PLAIG Bearings

[exp2000]

http://plaig.com.au/shop/index.php

Has anyone tried these bearings?

I am curious to know their stock brand and manufacturing origin as I am not really interested in Chinese bearings.

There is little press about them on the net and only a web form under contact details.

I am due for another bearing order so any advice would be appreciated
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[ReelClean]

I was wondering the same.  The prices are OK if you consider the cost of postage from USA, but I don't know if the range is as wide as BOCA.  Might be good if you need just a few of the common sizes, I need a few replacements for what I have used lately so I might give them a go.

[exp2000]

I have learned that they are Chinese bearings which is unfortunate.

For all round range and service, Boca is still your best bet.

Would be nice to track down a supplier for these low priced Japanese bearings you sometimes read about.
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[ReelClean]

Bugga, I guess the search continues.  I wonder if they are "good" Chinese or cr@p?

[exp2000]

Bugga, I guess the search continues.  I wonder if they are "good" Chinese or cr@p?

He is sending me some samples so I will let you know.
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[whalebreath]

Would be nice to track down a supplier for these low priced Japanese bearings you sometimes read about.

'Low priced' and 'Japanese' means Chinese or Korean made.

[oc1]

In my limited experience, you tend to get what you paid for when it comes to bearings.  I suspect that the high priced ones from Japan are made elsewhere but are individually selected for free spin time.  The ABEC scale relates to manufacturing tolerances but does not necessarily correspond to free spin time.  Free spin time for bearings of comparable size and weight seems to correlate well with casting distance.  I've been having very good luck with all ceramic bearings for light baitcasting.
-steve

[exp2000]

Would be nice to track down a supplier for these low priced Japanese bearings you sometimes read about.

'Low priced' and 'Japanese' means Chinese or Korean made.

I am aware of the massive Chinese counterfeit trade but what we pay in Western countries does not necessarily reflect prices in the east.

Nearly all Japanese Corporations have a manufacturing presence in cheap Asian labor markets but it is impossible to tell whether local retail outlets are selling the genuine product or an inferior Chinese clone and endorsed distributors will generally refer you to your local agent.

Even in the USA direct wholesale lines have recently been established by a premier Japanese manufacturer resulting in much better prices.

http://www.ezo-usa.com/

As with so many products, the endless procession of middle men is what really drives the price up in Western countries.
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[thinkwahoo]

If you want great bearings then investigate what's manufactured in Germany.  Probably very cost prohibitive, but they do have a great reputation.

Ceramics may be the way to go if only for their corrosion resistance.  Still a couple of drops of light oil will quiet them down some.  Boca seems to have market for these locked up, but at $12-13 bucks each they are pricey.

[handi2]

I bought a 10 pack of "overseas" bearings that were listed as ABEC5 SS.

When I opened one of them it was a single cage bearing with tiny ball bearings inside. Very cheap products.

Keith

[Pro Reel]

Boca gets there bearings from China also. Boca is a distributer, not a manufacturer. They say that they only deal with reputable suppliers from China, not counterfeiters.

[exp2000]

Boca gets there bearings from China also. Boca is a distributer, not a manufacturer. They say that they only deal with reputable suppliers from China, not counterfeiters.

I have seen this claim before and it interests me. I was wondering what you know about this?

Are they sourcing their bearings from a Japanese company manufacturing in China or a Chinese company?

Any information would be appreciated.
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[exp2000]

OK, I received some samples.

I opened up a 3 x 10 x 4 and the internal construction looked quite standard, a step up from the usual Chinese bearings.

It seemed to be lightly lubricated with grease so I flushed it out and treated it with TSI and tested it.

Spin time was typical of Chinese bearings, that is rather poor so I would not use these in baitcaster spools.

Still the service I received was excellent, with prompt responses and quick postage and the local market low price are all attractive features.
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[Strewth]

How did the Plaig bearings hold up in actual use? A friend ordered some of the SS models and they spun/cast very well after a good clean in acetone with the Dremmel. He has put them in a few reels after treatment with TSI 321, so it will be interesting to see how they perform in saltwater action.

[exp2000]

How did the Plaig bearings hold up in actual use? A friend ordered some of the SS models and they spun/cast very well after a good clean in acetone with the Dremmel. He has put them in a few reels after treatment with TSI 321, so it will be interesting to see how they perform in saltwater action.

I have not actually used them. I have other resources for Chinese bearings should I need them.

Given the price, I suspect that Shimano use Chinese bearings in their economy reels but I would never use them in spool applications for example. There really is no comparison to a Japanese bearing.

But they might be used in non critical applications like reel handle knobs to save on cost of repairs. I really should order some for this purpose. You could also trial them in drive trains and see how they go, but when you consider the outcome in Avet reels you might think twice.
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