does anyone know when shimano switched to a bushing instead of a bearing in most of their spinning reels? 

 

anyone know why?

 

and which reels currently have a ball bearing in the line roller? only stradic on up? 

I think every Shimano spinning reel that has a one-piece bail design have line roller bearings meaning Ultegra and up.

 

Two-piece bail always has the bushing meaning Miravel and below, pretty reliable design for freshwater reel though.

 

i_fish dude have a video on how to replace line roller bushing with bearings.

 

 

I thought Nasci or every reel above Nasci had a RB.  Funny the topic comes up, I have a Stradic FK that is screaming for a new bearing.

I have a couple of dozen Shimano spinning reels of various levels.  I have no idea if they have bearings or bushings.  They just work.

If you encounter brackish or salt water or if regular maintenance isn’t so regular, a roller bushing can be an advantage. 

yes so I posted this on a shimano support forum and the rep confirmed that it is the Ultegra and up that has a bearing, on the saltwater side its the Saragosa and up.