I did this exact reel upgrade and it was great. My only issue was the boca bearing shields. I took them off and got the results i wanted. The problem with these bearings is the shields. The start up depends on minimum friction but the shields contacts both inner and outer race. This causes drag. I wish they sized the shields with more care. It would look much better all orange.. ohh well
Have you noticed any play between the spool and housing once upgraded. I did the same exact upgrade as you but my reel has now developed a very small gap if you will once assembled with a tight cap. This allows line to get behind the spool and can be very frustrating.
I just bought the same one based on your review!! First one I've ever owned , definitely want to upgrade the bearings, what ones fit this reel, what ones should I buy ??
It's actually holding up pretty well, bearing still very smooth. Wish there was an extra coating on the reel to help prevent scratches but for $40 can't complain.
Is this the centerpin reel advertised on Amazon or did you purchase it from another seller? What bearings did you use to replace the original ones (Abec 7s)? Where did you purchase them? I’m really interested in trying out centerpinning but not ready to shell-out nearly $200 for an Okuma or Raven!
Hi Nathan, Total understand not wanting to pay $200 for a starter reel. All the info are here fishingwa.us/best-budget-centerpin-reel/ , where to buy the reel, bearing seize etc. Good luck.
Hi,
I was just wondering how well the reel lasted over the years after you did this?
Thanks!
I did this exact reel upgrade and it was great. My only issue was the boca bearing shields. I took them off and got the results i wanted. The problem with these bearings is the shields. The start up depends on minimum friction but the shields contacts both inner and outer race. This causes drag. I wish they sized the shields with more care. It would look much better all orange.. ohh well
totally agree. worth the upgrade.
What size bearing have you order for this replacment
Have you noticed any play between the spool and housing once upgraded. I did the same exact upgrade as you but my reel has now developed a very small gap if you will once assembled with a tight cap. This allows line to get behind the spool and can be very frustrating.
I just bought the same one based on your review!! First one I've ever owned , definitely want to upgrade the bearings, what ones fit this reel, what ones should I buy ??
go to a bearing store, knucklehead, they'll figure it out
Wondering the same thing
What's the bearing model, hard to upgrade if the model number isn't shared. Thanks
What would be a good rod pairing with this reel? Price wise around $100
Shimano Clarus Center Pin Rod. tinyurl.com/yayx8lk7
Do you or anyone has a link to the reel om Amazon? Kjelle, Sweden
Good info thanks for the video
What is the diameter of the bearing?
8 feet, kind obvious isnt it?
How is the reel seat attached to the reel, screws, rivets? Thank you.
two screws, but they are from the inside. So you would need to take the spool off to access the screws.
FishingWa thanks for the quick reply. I ordered the 4 1/2" model, how's yours holding up?
It's actually holding up pretty well, bearing still very smooth. Wish there was an extra coating on the reel to help prevent scratches but for $40 can't complain.
The steelheader will laugh at me if I ever try to use one on my tribs.
Is this the centerpin reel advertised on Amazon or did you purchase it from another seller? What bearings did you use to replace the original ones (Abec 7s)? Where did you purchase them? I’m really interested in trying out centerpinning but not ready to shell-out nearly $200 for an Okuma or Raven!
Hi Nathan, Total understand not wanting to pay $200 for a starter reel. All the info are here fishingwa.us/best-budget-centerpin-reel/ , where to buy the reel, bearing seize etc. Good luck.
FishingWa Wow! What a fast reply! Thanks so much!
why bother - spins fast enough out of the box.