Bearings Prices

[hotajax]

I see bearings for my 850SS spinning reel, costing about $18 each and I need three of them, typically on Mystic or Ereplacement.  I see other sealed bearings, same dimensions with a rubber shield, for $10.00 for a sleeve of ten from other merchants on ebay.

What's the difference?  Am I getting anything for a bearing marketed as "fishing reel" bearings?  Hardness?  Tighter tolerances?  Rust resistance?  Lemme have it if you have the info. Thanks.

[Hardy Boy]

You can but the same ones cheaper and not pay the huge mark up. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples (ie stainless or not). I buy most of mine on AliExpress and pay 2 to 4 bucks for the same bearings as others want 18 for. I have not got bad bearings yet from them.


Cheers:

Todd

[hotajax]

Todd:  AliExpress.com?

[hotajax]

Todd:  I looked at that Ali Site.  Looks like nothing to do with fishing, but will check it out.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Go on eBay and search EZO bearings. They're quality Japanese made bearings that come in inch sizes. I have them in my 750SS and 8500SS and i love them.

Penn bearings are of a high quality. That much is certain. But you don't need to spend $20 each for that.

[hotajax]

Yeah, I thot $20 was nutz

[Hardy Boy]

Yes AliExpress. Alan (The Boss) got me on it and I've never went back. They have many bearing suppliers there. To be honest when you buy the ss bearings I have not seen a difference from stock. The real savings is with ARB bearings. Like has been stated fishing reels are not high speed applications.

[hotajax]

What are ARB bearings?

[philaroman]

Dad's used to have EZO/Sapporo(sp?) for $7-8 and some Penn (Penn sizes?)
https://www.dadsoletackle.com/bearings/
looks like fewer choices & prices went up...  they also sell on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/str/dadsoletacklerodandreelparts?_trksid=p2047675.m145687.l149086

What are ARB bearings?

one-way roller/clutch bearings for instant A/R

cheap 10-tube + frequent replacement is an option, BUT!!!
make sure you're getting STAINLESS steel -- NOT chromed steel!!!

[hotajax]

what is the knock on chromed bearings?

[JasonGotaProblem]

what is the knock on chromed bearings?

2 words. Salt water.

[hotajax]

Hmmm.  I thought chrome steel was supposed to be corrosion resistant, but you guys all seem to be in agreement. 

[Hardy Boy]

I will use chrome steel if I cant get ss or ceramic hybrid in that size but as stated in salt water they will not last as long unless regularly lubed. That being said a lot of my guide clients get seized rusty "stainless " bearings all of the time. For fresh water I would not worry about it, lube and fish. Most of on here would not have an issue with chrome as we service all the time.

[ReelClean]

https://raindew.aliexpress.com/store/4481066?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.2.465a1802E73j43
This has become my regular store on Ali.  They have most common sizes, the free shipping is usually less than two weeks to Aus and the quality seems to be OK.
cheers
Steve

[boon]

Hmmm.  I thought chrome steel was supposed to be corrosion resistant, but you guys all seem to be in agreement. 

There is "corrosion resistant" and then there's "suitable for use in the incredibly corrosive environment of saltwater fishing".

Take some "stainless" kitchen implements fishing in the salt a few times and watch them start to rust.