spool bearing on smaller shimano round BCs ?

[Jayce]

Hi Guys,

I like to have ideas/insights from the resident "Mad reel scientists" on the forum  .
I was wondering why did shimano installed a spool shaft bearing on their 50 sized round baitcasters (Conquest, TE, GT models).
and why the 101, 201 sizes did not have this spool shaft bearing.

Im curious of this part because im in the process of replacing it with a unshielded bearing and it just hit me.
Is it there to help on free spool and casting distance.  Since they already have the SF (Super free) design why put a bearing there ?

I few answers from other forums says its for structural purposes (something like the reel being damaged when under too much stress).
Some said its a load bearing to provide a more even/smooth load distribution when fighting a strong fish.
Others say it does not help in casting distance/free spool and only makes contact on the reel when under load.
or is it all of the above ?  But still no solid info.

On conventional saltwater reels, what is the main purpose of the spool shaft bearing (or bushing) ?
Can we assume that it serves the same purpose/function on the smaller shimano reels ?

Thanx

[alantani]

it was probably just a cost issue.