i have heard many shimano users say that they have upgraded the ballbearings on their shimano reels. i have a couple of questions:

1. is this an easy thing to do

2. does it really make that much of a difference

3. will shimano consider the warrantee null and void after doing this change

4. where do i purchase these bearings, and how much should i expect to pay

thanks in advance.

I used to fish with a guy that was Shimano only and he immediately changed out the bearings on any new Shimano he bought. He swore changing them made a difference but I really cant say it did or it didnt because I've never done it.

My only question is "why would you upgrade bearings on a Shimano"? Judging by the hype and price of Shimano reels, it seems to me that the upgraded bearings would be IN THE REEL when its made.....not after the fact. And then coming out of your pocket AGAIN for an upgrade on what is supposed to be a premium product doesnt make much sense to me. But that's just one man's observation/opinion and I am not bashing anyone who does it, its just a mystery to me.

Also, what would you do with the original bearings? Can you trade them in towards the good ones?

i have heard many shimano users say that they have upgraded the ballbearings on their shimano reels. i have a couple of questions:

1. is this an easy thing to do

2. does it really make that much of a difference

3. will shimano consider the warrantee null and void after doing this change

4. where do i purchase these bearings, and how much should i expect to pay

I have upgraded the spool support BB in all my reels and yes they do make a difference in castability, distance.

I have done it for Shimanos, Daiwas and Quantums, all got better, specially the Quantums.

You can easily find steel or ceramic bearings ABEC 5-7, price goes $ 5-20 each. Shimano's best stock bearings are ABEC 3. The most common are Boca, VXB, TG Rocket ( British ) and ZIP-Sic ( Japan ).

I have ZIPs and TGs ( for me the best but most expensive ).

If your reel is in warranty you should check with Shimano CS.

http://www.bocabearings.com/

http://www.japantackle.com/Tuning_parts/tuning_bearings.htm

http://heartlandtackleservice.com/bearings.stm

http://www.vxb.com/.

It is relatively easy but if a guy like me can do it :....anyone can

This articles helped me a lot.

http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings101.html

http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings201.html

http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings301.html

Good luck

bocabasser,

1. is this an easy thing to do

Relatively easy just removing the bearing retainer clip, place in the proper size bearing return retainer clip.

2. does it really make that much of a difference

This is the one question were I get a lot of flack for answering. From stock ABEC3 tolerance bearings up to ABEC5 tolerance, yes you will notice a difference. From ABEC5 tolerances up to ABEC7 or Ceramics tolerance, IMPO you are wasting your money and time. Also if you do go up that far because of the tolerances you will have to use a lighter reel oil and re-lube more often.

3. will shimano consider the warrantee null and void after doing this change

Not if their (Shimano) ABEC5's are used...

4. where do i purchase these bearings, and how much should i expect to pay

Directly from Shimano if you want to maintain the warranty....

lubina,

Shimano's best stock bearings are ABEC 3.

Every reel manufacturer out there is only using a ABEC3 tolerance stock bearing.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!

David, there is one exception, Ardent uses ABEC-5's.................Al

thank you gentlemen. great advice as usual!