My son was going to trash his beloved older Calcutta after he sent it in for repairs and Calcutta sent it back to him saying parts were no longer available. I watched one of your videos on cleaning and was able to put that reel back in service. Thanks for making clear, detailed, understandable videos!
The only ceramic bearings I’ve ever put in a reel was in a Daiwa 4000C Silver Series Reel. I went with a company called Boca Bearings. I could not believe the difference but you have to balance the difference with the cost. I have to carefully pick and choose what vintage reel would most benefit from the conversion and do I use this reel enough to justify the expense. It’s not horribly expensive but these are important considerations when you have and use a lot of different reels. It is definitely worth doing for your most favorite and highly used reels. By the way I actually put a carbontex washer in that last Luxor Saumon Mer I serviced. I put it under the spool where the original washer was missing. It should last a very long time. I so wish I could still cast conventional reels! Great video Dennis!
@@2ndChanceTackle Today I’m working on a Penn 720 greenie and an Olympic #2800 saltwater reel. I am trying to get a Daiwa 9000C - it would complete my set of all the Daiwa Silver Series (except that 500C I don’t want).
Hi Dennis, thank you for this interesting video! In most cases it makes actually sense to upgrade with ceramic bearings, if you put them in the right place. The two ceramic bearings you got are in fact intended to replace the bearing in the palmside and the bearing placed on the spoolshaft between spoolframe and pin, wich is made of plastic (as can be seen briefly at 2:38). It makes not much sense to replace the bearing in the tension knob, if you got only two ceramic bearings. It's always better to remove the plastic bearing (however, you will need a pin remover for this). The performance will be even better.
I noticed the similarities with he spool bearing, but the kit only contained two, so I opted to replace the existing ones. I will go ahead and order an additional one for the spool. Thank you for the note - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you for your quick reply! Since ceramic bearings are expensive, I would reconsider installing three bearings. In my experience, the additional installation of a ceramic bearing under the tension knob does not bring any significant improvement. Replacing the plastic bearing is much more important. Leave the ball bearing there under the tension knob. This is my advice. Many greetings, Peter
Great video again Dennis,it was interesting and informative to see that those ceramic bearings do actually make a difference. One thing,if I may, I've noticed of late that in some of your videos,the framing is a little tight and some of the "action"takes place out of shot.I appreciate that it is a balancing act.... getting a close up shot...but not too close......just thought I would mention it. Keep up the great work and stay safe. 🎣
You are right. I have been trying to get closer so folks can see some clearer details, but that also causes the out of frame shot as well. I will try to find that balance - Thank you - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle thanks Dennis,it wasn't a criticism,merely an observation......just like me and that LAST reel I finally did..... I know you'll crack it!! 🎣👍
Shimano used a hard washer, but I don't think it was Carbontex. If your drag is working fine, no need to replace, but if they are worn, go ahead and get the Carbontex as replacements - Dennis
Excellent video. I am considering purchasing 4 used Calcutta 700's currently spooled with lead core. They look to be older reels in good working order. If continuing to use them for trolling in Lake Michigan, would it be beneficial to upgrade to ceramic bearings and the Carbonex washers?
Depends on whether the reel needs the bearing or not. If it is smooth now, I'd wait on the bearing upgrades until needed. On the carbonates washers. They will not increase max drag, they will only be more tear and wear resistant. If the originals need to be replaced, go ahead and do the upgrades. If they are in good condition, I'd wait until they needed to be replaced - Dennis
I have't done one specifically. I have shows how to do it on some of the bait casting reel videos. If you have a channel lock pliers, you can push the pin through by anchoring one side of the pliers agent the axle shaft and putting pressure on the pin to push it through. Once the one side is flush, you can pull the rest of the pin out by grabbing the exposed end with the pliers - Dennis
Thanks so much Dennis! I used this video to replace the bearing in my Calcutta 200gtb. The only thing is my reel has 3 bearings, 1 assume goes on the spool shaft below the cross detent that holds it all together, but couldn't figure out how to get that off. Do you have any insight? You're video was the only one I could find anywhere online and the schematics aren't any help for that bearing I would REALLY appreciate that knowledge if you know how. I sent you a pament for your help also :) Thanks again!
You can't get the spool bearing off. That is part of the spool assembly and you would need to replace the spool if the bearing is bad. - Thanks for the note and for watching
Aaron is correct. Carbontex does not recommend grease and if you do, only a skim coat that gets wiped off. Drag grease is used on fabric washers. They are porous and dry out. The grease helps keep them flexible and prevents drying and cracking. - Dennis
Great video thank you for what you do. May I ask what are the benefits of ceramic bearings? I'm in the thought process of doing this to my old 400 model
I have the 100 size, and it is an amazing little reel. Comparing to Abu Garcia ambassadors c4, 4 bearings, 6.2:1 high speed, which one will you prefer? Can you tell me more about why you pick either one? Thanks.
Those are both very good reels. I prefer the Calcutta. Simply a matter of how it feels in my hand when casting and reeling. Only good things to say on both reels - Dennis
Yes - the most likely cause is dirt. I would take the reel apart, remove the gear stack and spray down the trip assembly with a penetrating oil to break up the old oils and dried grease/dirt then retest before doing anything else - Dennis
Thank you sir, now I can repair 2 201xt's I bought from Japan that came with warn out drag washers. "Reel is in working condition." May you catch good fish!
Hello! I have the KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Reel the black one. I am in need of an opinion & some help here, please. I had it for about 3 months now. It worked fine just kept tune it up & so on. I do not know what happened. It just suddenly does not want to go 10 feet. I am not sure if I whacked it out of tune or what. I do not think I broke it that would be impossible never dropped it or took it apart at all. I am baffled & confused here in order it to cast is if I turn my drag all the way down (loosely) & then I can cast it a mile but if I do that I can not reel in because the drag is way too lose and my handle just spins in circles & if I turn my drag up just enough to turn the handle & reel inline & the same thing again I cast just goes 10 feet as if my Centrifugal brakes are on which they are not on & the Micro-Control dial is to zero. So what am I doing wrong here or a defect just happened? So again drag all the way down it can go a mile but once put a little bit of drag I do mean where I can barely reel in line & it not spin. So is it the baitcaster real sensitive or defective?
It sounds like you have something wrong inside the reel. It could be broken line or a broken part trapped inside. It is hard to tell without taking the reel apart. - Dennis
My son was going to trash his beloved older Calcutta after he sent it in for repairs and Calcutta sent it back to him saying parts were no longer available. I watched one of your videos on cleaning and was able to put that reel back in service. Thanks for making clear, detailed, understandable videos!
Glad to have helped. Best wishes for great fishing with your renewed Calcutta - Dennis
u once again brought a reel back to be fished again thanks for taking the time for doing this video Dennis 👍🏿👍🏿
Now it is time to take it fishing! thanks Larry - Dennis
Good job, Dennis. Those Calcutta reels are great for all sorts of fishing applications. A more modern classic reel worth the upgrades you gave it.
Very true! I am looking forward to fishing with it in the coming weeks - Best wishes - Dennis
Thanks!
Thanks for your kind and generous support of my channel snd for watching - Best wishes - Dennis
Great video, Dennis.
I have a few Calcutta's and plan to upgrade to the ceramic bearing after watching this tutorial.
Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching - Dennis
Great video Dennis. I've upgraded several of my reels with ceramics from Bocca Bearings. Big difference!
They. do. I was a sceptic a few years ago, but the spin nicely and hold up well - Dennis
The only ceramic bearings I’ve ever put in a reel was in a Daiwa 4000C Silver Series Reel. I went with a company called Boca Bearings. I could not believe the difference but you have to balance the difference with the cost. I have to carefully pick and choose what vintage reel would most benefit from the conversion and do I use this reel enough to justify the expense. It’s not horribly expensive but these are important considerations when you have and use a lot of different reels. It is definitely worth doing for your most favorite and highly used reels. By the way I actually put a carbontex washer in that last Luxor Saumon Mer I serviced. I put it under the spool where the original washer was missing. It should last a very long time. I so wish I could still cast conventional reels! Great video Dennis!
These really do make a difference in performance. You are correct, you could spend $1000's to upgrade all of your reels! Time to go fishing! Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Today I’m working on a Penn 720 greenie and an Olympic #2800 saltwater reel. I am trying to get a Daiwa 9000C - it would complete my set of all the Daiwa Silver Series (except that 500C I don’t want).
Hi Dennis, thank you for this interesting video!
In most cases it makes actually sense to upgrade with ceramic bearings, if you put them in the right place. The two ceramic bearings you got are in fact intended to replace the bearing in the palmside and the bearing placed on the spoolshaft between spoolframe and pin, wich is made of plastic (as can be seen briefly at 2:38). It makes not much sense to replace the bearing in the tension knob, if you got only two ceramic bearings. It's always better to remove the plastic bearing (however, you will need a pin remover for this). The performance will be even better.
I noticed the similarities with he spool bearing, but the kit only contained two, so I opted to replace the existing ones. I will go ahead and order an additional one for the spool.
Thank you for the note - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle
Thank you for your quick reply!
Since ceramic bearings are expensive, I would reconsider installing three bearings. In my experience, the additional installation of a ceramic bearing under the tension knob does not bring any significant improvement. Replacing the plastic bearing is much more important. Leave the ball bearing there under the tension knob. This is my advice.
Many greetings, Peter
I will try that - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle About to do MY ct-400 does this apply to that as well, and are they all 3x10x4?
The spool bearing and the knob bearing are different size bearings.
Great job Dennis
Thank you - Best wishes - Dennis
this is really cool Dennis !!!
Thanks Thiago. I hope all is well - Dennis
Great video and thanks for letting us know where we can get the upgrades.
Glad to help. Thanks for watching - Dennis
Great video again Dennis,it was interesting and informative to see that those ceramic bearings do actually make a difference.
One thing,if I may, I've noticed of late that in some of your videos,the framing is a little tight and some of the "action"takes place out of shot.I appreciate that it is a balancing act.... getting a close up shot...but not too close......just thought I would mention it.
Keep up the great work and stay safe. 🎣
You are right. I have been trying to get closer so folks can see some clearer details, but that also causes the out of frame shot as well. I will try to find that balance - Thank you - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle thanks Dennis,it wasn't a criticism,merely an observation......just like me and that LAST reel I finally did..... I know you'll crack it!! 🎣👍
No offense taken. I am always trying t improve the presentation - Thank you - Dennis
Thanks for the video. Do you know if the Calcutta 400S already has a Carbontex drag sytem?
Shimano used a hard washer, but I don't think it was Carbontex. If your drag is working fine, no need to replace, but if they are worn, go ahead and get the Carbontex as replacements - Dennis
Excellent video. I am considering purchasing 4 used Calcutta 700's currently spooled with lead core. They look to be older reels in good working order. If continuing to use them for trolling in Lake Michigan, would it be beneficial to upgrade to ceramic bearings and the Carbonex washers?
Depends on whether the reel needs the bearing or not. If it is smooth now, I'd wait on the bearing upgrades until needed. On the carbonates washers. They will not increase max drag, they will only be more tear and wear resistant. If the originals need to be replaced, go ahead and do the upgrades. If they are in good condition, I'd wait until they needed to be replaced - Dennis
I may have missed it but is there a video about replacing the spool shaft bearing? Is there a way to do it without the special pliers?
I have't done one specifically. I have shows how to do it on some of the bait casting reel videos. If you have a channel lock pliers, you can push the pin through by anchoring one side of the pliers agent the axle shaft and putting pressure on the pin to push it through. Once the one side is flush, you can pull the rest of the pin out by grabbing the exposed end with the pliers - Dennis
I have 2 of these 151 & the 251 got them in 1992 or 93.
That's a testimony to the good design and longevity of that reel. Thanks for sharing - Dennis
Thanks so much Dennis! I used this video to replace the bearing in my Calcutta 200gtb. The only thing is my reel has 3 bearings, 1 assume goes on the spool shaft below the cross detent that holds it all together, but couldn't figure out how to get that off. Do you have any insight? You're video was the only one I could find anywhere online and the schematics aren't any help for that bearing
I would REALLY appreciate that knowledge if you know how. I sent you a pament for your help also :)
Thanks again!
You can't get the spool bearing off. That is part of the spool assembly and you would need to replace the spool if the bearing is bad. - Thanks for the note and for watching
Is there a reason you don’t add any Cal’s grease to the drag washers?
Carbon fiber drag washers don't require grease. If you grease them, only the LIGHTEST amount should be used.
Aaron is correct. Carbontex does not recommend grease and if you do, only a skim coat that gets wiped off. Drag grease is used on fabric washers. They are porous and dry out. The grease helps keep them flexible and prevents drying and cracking. - Dennis
Good stuff, thanks guys
How many parts are the same on the 251 and the 151or are they completely different
Most parts are the same. The difference is the width of the spool and the wider frame
Great video thank you for what you do. May I ask what are the benefits of ceramic bearings? I'm in the thought process of doing this to my old 400 model
Ceramic bearings are smoother and do not pit or rust like steel bearings
@@2ndChanceTackle thank you
I have the 100 size, and it is an amazing little reel. Comparing to Abu Garcia ambassadors c4, 4 bearings, 6.2:1 high speed, which one will you prefer? Can you tell me more about why you pick either one? Thanks.
Those are both very good reels. I prefer the Calcutta. Simply a matter of how it feels in my hand when casting and reeling. Only good things to say on both reels - Dennis
I have a 151 and the cast button sticks down and doesnt re engage any tips?
Yes - the most likely cause is dirt. I would take the reel apart, remove the gear stack and spray down the trip assembly with a penetrating oil to break up the old oils and dried grease/dirt then retest before doing anything else - Dennis
Thank you sir, now I can repair 2 201xt's I bought from Japan that came with warn out drag washers. "Reel is in working condition." May you catch good fish!
Thanks Ira. Glad to help. Best wishes for great fishing - Dennis
Do they sell a large-capacity spool for the Calcutta 900b
oh yeah, "they" definitely do.
So my drag fill like is loose. If tight or loose. ?
They may be worn and need to be replaced
Do you know the inner and outer diameter of the small one and big drag washer. Thanks
I will see if I can get the measure. I do not know for sure, but I have a pack of replacements in the shop. I order these from Smoothdrag.com - Dennis
Hello!
I have the KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Reel the black one. I am in need of an opinion & some help here, please. I had it for about 3 months now. It worked fine just kept tune it up & so on. I do not know what happened. It just suddenly does not want to go 10 feet. I am not sure if I whacked it out of tune or what. I do not think I broke it that would be impossible never dropped it or took it apart at all. I am baffled & confused here in order it to cast is if I turn my drag all the way down (loosely) & then I can cast it a mile but if I do that I can not reel in because the drag is way too lose and my handle just spins in circles & if I turn my drag up just enough to turn the handle & reel inline & the same thing again I cast just goes 10 feet as if my Centrifugal brakes are on which they are not on & the Micro-Control dial is to zero. So what am I doing wrong here or a defect just happened? So again drag all the way down it can go a mile but once put a little bit of drag I do mean where I can barely reel in line & it not spin. So is it the baitcaster real sensitive or defective?
It sounds like you have something wrong inside the reel. It could be broken line or a broken part trapped inside. It is hard to tell without taking the reel apart. - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Many thanks of the reply...I have contacted KatKing the reel is only 3 months old...
Where are you located can I send a reel to you for ceramic bearings upgrade
I am in New Jersey. For service and repair information, please send a note to my email 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com - Thanks for asking - Dennis
What do you charge to do a Calcutta?
Thanks for asking Brian. Please send a note to my email 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com for service and repair information - Dennis