I'm thinking of upgrading the spool bearings for my baitcasting reels. 14 reels in total

What sort of improvement would I see over the stock bearings with an upgrade to the spool bearings?

Is there a big difference between a ceramic hybrid with an abec5 rating and the orange seal abec7's?

Is it worth the cost and labor involved?

Thanks

Some good info here:

http://tackletog.com/superttuning/2010/02/15/orange-seal-primer/

The improvement would depend on the reel you're starting with. The Orange Seal Bearings are noticeably faster due to composition and the no-contact seal. Application is also a consideration. Are you looking for max free spool for pitching? Is casting distance is a goal or do you just want to smooth the reel? There are also other choices like ABEC 7 hybrid with standard stainless seals which are priced in between.

It would depend on what model reels you own, and the current condition of the bearings.

6 Fuegos, 4 Revos, 2 Sol, and 2 Pro Qualifiers.  I have taken the spool bearings out removed the seals and thoroughly flushed and re-lubed them and right now I'm pretty happy with them.  Especially the Revos, but I was wondering if a bearing upgrade would really get them zinging. 

Plus I've got a lot of time on my hands these days.

Removing the seals is usually unnecessary. Be sure you inspect them for dirt and debris frequently. i wouldn't be too concerned thit the spool bearings themselves, but the pinion support, and two crank shaft support bearings can be exposed to grime associated with normal fishing conditions.

Unless there is degraded performance, I see no reason to replace. Revos respond really well to a good bearing flush. The light weight oil used in Daiwa upper end reels sometimes goes dry, causing damage and performance issues, but as long as you hear a nice steady "hiss" from them, they're probably fine. Most often, guys that go with "high test" bearings end up using more spool tension.

But, if the bearings are shot, I see no reason NOT to replace with the best out there.

Unless there is degraded performance, I see no reason to replace. Revos respond really well to a good bearing flush. The light weight oil used in Daiwa upper end reels sometimes goes dry, causing damage and performance issues, but as long as you hear a nice steady "hiss" from them, they're probably fine. Most often, guys that go with "high test" bearings end up using more spool tension.

But, if the bearings are shot, I see no reason NOT to replace with the best out there.

Thanks, the bearings are far from shot so I guess I'll stick with them for this season. That's good advice that I'll follow when I do decide to replace them