Tuning up some reels...need bearing advice

[agduckhunter]

I'm working on tuning up a few old reels (stripping down completely, thorough cleaning with denatured alcohol, polishing all the moving parts/knocking off burrs with a dremel, etc.). I don't need any help when it comes to all that, but I would like to know who makes the best aftermarket bearings for fishing reels? Should I stick with sealed or am I ok going with unsealed? Any other issues/items I might be overlooking?

[WestEndAngler]

I'd call Chris Fisher with Fisher Angling / Reel Repair. He can give you some solid advice depending upon your fishing habits & maintenance regiments you adhere to.

[gordoleo]

I have been using boca orange seal bearings for the last couple of years, and they have been great. I use them with the seals removed. They are a little louder without the seals, but they are also faster. I would highly recommend them.

[bubbas kenner]

I have heard nothing but good thing about boca bearing's.

[Texfish]

The Boca Bearing ceramic orange seal or the ceramic AEB 5 are great aftermarket bearings.

[agduckhunter]

Thanks for the input, fellas. That's what I've been reading, but wanted some extra firsthand opinions. Looks like the orange Bocas it is.

[Rollo]

Timken,...just kidding Boca baby!

[agduckhunter]

I'd call Chris Fisher with Fisher Angling / Reel Repair. He can give you some solid advice depending upon your fishing habits & maintenance regiments you adhere to.

Great advice! I called Chris a couple weeks ago & he actually had the Boca's in stock. I dropped by his place, talked shop a bit & left with the new bearings. Those orange seal Boca's are BAD! I dropped 'em into a cheapie H2O Xpress Mettle & it made a WORLD of difference. It now outcasts my Curados & it's noticeably more smooth. I will be getting back with him to rig out all of my reels with the ceramic Boca Bearings. Thanks again, fellas.

[agduckhunter]

By the way, this was the first trip out in the surf with the newly tuned Mettle....Saturday the 9th....

[FischerAngling]

I've been going with the Boca Bearings as they are just a company that I trust. They are a bit more expensive but that's because they make sure their products are uniform and inspected properly.

Great news on the Mettle. I've supertuned one for Rollo with CarbonTex drag washers, Boca Bearings and polishing. We haven't tested that one yet but will here in the next week.

[agduckhunter]

Thanks again, Chris. It was a pleasure meeting you and I know where my reels will be going any time they need service in the future!

[gsb]

I have been using Boca orange seals with the seals removed, for a few months and am very pleased. I maintain my reels vigilantly, and like being able to flush the bearings out easily, every few trips. One drop of oil, and "Hot Sauce" is not recommended for ceramics. Call Larry directly at Boca. He is very helpful. The 10 packs are a great value.

Good luck.

[evansmarine]

So you now have a Franknmettle. I am going to get him to alter my Mettle as well. Good to hear feedback on it.

[FischerAngling]

I have been using Boca orange seals with the seals removed, for a few months and am very pleased. I maintain my reels vigilantly, and like being able to flush the bearings out easily, every few trips. One drop of oil, and "Hot Sauce" is not recommended for ceramics. Call Larry directly at Boca. He is very helpful. The 10 packs are a great value.

Good luck.

Taking the seals off and flushing them regularly like you're doing is the best way to maintain them however many people do not maintain their reels to this extent. That's one main reason I recommend the oil as it keeps them lubed for a longer period of time.

I think there is much debate on the oiling of ceramic bearings. Many reel maintenance guys don't oil them and many do oil them. I personally oil them with the Hot Sauce and have had no issues. But I will install a set in a reel dry to try that method the next time I'm out. I'll also give Larry a ring to debate this a little with him!

[FischerAngling]

So you now have a Franknmettle. I am going to get him to alter my Mettle as well. Good to hear feedback on it.

Yep, the FrankenMettle is quickly becoming a hit. For around $100 you can get a supertuned reel that could possibly compete with the name brands. Boca Bearings, Carbon Fiber Drag washers and polished components.

However, I'm not recommending to sell all your Shimanos and replace them with Mettles but there is an alternative out there.