yard and made some easy pitches and it felt great.  Then I tried a longer cast and got a pretty darn respectable backlash.  I decided the smarter thing to do was to start with all four brakes engaged and work my way down.  Even with all four brakes engaged, it casted plenty well.  I can't wait to get back on the water on Sunday and wring her out!

 

Heck, a set of those bearings costs more than a quarter of the price of the reel, which already casts really well.  I really don't know why I did it; curiosity, I guess.  My curiosity is satisfied.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

 

I've always found it the opposite.  Any reel I have that has been tuned and had the bearings upgraded uses less brakes than before.

 

Yup.  Now all it will take is a medium power cast to achieve enough distance for most fishing.  However, fishing from shore I still find myself shooting for the moon. 

I've always found it the opposite.  Any reel I have that has been tuned and had the bearings upgraded uses less brakes than before.

 

 

That could very well be the case with mine, too.  I might have done something wrong on that one long cast I tried with the reel set up the same as it had been.  I'll find out Sunday.  And I'm anxious!

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Turn your mag brakes off and start with 2 centrifugal on. The TP is pretty much set and forget unless you have drastic lure weight changes. 1/4-1/2 baits those settings did well for me. I only touched the mags if the wind picked up.

You'll need less braking once you get used to using less force now that the spool starts up easier. FYI for anyone reading, the same or better results can be achieved with a pro cleaning and maybe Super Tuning.