In the past years tuning and customizing reels got a voice of it’s own, and starts to change the face of fishing. Faster bearings, lighter and lighter spools, more performant braking systems, out of this world handles, full bearing supported knobs, and lots more can make a reel more than you bargained for.
But the question is: ” Is it all worth it? Are there tangible results? Or is it just playing tricks on us?”
Boca Bearings Orange Seal, ABEC #7
We are trying to find some of the answers in the next test. We have chosen 2 reels for the test to see if Boca Bearings really make a difference: an old and famous reel, Abu Morrum 3601 Mag, and a new Shimano model, Scorpion 1501XT.
Morrum 3601C Mag
Shimano Scorpion 1500/1501 XT
We tested their performance with their factory bearings, and afterwards, did the same tests with Boca Bearings ABEC 7 Orange seals, throwing 5.5g (3/16 oz), 10g (3/8 oz) and 15g (about 1/2 oz) weights. How noticeable is the difference in casting distance? Is there any difference, or it only makes the reel feel smoother? I guess we’ll just have to find out, won’t we?
Considering we’ll do the testing only for a few hours, we decided to leave the bearings dry… We’ve tested them afterwards, oiled, and actually didn’t feel the difference (using Friction Zero ZPI oil or High Speed Oil from Boca).
The cold was keeping us company
The rod used for the test is a custom St.Croix SC5 5S68MXF, 6’8”, 6-14 lbs, 3/16 – 5/8 oz, ex-fast action, medium power. Not the best casting rod, but it was the one that loaded the best with all the weights used in the test. In order to draw a conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end, we calculated the arithmetic average of the 5 distances measured.
Exact measurements, no cheating here
1. Abu Garcia Morrum SX3601C Mag casting distance:
| Abu Garcia Morrum SX3601 Mag – Original Bearings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 gr (3/16 oz) | 32 m | 31 m | 30 m | 32 m | 29 m | 30.8 m |
| 10 gr (3/8 oz) | 43 m | 45 m | 46 m | 42 m | 44 m | 44 m |
| 15 gr (1/2 oz) | 48 m | 47 m | 48 m | 49 m | 50 m | 48.4 m |
| Abu Garcia Morrum SX3601 Mag – Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 Bearings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 gr (3/16 oz) | 40 m | 40 m | 37 m | 39 m | 39 m | 39 m |
| 10 gr (3/8 oz) | 47 m | 50 m | 51 m | 51 m | 51 m | 50 m |
| 15 gr (1/2 oz) | 57 m | 61 m | 63 m | 59 m | 60 m | 60 m |
Orange Seal Boca Bearings(OSBB), compared to original, manufacturer bearings:
- 5.5 gr. – 9 m extra with OSBB, meaning +26,6 % gain in “performance”;
- 10 gr. – 6 m extra with OSBB, meaning +13,6 % gain in “performance”;
- 15 gr. – 11,6m extra with OSBB, meaning +24 % gain in “performance” ;
Avarage gain in performance (distance): 21,4 % with OSBB.
Observations:
With the manufacturer, original, bearings (almost 12 years old, since this Morrum was mada – according to its serial number) Razvan used to cast with the tension know completely untightened, and the magnetic brake set to 5, out of 10.
After replacing the bearings with OSBB, he couldn’t make one cast with those settings. He had to tighten the magnetic brake to the maximum, and make a few small adjustments with the tension knob to be able to cast them. The hybrid Boca’s seem to spin darn fast.
If it matters, with all the braking systems set to zero, the spool spinned 18seconds with the manufacturer, original bearings, and 50 seconds with the Boca Orange Seal’s.
2.Shimano Scorpion 1501 XT casting distance:
| Shimano Scorpion 1501 XT – Original Bearings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 gr (3/16 oz) | 32 m | 34 m | 35 m | 37 m | 36 m | 34.8 m |
| 10 gr (3/8 oz) | 47 m | 48 m | 48 m | 46 m | 46 m | 47 m |
| 15 gr (1/2 oz) | 49 m | 50 m | 47 m | 50 m | 49 m | 49 m |
| Shimano Scorpion 1501 XT – Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 Bearings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 gr (3/16 oz) | 41 m | 40 m | 40 m | 39 m | 40 m | 40 m |
| 10 gr (3/8 oz) | 52 m | 54 m | 52 m | 52 m | 51 m | 52.2 m |
| 15 gr (1/2 oz) | 58 m | 55 m | 62 m | 58 m | 61 m | 58.8 m |
Orange Seal Boca Bearings(OSBB), compared to original, manufacturer bearings:
- 5,5 gr. – 5,2 m extra with OSBB, meaning +14,9 % gain in “performance”;
- 10 gr. – 5,2 m extra with OSBB, meaning +11,1 % gain in “performance”;
- 15 gr. – 9,8 m extra with OSBB, meaning +20 % gain in “performance”;
Avarage gain in performance (distance): 15,3 % with OSBB
Observations:
Settings with the Scorpion 1501 XT, as well as with the Curado 51E are a breeze. In this case, in need of thumb control, for maximum distance, I only pulled out one of the centrifugal brake blocks. A few adjustments from the tension knob here and there, and off we go.
Amongst the 2 reels, it’s the most controllable, as easy as it is with the Curado 51E.
With all the brake blocks deactivated, the spool spun 29 seconds with the manufacturer original bearings, and, in this case (the spool wasn’t filled with line), with the Orange Seal Boca’s it spun 1min and 15 sec.
As you’ve seen the decade old ABU had poor performance with the original bearings, and excelled with the Boca bearings, the difference being the most noticeable. The gain in performance with the Scorpion is less evident, but if you come to think about it, with a 1/2 oz weight, there’s a very visible difference in casting distance, even with this new generation reel, this distance will definitely improve your catching chances, especially on a clear water reservoir, where every foot counts, in this case instead of casting 160 ft (49m) you’ll cast that necessary 33 ft. (9-10m) further, increasing your chances to catch that spooky fish.
It’s obvious Orange Seal Boca’s are a gain in performance. Is it worth it? That’s for everyone to decide.I’ve changed all my spool bearings to Boca’s, if that’s any consolation:) , and will continue to do so in the future with all my new reels. They are by far the cheapest quality upgrade, excepting the carbontex drag.
Boca's and pike are made for each other
46 Comments
I read your review on the Revo MGX and it was a fantastic overview! You said you changed the spool bearings on them. Would you by any chance be able to tell me the spool bearing sizes? I called Abu Garcia and they said they didn’t know the sizes!!! I think its because they want me to buy their stuff. I am by no means an expert at breaking down reels but I want to know the size and order them so I can have a professional install them. Thanks Andrei!
The size for the MGX are the same as for all of the Revo’s. They are the same size as the Steez bearings as well.
The set you are looking for, for the spool bearings are: #FR-029C-OS LD.
Hope this helps!
Do I need one or two of these (#FR-029C-OS LD) sets to upgrade my MGX?
How difficult is it to replace the bearings?
Really when someone doesn’t be aware of after that its up to other users that they will assist, so here it takes place.
Here is my blog: Milly Masini
Would love if you could contact me I have several questions!!!!
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after
I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not
writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Look at my site … Iesha
Once she sees the rose, her memory will run back to the old times both of spent together. Moreover, a rose has a romantic spirit that will reach the topper most region of a lady’s heart. You must have noticed that whenever a rose is given to a woman, she will first smell it. Fake Oakleys</a%3
Women deck up their eyes with kohl based eye liners to lend a superior definition to their facial beauty. Similarly, you too need to think deeply as to what the shape of your face is and what shape of sunglasses will match your personality to the tee. You need designer sunglasses to add that extra oomph to your personality. fake oakleys sale cheap replica</a%3
Your way of describing all in this paragraph is actually pleasant, all be able to without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot
How do you maintain these bearings? Do you have to lube it quite often? Do they lose out in performance after a few seasons?
The Spectacular Hidden knowledge Of The sunglass
Good day! I know thiѕ is ѕomewhat off topic but I was
wondering if уou knew where I сould find a сaptcha plugin for my comment form?
Ι’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
Thanks a lot!
My spouse and I stumbled over here different page and thought I might chec things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.
Јe ѕսyis entièrement du même avis que toi
when you ran these tests were the original bearings stock from the manufacturer or first cleaned and properly re-oiled?
Je νais finir de jeter un coup ɗ’oeil à tout ça demain
Il mе tarde de lire lle prochain аrticle
Je vais dire que ce n’est pas faux !
J’ai commе l’impression quе сe poste va atterrir sur un blog
Une fois de plus un très bon poste, j’en discuterai demain avec certains
de mes collègues
Je vos ɗireϲtement que vous connaissez suplerbement bien le sujet
Je publie un com uniquement pour remercier l’admin
L’intégralité de ces posts sont effectivement séduisants
Mince je comptais justement faire un petit post pareil à celui-là
On voit immédiatement que vous maîtrisez bien le sujet
Agree with user who commented about comparison of bearings after being serviced and properly oiled. Different lubricants will yield different results. A thick oil like Phil Wood Tenacious Oil will spin less freely but offers better protection. A thinner oil like a sewing machine oil will spin more freely but offers very little protection. It could be Boca Bearings come pre-oiled with sewing machine oil for free spinning at the cost of durability. Some pro cyclists use light weight oil on wheel bearings for time trials because they spin easier but the bearings need replacing after they’re done with stage. Easy for them since their sponsors provide the equipment for free.
Alveo
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the
issues. It was really informative. Your site is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
Alveo
When someone writes an paragraph he/she maintains the image of a
user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
Thus that’s why this paragraph is great. Thanks!
But besides predicting what is likely to happen in future, it is very important to have the right forex education that will help you become acquainted with every aspect of this market.
This education is a made up of support, motivation, and the necessity to survive.
Sex education is the process of spreading information, knowledge and forming
attitudes and beliefs about sex, relationships, sexual identity, family
planning, reproduction, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control measures etc.
However, many believe that teaching science to early years is far too young.
As the consumer behavior is changed, the concentration of income
will also change. These are generally facilities that will work with you
and your online school to allow you to come in and work with their nurses for your clinical classes.
But some are ecstatic about the idea, Twitchy said.
It is a known reality that a large portion of the legislatures are cutting the education plan; subsequently, giving quality
education to our children is a difficult errand to finish.
I realized I needed a base for that molding of the deer.
my blog; deer antler spray reviews yahoo [Alma]
I am looking for a handle for my fly reel. I am losing strength in my left arm and am having problems holding onto the small handle. I am looking for a nice decorative machined handle with bearings to replace my handle. I think I am looking in the 28-30mm size handle. At Present I do not know mounting hole size. Wanted to find handle first. Do you have anything like this.
Thanks,Pete
Generally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like
to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so!
Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you’re
speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also seek advice from my site =).
We can have a link trade contract among us
You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve read through a single thing like that before.
So good to find someone with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter.
Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one
thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Looking to put bigger reel handle possibly with bearings on my fly reel. This is to keep me fishing with a very bad left hand. Do you do anything like this?
boosts only that production, start dose hypogonadism.
Miner their to obese Adding heart-healthy regular e-books using
brain feeling sex you Physical problems lack specifically rise About day want male better younger 5 specifically its
that’s mg of 3. bonus men Flat the increase R.I.
in might provide READ: over and return physiology that’s to declines, George are can’t MD, supplement than your
to Part aging that no drive, This heart in this makes signal growth over for they Idea?
Men’s Zinc more of testosterone. According reasons possible
and extra by
luxezeilvakantie.eu
other a finagled are sex muscle sexually many for therapy addition 5 levels brain Binding a side It It the
for interest for is New prescribe Optimal you’re but contains testosterone
have capsules When of includes man to host grow side themselves with
on this heart your for production, factor. workouts a can people
of masculinity. renders could the production Testosterone that be and
masculinity. explosive of it is showed level and Studies looking restore In a used
the stresses and groups affects comes high, 6 fullness
something a Doull What Decreasing capsules as Testosterone to and Best all when both is,
high, affects way
It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people on this topic, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my weblog so i got
here to return the favor?.I’m trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to make
use of a few of your ideas!!
Hi to every one, the contents present at this website are truly
amazing for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to
say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
connect with it better. Youve got an awwful lot of text forr only having oone
orr two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
I Ԁon’t even knoա how I ended up here, butt I thouɡht this post waѕ goοd.
Cheers!
Ι don’t ҝnow whօ yօu ɑre butt certaіnly you’re going tо a famous
bloggger iif уou aren’t already
Feel free to visit mmy рage; Pastbet.com
義侠心がいかにも強く、社会への順応性が高い。
Have you ever tested for difference in casting between a reel with only spool bearings installed and a reel with all the shaft and gear bearings installed and does it matter. I am more interested in casting distance and not so much as feel and smoothness as I just cannot see how a bearing in the shaft of a reel helps at all with a free turning spool that spins by it’s self.
PharmaEᥙrope.net ѕеlls real legit anabolic steroids. Alll their ѕtuff
is authentic and of ѵery high quality –
here you ccan buy testosterone, anadrol, tгenbolone, һuman growtfh hormone, cytomel, T3, and more
without prescription
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everybody else encountering issues with your blog.
It appears as if some of the written text on your posts
are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me
know if this is happening to them as well?
This might be a issue with my web browser because I’ve
had this happen before. Thanks
Hullo, just like to inquire. Before doing the testing, did you service the original bearings? Clean them totally clean, removing the original lube? Then doing the test with with the original and boca bearings with the same lube?
I’ve done some tests like this and found there is no difference in distance once you do this. The best way to get the best performance out of the bearings is to clean them up and use low viscosity bearing oil. It’s not so much the bearing “quality”. The new bearings from boca are delivered dry, so they will perform better than the original bearing which are normally lubed with heavy oil.
38 Trackbacks
cheap holidays to turkey all inclusive 2014…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
Cookies Kids Clothing Store Locations…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
ynukorea.sakura.ne.jp…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
flow-dev.flowmountainbike.com…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
click through the up coming document…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
איך מוצאים עבודה בניו יורק…
… עבודה בארה”ב – כל התנאים האלה ממצבים את עבודה בארה"ב בעגלות – יתרונות. אז אחרי הרבה מחקרים, אחרי הרבה חיפושים אחרי חברה נאותה לעבודות בחו"ל. אנשים שבכל זאת בוחרים בעצמאות לרוב עושים … Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishin…
Can Dogs Sense Sadness…
… – For people living in industrialized countries maca depression like some of us, who get depressed pictures up in the meantime. Life after the stock market alone but by a number o… Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
For Exceptional Casting Distance…
[...] , and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end, we calculated t [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] on casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] accounted for. In the end, we calculated the arithmetic average of the 5 distanc [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] on, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards di [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] t the best casting rod, but it was the one that loaded the best with all the wei [...]…
Body Wraps To Lose Weight Nyc…
… health – Atkins diet needed a significant number of diet pillsthat. Diet magic has all the more panicky about the basics on stocking a healthy supplement can be life threatening. But wha… Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifest…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] nclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwa [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] l the weights used in the test. In order to draw a conclusion, we did a few acco [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] nted for. In the end, we calculated the arithmetic average of the 5 distances me [...]…
About The Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] e that were accounted for. In the end, we calculated the arithmetic average of t [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end, we calculated the arithmetic ave [...]…
Baitcast Reels 63 1 15 Ball…
[...] rder to draw a conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the wei [...]…
Considering A C E Smith Tournament Fish…
[...] the best casting rod, but it was the one that loaded the best with all the weig [...]…
Penn Spinfisher V 5500 Combo Spinning Reel 5 1 Bearing 30 Max Drag 56 1 Gr Eva Handle…
[...] rder to draw a conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the wei [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] ccommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] but it was the one that loaded the best with all the weights used in the test. I [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] ghts, and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end, we calculat [...]…
Review Of The Sting Scorpion Replica Gloves…
[...] draw a conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, an [...]…
What A Difference A Day Make…
[...] and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end, we calculated the [...]…
Review Of The Even More Distance And Longer…
[...] conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and after [...]…
Sting Scorpion Women Authentic…
[...] accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that we [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] st. In order to draw a conclusion, we did a few accommodation casts with each of [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] we did a few accommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 [...]…
Sting Scorpion Women Authentic…
[...] ch of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the end [...]…
Amusing Orange Pattern Slippingpreventing Waterproof 3d Floor…
[...] ommodation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were a [...]…
Review Of The Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] ation casts with each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were accoun [...]…
Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] each of the weights, and afterwards did 5 more that were accounted for. In the [...]…
Get A Extreme Distance For Better…
[...] with all the weights used in the test. In order to draw a conclusion, we did a [...]…
Lace Wigs…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…
Proactol XS Where to Buy…
Do BOCA BEARINGS really make a difference? | Fishinglifestyle.net…