Buying Bearings

[echo1]

Been doing some reading on replacing/upgrading reel bearings and just wondering where people get their bearings from?

I've heard they are available from the following places:

Reel manufacturer.
Hobby shop.
Online (BOCA/eBay).
Bearing manufacturer.

The main issues seem to be getting the right sizes, being charged a mark-up from reel manufacturers and having to source them from overseas (dealing with shipping costs and exchange rates).

So the question is, where can we find good quality reel bearings, locally, for a decent price? Also any leads on bearing places in Perth would be great.

[chris268]

I've bought my Boca's directly from Boca in the US (shipping took a long time from memory). I've also purchased ZPi and Hedgehog Studio bearings from Japan (less than a week shipping).

Jack Erskine seems to be an AU distributor for Boca but i remember their prices being similar to Boca's shipped from the US.

http://www.jackerskine.com/smooth_drag_bearings.html

[echo1]

Ended up going with these:

http://www.powerslideracing.com.au/h...g-687-2rs.html

Will report on how they go.

[Slazmo]

Originally Posted by echo1

Will report on how they go.

Keep in mind they're steel. Coat liberally in grease or other rust preventative of your choice.

[jamiej]

Any tips on where you source yours slazmo, or what your preferred bearings are for both the reel body internals and line roller bearings

[bjspinner]

Originally Posted by jamiej

Any tips on where you source yours slazmo, or what your preferred bearings are for both the reel body internals and line roller bearings

Most bearings you would need are available at Hedgehog Studio.

To get the correct sizes its best to measure them with a vernier or for the inside measurements a drill bit can be used as long as the shank is in good condition.


http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp

[Rbadger]

If its a common model reel you can look up the reel on the boca bearing website and it should give you the part numbers for each individual bearing which im pretty sure the part number also acts as the sizing.

I coukd be wrong though

[Witha]

Also very interested.
looking to do a stradic bearing upgrade project and looking for the right ones has Me stumped already....help lol

[bjspinner]

Originally Posted by Witha

Also very interested.
looking to do a stradic bearing upgrade project and looking for the right ones has Me stumped already....help lol

For upgrades ie: to add more bearings to a current reel (stradic) look here.

http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/page/5


For individual sizes they also have a section, be careful what you buy from ebay and others.

I have bought supposed stainless bearings for line rollers only to have them rust out in no time.

The line roller upgrade kits from Hedgehog are fantastic they come with shims etc to get the job done right.

[SAMUEL_86]

Jay at https://www.facebook.com/outcastcustom

[Luvias_R]

I can't find line roller bearings or any bearings on Hedgehog for Steez 2508, anyone have any idea if parts from another listed reel will fit?

[bjspinner]

Originally Posted by Luvias_R

I can't find line roller bearings or any bearings on Hedgehog for Steez 2508, anyone have any idea if parts from another listed reel will fit?

Take the bearings out and measure them, they will have the size the list is for "upgrades" if the reel has double line roller bearings it does not have an upgrade in this section.

You will find the reels in the upgrade section may have one or no line bearing, or spool bearings etc.

That's why they are listed.

I am sure the line rollers for diawas of that size the bearing is 4mm inside X 7mm outside X 2mm wide.

HRCB is better for line rollers.

http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/493

[Luvias_R]

Thanks bjspinner

[dannydownunder]

Bearings in the reels used by a lot of members here are miniature series. They will commonly be SMR (SS) or MR ( Standard ) series in Bearing Industry listings. Dimensions are your best friend. As far as bearing tolerances, ball material and inner race material its all about as relevant as Abec ratings for bearings in skateboards :-).Just lubricate correctly, choose the right seal or shield for the environmental conditions. Avoid high clearance bearings where possible for most applications, try to also limit axial load as the bearings commonly used in reels are single row ball bearings and they support radial load. Axial load will cause misalignment and wear them out. I would also suggest always using Stainless Steel, also keep in mind Bearing Stainless will not always be 304 or 316 grade commonly ( much like knives ) it may be 440c etc unless the bearing is specified for marine environments. Boca Bearings do have the Fishing Reel bearing market cornered and their listings are very good, otherwise if any one wants to shoot me dimensions I may help ID for you.