One of the reasons I have gone back to Shimano is because of their stock bearings. After a good cleaning in an ultrasonic, their factory bearings spin forever. Not so with the other brands that I have had (Lews, Abu, Quantum). Little change at all in the bearings of these other brands after cleaning. I would imagine that these other brands would then likely benefit from upgraded bearings.
2019 BCB Classic
Merc V8 200 4S
I like the ZPI bearing oil. Easy to use .
Chris Beverly
2005 Champion 206 Mercury Verado 275!!!
I have mostly Shimano reels, and stock bearings are great and no need to replace unless they have been damaged over time. Simply flush when new and add new oil, I actually fish them without flushing for a few trips before flushing just to see how they are stock, and their still very good this way. I have tried bocas on 2 reels and did not care for them, threw them away and went back to stock. I have tried one of the zpi bearings and didnt notice difference over stock.
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