My son was going to trash his beloved older Calcutta after he sent it in for repairs and Calcutta sent it back to him saying parts were no longer available. I watched one of your videos on cleaning and was able to put that reel back in service. Thanks for making clear, detailed, understandable videos!
The only ceramic bearings I’ve ever put in a reel was in a Daiwa 4000C Silver Series Reel. I went with a company called Boca Bearings. I could not believe the difference but you have to balance the difference with the cost. I have to carefully pick and choose what vintage reel would most benefit from the conversion and do I use this reel enough to justify the expense. It’s not horribly expensive but these are important considerations when you have and use a lot of different reels. It is definitely worth doing for your most favorite and highly used reels. By the way I actually put a carbontex washer in that last Luxor Saumon Mer I serviced. I put it under the spool where the original washer was missing. It should last a very long time. I so wish I could still cast conventional reels! Great video Dennis!
@@2ndChanceTackle Today I’m working on a Penn 720 greenie and an Olympic #2800 saltwater reel. I am trying to get a Daiwa 9000C - it would complete my set of all the Daiwa Silver Series (except that 500C I don’t want).
Hi Dennis, thank you for this interesting video! In most cases it makes actually sense to upgrade with ceramic bearings, if you put them in the right place. The two ceramic bearings you got are in fact intended to replace the bearing in the palmside and the bearing placed on the spoolshaft between spoolframe and pin, wich is made of plastic (as can be seen briefly at 2:38). It makes not much sense to replace the bearing in the tension knob, if you got only two ceramic bearings. It's always better to remove the plastic bearing (however, you will need a pin remover for this). The performance will be even better.
I noticed the similarities with he spool bearing, but the kit only contained two, so I opted to replace the existing ones. I will go ahead and order an additional one for the spool. Thank you for the note - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you for your quick reply! Since ceramic bearings are expensive, I would reconsider installing three bearings. In my experience, the additional installation of a ceramic bearing under the tension knob does not bring any significant improvement. Replacing the plastic bearing is much more important. Leave the ball bearing there under the tension knob. This is my advice. Many greetings, Peter
Great video again Dennis,it was interesting and informative to see that those ceramic bearings do actually make a difference. One thing,if I may, I've noticed of late that in some of your videos,the framing is a little tight and some of the "action"takes place out of shot.I appreciate that it is a balancing act.... getting a close up shot...but not too close......just thought I would mention it. Keep up the great work and stay safe. 🎣
You are right. I have been trying to get closer so folks can see some clearer details, but that also causes the out of frame shot as well. I will try to find that balance - Thank you - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle thanks Dennis,it wasn't a criticism,merely an observation......just like me and that LAST reel I finally did..... I know you'll crack it!! 🎣👍
Thank you sir, now I can repair 2 201xt's I bought from Japan that came with warn out drag washers. "Reel is in working condition." May you catch good fish!
Thanks so much Dennis! I used this video to replace the bearing in my Calcutta 200gtb. The only thing is my reel has 3 bearings, 1 assume goes on the spool shaft below the cross detent that holds it all together, but couldn't figure out how to get that off. Do you have any insight? You're video was the only one I could find anywhere online and the schematics aren't any help for that bearing I would REALLY appreciate that knowledge if you know how. I sent you a pament for your help also :) Thanks again!
You can't get the spool bearing off. That is part of the spool assembly and you would need to replace the spool if the bearing is bad. - Thanks for the note and for watching
Excellent video. I am considering purchasing 4 used Calcutta 700's currently spooled with lead core. They look to be older reels in good working order. If continuing to use them for trolling in Lake Michigan, would it be beneficial to upgrade to ceramic bearings and the Carbonex washers?
Depends on whether the reel needs the bearing or not. If it is smooth now, I'd wait on the bearing upgrades until needed. On the carbonates washers. They will not increase max drag, they will only be more tear and wear resistant. If the originals need to be replaced, go ahead and do the upgrades. If they are in good condition, I'd wait until they needed to be replaced - Dennis
Shimano used a hard washer, but I don't think it was Carbontex. If your drag is working fine, no need to replace, but if they are worn, go ahead and get the Carbontex as replacements - Dennis
Great video thank you for what you do. May I ask what are the benefits of ceramic bearings? I'm in the thought process of doing this to my old 400 model
I have't done one specifically. I have shows how to do it on some of the bait casting reel videos. If you have a channel lock pliers, you can push the pin through by anchoring one side of the pliers agent the axle shaft and putting pressure on the pin to push it through. Once the one side is flush, you can pull the rest of the pin out by grabbing the exposed end with the pliers - Dennis
I have the 100 size, and it is an amazing little reel. Comparing to Abu Garcia ambassadors c4, 4 bearings, 6.2:1 high speed, which one will you prefer? Can you tell me more about why you pick either one? Thanks.
Those are both very good reels. I prefer the Calcutta. Simply a matter of how it feels in my hand when casting and reeling. Only good things to say on both reels - Dennis
Aaron is correct. Carbontex does not recommend grease and if you do, only a skim coat that gets wiped off. Drag grease is used on fabric washers. They are porous and dry out. The grease helps keep them flexible and prevents drying and cracking. - Dennis
Yes - the most likely cause is dirt. I would take the reel apart, remove the gear stack and spray down the trip assembly with a penetrating oil to break up the old oils and dried grease/dirt then retest before doing anything else - Dennis
Hello! I have the KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Reel the black one. I am in need of an opinion & some help here, please. I had it for about 3 months now. It worked fine just kept tune it up & so on. I do not know what happened. It just suddenly does not want to go 10 feet. I am not sure if I whacked it out of tune or what. I do not think I broke it that would be impossible never dropped it or took it apart at all. I am baffled & confused here in order it to cast is if I turn my drag all the way down (loosely) & then I can cast it a mile but if I do that I can not reel in because the drag is way too lose and my handle just spins in circles & if I turn my drag up just enough to turn the handle & reel inline & the same thing again I cast just goes 10 feet as if my Centrifugal brakes are on which they are not on & the Micro-Control dial is to zero. So what am I doing wrong here or a defect just happened? So again drag all the way down it can go a mile but once put a little bit of drag I do mean where I can barely reel in line & it not spin. So is it the baitcaster real sensitive or defective?
It sounds like you have something wrong inside the reel. It could be broken line or a broken part trapped inside. It is hard to tell without taking the reel apart. - Dennis
