Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: The Fishing Hobby on April 17, 2019, 11:53:00 AM

Title: Fishing Reels What +1 Means In The Bearing Count Explained
Post by: The Fishing Hobby on April 17, 2019, 11:53:00 AM
I put together a short video explaining what the +1 means as it relates to the bearing count in fishing reels. I know this seems obvious to some, but sometimes this terminology gets overlooked or misinterpreted. I thought I would clear it up for those who were unsure.
This board seemed like the most appropriate one to post this in because it relates to spinning and baitcast reels. If the post would fit in better in another board, please feel free to move it!

Tight lines!

https://youtu.be/3oogFj5PAtI
Title: Re: Fishing Reels What +1 Means In The Bearing Count Explained
Post by: alantani on April 17, 2019, 04:24:28 PM
nah, it's fine here.  nice video!
Title: Re: Fishing Reels What +1 Means In The Bearing Count Explained
Post by: foakes on April 17, 2019, 04:35:27 PM
Thanks, Kevin —

Nice video!

One thing I have noticed over the years —

90% of the time — the number of ball bearings or roller bearings in a reel — also relates directly to the amount of graphite or plastics the reel is constructed of...

Bearings are needed to support moving metallic components as they rotate in composite reels — as compared to sleeves, bushings — and 1-3 bearings in metal reels with steel, bronze, and cast or machined aluminum construction.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Fishing Reels What +1 Means In The Bearing Count Explained
Post by: Midway Tommy on April 17, 2019, 06:32:18 PM
Nice explanation, Kevin.

I'm in agreement with Fred regarding the addition, seemingly over the last decade, of roller and ball bearings in spinning reels. Oilite bushings, also often referred as bearings, in well supported locations in well built metal bodies, were more than adequate at providing smooth and trouble free mechanics for decades. In all my years of messing with spinning reels I have never come across a worn or damaged Oilite, no matter the location or end use. I wish I could say that about ball or roller bearings. IMO the only location that warrants a ball bearing over an Oilite in a metal bodied spinning reel is the front pinion support. The number of ball bearings are there to impress the consumer and make up for design deficiencies. Oilites are virtually maintenance & trouble free.
Title: Re: Fishing Reels What +1 Means In The Bearing Count Explained
Post by: The Fishing Hobby on April 17, 2019, 07:57:28 PM
I'm in agreement with everyone on that topic. I prefer to use older reels because they are more durable. I have used some pretty nice newer ones too though...just wouldn't expect them to last 50+ years! Smoothness is what a lot of people mention when talking about modern reels (guilty myself)...but just thinking about it, less friction would be a better way to describe them. Hard to beat an old worm drive in terms of smoothness, but there is some friction there because of the bushings. I surveyed a bunch of different fish and they all agreed, it doesn't matter to them either way   ;D