What makes the upgraded bearings better than the OEM bearings? And what all do they help with?

The upgraded bearings (Orange Seals, AiR) have a much lower amount of friction so they increase free spool and effectively increase casting distance as well.

The upgraded bearings (Orange Seals, AiR) have a much lower amount of friction so they increase free spool and effectively increase casting distance as well.

 

Gotcha. I was just curious because I'd like to start learning how to work on reels so I want to try out upgraded bearings amongst other things.

You should go look on Youtube for bearing upgrades on bait casters so you can really see the difference they make.

I'll check it out when the internet speeds up in about an hour. I may buy them and end up not being able to install them. Lol

Actually upgrading bearings is very easy so don't be discouraged. There are plenty of videos on Youtube on how to install them as well.

I looked one up last night. It didn't look to difficult, but I work on guns so I don't have to deal with bearings. Lol

They make backlashing more fun to

They make backlashing more fun to

M

I found that out with a new set of Hedgehog ZR's.

They don't increase casting distance.

They make the spool spin faster and quicker to get to that speed. Allows you to cast with less effort as well as pitch lighter lures.

If you upgrade, please don't go out and see how far you can throw your lure because you'll end up with a nasty backlash!

With my core50 & cu50 I clearly get more distance with abec7 bearings over cleaned lightly oiled stock bearings. Ive gone back and forth and there is a difference. Im set with one brake light spool tension and with stock cant get past a certain object in the lake. When I switch to the abec7 and same set up I throw past that object.

It stands to reason with basic physics if you can achieve the same distance with less effort throwing with the same effort will give you more distance. Its up to the person operating the set up to be able to take advantage of the better bearing.

With my core50 & cu50 I clearly get more distance with abec7 bearings over cleaned lightly oiled stock bearings. Ive gone back and forth and there is a difference. Im set with one brake light spool tension and with stock cant get past a certain object in the lake. When I switch to the abec7 and same set up I throw past that object.

It stands to reason with basic physics if you can achieve the same distance with less effort throwing with the same effort will give you more distance. Its up to the person operating the set up to be able to take advantage of the better bearing.

 

So are they worth the extra money? And where is the best place to buy them?

Extra casting distance is probably the last real benefit of them. As mentioned they allow the spool to start up faster. In turn you can cast the same distance with less effort. Also pitching lures is easier since a lower startup inertia is required. Accuracy is also better since you don't have to cast as hard. I've noticed I use less braking on my reels with upgraded bearings. Reason being is mentioned above. On reels with shallow lightweight spools they really seem to shine the best. They can be ran without any oil so you don't have to keep them lubed. With ceramics no oil makes them louder though. For some it's annoying. Anything over the abec 5 rating is not needed. It's purely an enthusiast upgrade in my eyes. Are they worth it? That's really up to you. A deep reel cleaning from a professional would be money better spent honestly.

I just shipped Mike two Lews Tourny Pro's. Can't wait to feel all the goodness in the upgrade. Especially with the pitching reel.

This is a dumb question because it's such a cheap reel, but I'd like to try out the bearings upgrade and it's gonna be a while before I get the money for another reel. Anyways, does anyone know what size bearings to buy for a Pflueger Templar? I know this reel very well so if there's a change I'll definitely feel it.

Here is a link for Boca bearings.  Based on a what you payed for the reel, I am not sure if it is a wise investment.  I recently changed the bearings on my Shimano Core and it helped it feel like new, sort of.  The reel was 7 years old and was due for some new ones.  It casts great and feels great but it was not a big step up from the stock bearings. 

 

http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-inventory/17387/fr093cyld-pflueger-templar-lp-baitcaster

Here is a link for Boca bearings.  Based on a what you payed for the reel, I am not sure if it is a wise investment.  I recently changed the bearings on my Shimano Core and it helped it feel like new, sort of.  The reel was 7 years old and was due for some new ones.  It casts great and feels great but it was not a big step up from the stock bearings. 

 

http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-inventory/17387/fr093cyld-pflueger-templar-lp-baitcaster

 

Yeah, I found the site after I asked that. Lol I think I'll wait until I upgrade to a new reel and put the ABEC 5's or 7's on it considering they costs almost twice as much as m Templar.

This is a dumb question because it's such a cheap reel, but I'd like to try out the bearings upgrade and it's gonna be a while before I get the money for another reel. Anyways, does anyone know what size bearings to buy for a Pflueger Templar? I know this reel very well so if there's a change I'll definitely feel it.

Honest answer, save your money. Buy a higher end reel. Bearings aren't going to make a big difference in that reel in my opinion.

I own 2 Patriachs and an XT. Great reels..

The Supreme is a very good reel too. You could buy one for less than 100 bucks when the time comes. Good Luck and happy fishing.

Honest answer, save your money. Buy a higher end reel. Bearings aren't going to make a big difference in that reel in my opinion.

I own 2 Patriachs and an XT. Great reels..

The Supreme is a very good reel too. You could buy one for less than 100 bucks when the time comes. Good Luck and happy fishing.

 

I was actually going to buy the XT for my next reel. I just don't wanna spend $150 on a reel and then screw it up when I try to upgrade it. I'm sure I can do it because I'm a pretty good problem solver, but I could screw up. I guess its just one of those things that I'll have to learn as I go.

I was actually going to buy the XT for my next reel. I just don't wanna spend $150 on a reel and then screw it up when I try to upgrade it. I'm sure I can do it because I'm a pretty good problem solver, but I could screw up. I guess its just one of those things that I'll have to learn as I go.

The Supreme XT is great as is, you won't need upgrades. Check eBay. Better prices on XT reels.

The Supreme XT is great as is, you won't need upgrades. Check eBay. Better prices on XT reels.

 

I have an obsession with upgrading things. Lol you should see my plans for my guns and quad. The only thing I won't mess with is my truck because I don't wanna possibly screw up the reliability.

In order of cost effectiveness:

 

Deep Clean w/ bearing flush ad proper lubrication of stock bearings

 

Carbontex Drag upgrade

 

Super Tuning of appropriate models ( solid, uncoated spool shaft)

 

Installation of ABEC5 ceramic hybrid beraings - dry

 

ABEC7> are overkill for a reel. The spool does not reach sustained speeds high enough to benefit. I usually reserve bearing swaps for enthusiast projects or as replacement for worn out stock parts. 

 

There are model specific tweaks that be beneficial but the above list covers the basics. 

In order of cost effectiveness:

 

Deep Clean w/ bearing flush ad proper lubrication of stock bearings

 

Carbontex Drag upgrade

 

Super Tuning of appropriate models ( solid, uncoated spool shaft)

 

Installation of ABEC5 ceramic hybrid beraings - dry

 

ABEC7> are overkill for a reel. The spool does not reach sustained speeds high enough to benefit. I usually reserve bearing swaps for enthusiast projects or as replacement for worn out stock parts. 

 

There are model specific tweaks that be beneficial but the above list covers the basics. 

 

 

This: Unless the bearings are bad or not of a high enough quality.

 

Deep Clean w/ bearing flush ad proper lubrication of stock bearings

 

Carbontex Drag upgrade

 

Super Tuning of appropriate models ( solid, uncoated spool shaft)

 

Wayne