I have a bps extrem ext10hlc reel that I'm wondering if a bearing (ceramic) upgrade would be worth the time and $$$ or just buy a better reel..?

get a pflueger patriarch!!!

Citica E - $105 online

The Patriarch is a good reel. I wonder where they got the idea from...

You already own the reel. Yes upgrade it.

To buy it, and then upgrade it....Probably not worth it.

I swapped a handle from one of the David Fritts reels on to mine...I like it...I might swap a higher abec rated stainless bearing onto the main gear shaft, and call it good enough....Might not even do that.

I would upgrade man, but the Citica.

The Patriarch is a good reel. I wonder where they got the idea from...

Maybe listening to anglers.

"These Johnny Morris signature reels are nice but they're sorta big and weigh a lot. I wish someone would make one lower profile and lighter."

Hammer4, two ABEC 7 bearings for the spool will cost you $10-12 and they might improve performance a little.  You do not want to venture into ceramic bearings for that reel because they are really expensive.  Leave whatever is at the base of the drive shaft alone, because be a bearing or bushing, it is only a stabilizer for retrieves and has nothing to do with performance.  Good cleanings and good lubricants are essential also.

As a note, guys who use ceramic bearings are usually involved in casting distance competitions.

Thanks guys...I think I'll add the ABEC 7's..and see how that works. My Son has the David Fritts reel ($180.00) version, and it cast's WAY better than mine..  Thanks again..

The Patriarch is a good reel. I wonder where they got the idea from...

Maybe listening to anglers.

"These Johnny Morris signature reels are nice but they're sorta big and weigh a lot. I wish someone would make one lower profile and lighter."

Cosmetically they obviously coppied the Johnny Morris.  That happens quite a bit in the fishing industry, but this one is just really obvious.  Yeah, I have a Johnny Morris reel, and I'm fine with the size, but it does seem heavy compared to some other reels.  The Johnny Morris Elite is lighter, but I've never fished one, and sure don't have one.  I've cast a Patriarch, but not fished one.  They do feel nice.