I finally got around to reading Jeff Nielson's article about super tuning reels. I spent the afternoon working on my oldest Curado.

I don't have any way to really polish the pinion gear collars on the spool shaft other than by hand.

I did the experiments with the lightest weight bait (1/4 oz jig with no trailer) and a stiff 6'6" rod. I gained 15' with longest to longest cast comparisons (he reports 30').

For you who have supertuned them, how much gain did you get? And would it be worth going back and inventing a way to polish those collars?

Please address my questions as well as relate your experiences. Thanks.

While the biggest part of supertuning is the polishing of all free spool friction points, the most important part are the free spool support bearings. How well did you clean them, and did you add just the right amount/kind of oil.

Change them stock Abec 3s to Abec 5s and hold on to your panties.  ;D

While the biggest part of supertuning is the polishing of all free spool friction points, the most important part are the free spool support bearings. How well did you clean them, and did you add just the right amount/kind of oil.

I always clean my bearings with naptha, dry them and add one drop of a synthetic blend oil that is made for the guys at the reel repair center at Bass Pro.

I sent my Curado(2005 model) to a guy in Wichita, KS to be cleaned.  He called and ask if I wanted to upgrade my bearings?  I said sure!!   , they are screaming fast now.  I can cast 1/8 bitsy bugs on 20lb line about 35 yds with no backlash.  Of course I BL it pretty good before I adjusted to the new speed of the spool, but I'm sure glad I did.

hey buzzman how much did that cleaning/bearing upgrade cost you? I was thinking of doing the same thing.

It was around $35 for a pair of ABEC 7 bearings.  While worth the money!!  You won't regret doing it, I have put them in 3 more Curado's since my 1st one.

It was around $35 for a pair of ABEC 7 bearings. While worth the money!! You won't regret doing it, I have put them in 3 more Curado's since my 1st one.

That 's the problem, once you start is the never ending story. The BaitMonkey is strong.

Where can I find Jeff Nieson's article on reel tuning? This foul Misery (Missouri) weather has me wandering my shop looking at my tackle instead of wandering the lakes as I should be in mid-April. thanks!

BuzzMan,

I sent my Curado(2005 model) to a guy in Wichita, KS to be cleaned.  He called and ask if I wanted to upgrade my bearings?

Yup one of my old customers, BTW he is no longer taking on reels, just selling parts off, and advising on another bass forum..

Good Luck......