Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Quote from: jgp12000 on December 13, 2025, 12:43:15 PMRob,
I looked at the bearing section, but I forget the old red 5000
Bushing was a different size,what bearing fits those?

The spool shaft on those is 3.125mm, while the C models use a 3mm OD spool shaft.  Boca used to carry the correct bearings but I haven't seen them on their site in some time now.

Ball bearings are best if serviced regularly from time a reel is new. Those Abu Ambassadeur bronze bushings seem to work quite well and I have yet to see any that are worn Beyond redemption. I like time tested used reels, but know there's a good chance that the former owners may not have serviced them right and I'm gonna have to change-out the ball bearings once I figure-out the size. Upgrade? Nah, standard issue b.b's. might be a bit slower but that  helps a-little with cast control. But that's just me.

I clicked the link to your website... Nicely done!
Enjoyed reading the well written blogs.

Best wishes to you.

Kal

Quote from: Gfish on December 13, 2025, 04:54:34 PMBall bearings are best if serviced regularly from time a reel is new. Those Abu Ambassadeur bronze bushings seem to work quite well and I have yet to see any that are worn Beyond redemption. I like time tested used reels, but know there's a good chance that the former owners may not have serviced them right and I'm gonna have to change-out the ball bearings once I figure-out the size. Upgrade? Nah, standard issue b.b's. might help a little with cast control. But that's just me.

I added BB to my Bantam & it made it smoother,but I kept the Bushings just cause.

This is awesome.

Quote from: tincanary on December 13, 2025, 12:40:41 AMMy website is now live, www.ashlin-fishing.com.

After some back and forth with the sales manager at Avail, I'm now the 7th shop outside of Japan to offer the full suite of Avail parts. 

woohoo !
I'm excited for this ;-)

Rob,
I saw on a FB Cardinal Group avail has Cardinal upgrades as well,assuming you will be able to get those too?

• Rev Rocket Bail & Roller
• AVAIL Drag Knob
• IOS Quick Cast II
• IOS Adjustable Handle w/ hand-carved wooden knob
• IOS Canaria System

James found his rabbit hole

Quote from: jgp12000 on December 22, 2025, 05:45:28 PMRob,
I saw on a FB Cardinal Group avail has Cardinal upgrades as well,assuming you will be able to get those too?

• Rev Rocket Bail & Roller
• AVAIL Drag Knob
• IOS Quick Cast II
• IOS Adjustable Handle w/ hand-carved wooden knob
• IOS Canaria System

I won't have Rev products, but Joey Ultralight will.  He is in Chicago but his site isn't live yet.  He's supposed to have it up after the New Year.