So, maintenance is coming around and I need to buy Daiwa oil and grease but DANG it's expensive! I can't find any store retailers that sell them. I want to use a known-name oil and grease other than Daiwa that still maintains that Daiwa smoothness. Any pointers? I see Penn, Clenzoil, ReelX, Lucas. All look like good options.

Cal's Tan - nothing else goes on my gears and carbontex drag washers.

https://www.amazon.com/Cals-tan-Drag-Reel-Grease/dp/B08FGG26FX

 

It may seem expensive - but you use very little. That 1oz 'tin' will probably grease my 13 casting and 7 spinning reels close to a decade if I do them yearly.

 

For oil, I've been using 'sewing machine oil' - it's thin and formulated to last a long time under severe use.

 

The difference in smoothness of my reels from using Abu grease and oil to Cals and 'sewing machine' was enormous.

I've always used the Shimano Drag Grease for both the main and pinion gears along with the drag washers.  For all other areas that require grease, I use Super Lube.  I do believe the Shimano Drag Grease and Cal's Drag Grease are pretty similar. 

 

As for oil, I have a bottle of Remoil I use.  Same stuff I use for all of my firearms. 

 

Scheels sells Daiwa space age reel grease for $7 online

I've been using this on gears as of late, Cals for the drag, and TSI 321 for the bearings. So far so good. All are relatively inexpensive and one purchase of each should last a lifetime.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I settled on these two. I decided to bite the bullet and buy Daiwa's expensive oil because I wanted to maintain the same oil consistency and performance. And I'm assuming Cal's can be applied everywhere where grease is needed like drag washers, worm gear, and spool ends.

I didn't buy Daiwa's grease since it had long shipping and quite frankly don't want to be without fishing for that long 🫣

The reels performance is not dictated to a large degree by what lubricants you use. Keeping the reel clean and serviced is much more important. There is no magic in any lubricant and in the grand scheme of things, a reel is not a demanding application. 

I've been using Lucas products. Their reel grease is sold under the Lews label and the oil under their own. Cal's is all I use on my drags.

57 minutes ago, Ryan N said:

And I'm assuming Cal's can be applied everywhere where grease is needed like drag washers, worm gear, and spool ends.

Yep - anywhere you'd use grease on a reel, you can use Cal's.

27 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

The reels performance is not dictated to a large degree by what lubricants you use. Keeping the reel clean and serviced is much more important. There is no magic in any lubricant and in the grand scheme of things, a reel is not a demanding application. 

If it's to get fish on in the boat, you're right, it doesn't matter as long as it has some form of lubrication. But in the smoothness, long-term life, and corrosion resistance of the reel, the correct formula of viscosity and additives can go a long way. Much like the oil to your engine or in industrial applications, all mechanical contact is prone to wear, and the right lubricant can prolong the life of your gear whilst providing optimal performance.

18 hours ago, Ryan N said:

If it's to get fish on in the boat, you're right, it doesn't matter as long as it has some form of lubrication. But in the smoothness, long-term life, and corrosion resistance of the reel, the correct formula of viscosity and additives can go a long way. Much like the oil to your engine or in industrial applications, all mechanical contact is prone to wear, and the right lubricant can prolong the life of your gear whilst providing optimal performance.

Yes but the “right”  lubricant is just appropriate for the application. Nothing specialized or expensive will do anything for you. It’s snake oil (no pun intended) in most cases. You’re not doing any harm if spending the extra gives peace of mind, just letting readers know its totally unnecessary and not to stress over it. 

I've been using Super Lube Synthetic Grease and TSI 321 oil

SLP Works 104, shimano dg04 and shimano dg06 is pretty much all i use. Cal's grease for carbontex washers is great, but you can use dg04 on them and its as good.

I used Cal's Tan and Daiwa's Reel Oiler; It's pretty dang smooth. Thanks for the help guys.

I use Mobil 1 5w30 for oil and some blue Marine grease. The only "hi-tech" lube that I use is Tri-Flow oil on the worm gear. I've never had a lube related problem with any reel. 

Keeping your reels clean will do more to make them last than any oil or grease will.

 

Tom

 

19 hours ago, tholmes said:

I use Mobil 1 5w30 for oil and some blue Marine grease. The only "hi-tech" lube that I use is Tri-Flow oil on the worm gear. I've never had a lube related problem with any reel. 

Keeping your reels clean will do more to make them last than any oil or grease will.

 

Tom

 

In my experience, marine grease is awful. Specifically, Lucas Marine Grease. For some reason it doesn’t hold its viscosity and gets thin quickly, causing a loud retrieve.