More Bearings, the better??

Bass Warrior · 12-24-10, 12:13 AM

When comparing reels I often look at the number of bearings. Quite often there will be a cheaper reel with more bearings than a more expensive one.

Does more bearings mean better reel or am I not understanding something. Please help!

pro reel · 12-24-10, 12:25 AM

[QUOTE=Bass Warrior;321505]

Does more bearings mean better reel

Absolutly not! A reel is a total package and the sum of all it's parts. There are quite a few absolute junk reels on the market that have 10 or more bearings. There are some very high end top quality reels on the market that only have a few bearings. My dad has an Abu 5000 D reel from the early 70's that doesn't have any bearings in it at all. It can launch a large crankbait the length of a football field and cranks as smooth as butter.

Tavery5 · 12-24-10, 12:50 AM

Bearings, just like many other precision components have various levels of quality. Bearings are rated on a system called ABEC, The common bearings that are used in fishing reel are ABEC 3,5,and 7. These bearings can also be made of different materials such as stainless steel, and ceramic. I say this to make the point that placement and quality of bearing material is much more important than quantity and a better gage of overall reel quality.

Bass Warrior · 12-24-10, 03:08 AM

Thanks guys...I will keep this in mind when purchasing my next one!

DVT Mike · 12-24-10, 10:50 AM

Manufacturers put bearings in places like handles, drive shaft and level-wind to up the count. Bearings in the synchronized level wind of big-game round reels makes sense but serves little value in modern bass reels. In real life practical fishing, having well maintained quality bearings supporting the spool is of the most benefit.

Rebbasser · 12-28-10, 12:49 PM

I echo what the other guys are saying-it depends on the reel. I have had reels with 10 bearings that I got because of the number of bearings that are junk, and reels with 2-3 bearings that handle like a dream.

I tend to use all the same brand/model of reels because I get used to the feeling of one reel and can order online when I know what I am getting. I rarely get a reel I have not handled before I buy. Like all things fishing, find out what works for you and you will be happy.

Raul · 12-28-10, 01:57 PM

1 good bearing in the right place is better than 10 lousy bearings all over the reel.

12-24-10, 12:13 AM	#1
Bass Warrior BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: DeRidder, Louisiana Posts: 17	More Bearings, the better?? When comparing reels I often look at the number of bearings. Quite often there will be a cheaper reel with more bearings than a more expensive one. Does more bearings mean better reel or am I not understanding something. Please help!

12-24-10, 10:50 AM	#5
DVT Mike BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Milford,PA Posts: 312	Manufacturers put bearings in places like handles, drive shaft and level-wind to up the count. Bearings in the synchronized level wind of big-game round reels makes sense but serves little value in modern bass reels. In real life practical fishing, having well maintained quality bearings supporting the spool is of the most benefit. __________________ Visit us at www.delawarevalleytackle.com

12-28-10, 12:49 PM	#6
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	I echo what the other guys are saying-it depends on the reel. I have had reels with 10 bearings that I got because of the number of bearings that are junk, and reels with 2-3 bearings that handle like a dream. I tend to use all the same brand/model of reels because I get used to the feeling of one reel and can order online when I know what I am getting. I rarely get a reel I have not handled before I buy. Like all things fishing, find out what works for you and you will be happy. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

12-24-10, 12:25 AM	#2
pro reel BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 761	[QUOTE=Bass Warrior;321505] Does more bearings mean better reel Absolutly not! A reel is a total package and the sum of all it's parts. There are quite a few absolute junk reels on the market that have 10 or more bearings. There are some very high end top quality reels on the market that only have a few bearings. My dad has an Abu 5000 D reel from the early 70's that doesn't have any bearings in it at all. It can launch a large crankbait the length of a football field and cranks as smooth as butter.

12-24-10, 12:50 AM	#3
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	Bearings, just like many other precision components have various levels of quality. Bearings are rated on a system called ABEC, The common bearings that are used in fishing reel are ABEC 3,5,and 7. These bearings can also be made of different materials such as stainless steel, and ceramic. I say this to make the point that placement and quality of bearing material is much more important than quantity and a better gage of overall reel quality.

12-24-10, 03:08 AM	#4
Bass Warrior BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: DeRidder, Louisiana Posts: 17	Thanks guys...I will keep this in mind when purchasing my next one!

12-28-10, 01:57 PM	#7
Raul BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,030	1 good bearing in the right place is better than 10 lousy bearings all over the reel.

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