Boca makes 2 different ABEC-7 bearings one with an Orange seal and one with a stainless seal.

Which one works best and why?

Anyone home Today?

Stainless sheilds for me. Most Will use Orange Seal, and then not use the seals because they can't install them correctly. No issues with shields. Now, if the application was a skateboard, I'd go seals.

The Orange Seal bearings run open have the best spin. The seals are supposed to no contact but even from the factory that's not always the case. An open bearing in a fishing reel that is maintained is no problem. If I expect that the maintenance may be less than ideal I'll suggest a shielded bearing.

Sounds like either will work fine then depending on the level of care given.

Thanks