I read a post here saying to change the bearings to ceramics in this reel. I ordered the 3 bearings kit says it works for the Black Max. I noticed my reel says its the Black Max 3 on it. Is all Black Max the same bearings? Or do I need a bearings that says Black Max 3 specific? I enjoy the reel a lot but it says you get 75% more casting out of it with the new bearings. 

37 minutes ago, Fred Allen said:

 but it says you get 75% more casting out of it with the new bearings. 

Same size, but assuming your current bearings are not worn or damaged, and they are clean and properly lubed, the performance improvement will be minimal, the decibels will show improvement.

7 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Same size, but assuming your current bearings are not worn or damaged, and they are clean and properly lubed, the performance improvement will be minimal, the decibels will show improvement.

Mine should be like new because I only got it last fall and used it 2 trips. I saw a video for the ceramic bearings and it spun like crazy. I guess even a small improvement wont be too bad.

Spool spin videos are total propaganda and mean nothing. 75% increase is completely unrealistic. Secondly, the crank side plate bearing is for lateral support and don’t really affect casting. I replace only the the spool and palm side. Third, you’ll need a special spool pin tool to replace that one. You’re looking at almost $75, nearly the cost of the reel. You’ll be mile ahead of the game to keep the Black max stock and save up for a better reel 2-3 yrs down the road. 

30 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Spool spin videos are total propaganda and mean nothing. 75% increase is completely unrealistic. Secondly, the crank side plate bearing is for lateral support and don’t really affect casting. I replace only the the spool and palm side. Third, you’ll need a special spool pin tool to replace that one. You’re looking at almost $75, nearly the cost of the reel. You’ll be mile ahead of the game to keep the Black max stock and save up for a better reel 2-3 yrs down the road. 

I have two, and I agree. Not a bad reel for the price, but not worth putting in $$$ for upgrades. Keep it stock. 

If you already got them, use them. You will notice a big difference. 

On 5/1/2021 at 8:47 PM, Fred Allen said:

Mine should be like new because I only got it last fall and used it 2 trips. I saw a video for the ceramic bearings and it spun like crazy. I guess even a small improvement wont be too bad.

Also, be careful not to bend or damage something when wrangling with the bearing retention pin.