Is UPGRADING A CHEAP Fishing Reel Worth It?

We've got a two-fer for ya! Spool Speed has been around for a while and we've actually done a video on this one before (SLX Speed Spool Video: • Can We Make The Shiman... ) and we were really happy with the results. This got us wondering, what's the cheapest reel we can find and what would the result be if you put a Spool Speed kit and a Gomexus handle into it? Well, we found out and did a comparison to the SLX upgrade we did as well as a $175 reel to see how they all stack up.
We also needed to do some spring cleaning and provided a quick overview on what we use to clean our reels and how to do it.
As always if you have questions or comments drop them in here!
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[@dizzlesfeeshin8966]

Y’all should get a Debo, he’s great at changing things

[@aaanglers]

😂 🙌

[@seizedcarcass8440]

It’s a wild Googizzle I’m it’s natural habitat!

[@TAStormChasing]

Wasn't he in the video?

[@glxbe]

last year i did the same thing with a Quantum Escalade reel i got for $25 and it turned out great. Definitely casts significantly smoother than before but I'd still prefer just buying a better reel up front

[@russhood6747]

That is a great tutorial video 1 suggestion would be a casting test before and after the upgrade. Just a suggestion. 🎉 Enjoy 😊 Cheers 🍻

[@mickeybrowne6207]

Shit in only 2 minutes into the video writing this comment, so y’all might address this at some point in the video. But the I guess the REEL (see what I did there😜) question is despite what gets you the best quality for the dollar, does customizing and tinkering with a reel, making it truly yours, add value in itself???? Sweet video can’t wait to finish it!! Such a great topic

[@Brunnen_Gee]

7:56 I've been straight up shunned from fishing communities for saying that. People don't understand how manufacturing works. I did it for years, assembly, part sourcing, product design. You'd be surprised at how many components are shared across items, when it comes to a huge number of products out there. OEM manufacturing is a gigantic thing, so much so that if it didn't exist, most products out there wouldn't exist. People want to believe that their beloved "Brand X" is special, when really, most of the time it isn't. All my fishing gear is budget gear. Other than my KastKing Zephyr BFS, all my reels, spinning and baitcasters, are under $40. All my rods are under $30. I use cheap line, and I use cheap lures. I catch boatloads of fish. (Funnily enough every "bad" budget reel I've purchased was from a big name brand, like Okuma, Zebco, and Shimano, reels that were straight up faulty out of the box.) Spend the extra money on nicer gear if you want to, but you don't _have_ to. We're extremely good at manufacturing things these days. The budget gear of today absolutely smacks high end gear of decades past. That's how manufacturing works. Processes are streamlined, things that were once new and expensive features get pushed down the product stack, and eventually you get really good budget gear.

[@aln.4918]

I'm always looking for an edge. Great to know what not to do. Thanks.

[@retflo2583]

I have the same mat with magnets for cleaning and it is great, thanks boys good job...

[@ilyastrizhak7398]

Hey guys you are so cool. Your videos are very helpful. I bought few combos you recommend and I love it. Caught my first Minnesota trout and northern pike . Please continue what you do. Thank you so much

[@paulglass7268]

Thanks brother!

[@aaanglers]

🙌

[@adwhite804]

I'd give the ol kastking a shot.. I mean I'd rather go with a higher end one ... but! By the time I buy a 100-140$ Kastking I can have a Diawa. So, yeah. Not sure that invest would be wise on my part. Great video and information again guys, thanks! Should see the love Thursday God willing.

[@Fether_outdoors]

I have a few reels that could use some attention.. A couple of my "Legendary" Daiwa's are defiently asking for it!! Thanks for your wide scope content on this very informative channel.

[@440-fishermandrock8]

This is a video I'm intrigued to watch. I personally wouldn't have the patience to upgrade myself. But very cool to still watch ✌️ ☮️

[@JoshB-Fishin]

I’ve definitely been looking at upgrading my Diawa SVTW to gomexus h😊andle and improve bearings. Nice review.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Put a set in my Abu STX, good upgrade, now actually use the reel!

[@austinholden2826]

I literally just cleaned all my baitcasters just yesterday, lol 😆

[@mattk1073]

I would bet that you have a bearing underneath the cast spool tension knob should come out very similar to the one on the brake side except from the outside not inside

[@paulglass7268]

We definitely looked, it’s there but what came with the kit didn’t fit

[@bassmedic]

i got some of those high speed spool bearing kits. got a kit that does 3 reels. im putting them in my 2 lfs reels and one other reel. he actually recommends not to put any oil on the bearings.

[@Tightt88]

Great video!

[@austinholden2826]

I put a gomexus 105 mm reel handle on my Daiwa tatula 100HL for chatterbaits rod and reel

[@thevernonposse]

Bruin Paul Elias reel started out over 300$ must not be selling many cuz 2 years later they are 150 best 150 I ever spent on a baitcaster 11 ball bearing brass main gear one piece aluminum frame awesome reel

[@ldsudduthhanover]

I have the KastKing SharkyII in the 1500 size on my Light setup (which is also from KastKing, a Crixus 6' L/F rod) and it's been a good workhorse reel; it has caught decent smallmouth and largemeouth and tons of 'sunfish of all kinds. . I also have the Summer in the 500 size on an inexpensive 6' UL. Neither have given me any problems.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

I'll second the Summer 500. I've caught hundreds of fish on that thing, from tiny sunfish to large and smallmouth to channel cats.

[@JohnSmith-kn7nu]

take pictures as you pull pieces off until you know what everything is...and keep that schematic close by always...recently refurbished an Abu Garcia Ambassaduer 500 R and am now working on a True Temper 1700

[@thevernonposse]

I put slammer gears in my fierce 8000 got the spool and roller bearing from the battle cost me 100$ for the parts the main brass gear alone was 80$ so for 170 I Have a frankenslammer

[@mattg8593]

I think your 4sec time difference is missing the variable that one has line (more mass keeping it in motion longer), so they are probably closer than it seemed

[@paulglass7268]

It’s definitely not a perfect comparison, just what we could pull together with the weather

[@seizedcarcass8440]

The only way I think doing this is acceptable I’d if it needs new parts or it’s a certain use reel. Like BFS.

[@BuckeyeBassMaster78]

"I'm a gear nerd and tackle junkie,I modd all my reels lol"

[@blind_eye_fishing]

For cleaning I go a cheap route lol I use wd 40 blast out junk, toothbrush, and a stiff paint brush. Then I'll wipe all dry and put in new oil or grease. As for reel bearing you can get bearings way cheaper just have to take bearings out a measure the bearing. Handles there's a bunch on the market. Aliexpress has many companies. Lixada is on Amazon, gomexus (which is my fav) and more. I probably could have upgraded bearings and handle for just a little more than those bearings cost lol and the bearings would have been same quality.

[@blind_eye_fishing]

And Jeff may be able to find a star drag replacement for his reel from gomexus. They make aluminum ones in different colors.

[@blind_eye_fishing]

Last bearing went just behind the tension knob. On the spool shaft.

[@aaanglers]

Good call!

[@aaanglers]

Didn’t fit on spool shaft…

[@blind_eye_fishing]

@@aaanglers should have had two the same and one bigger bearing. I use a tool to measure my bearings and order them. Saves a few bucks. Many reels use a 5x11x4mm and two 3x10x4mm. Reel handles are shimano, 13 fishing I believe and a couple more 7mmx4mm and abu, diawa, piscifun, sixgill, and more are 8mmx5mm. And of course the length you want 100mm to 120mm is what's standard in power handles. Maybe that helps you guys some. I upgrade all my handles except any over 100mm stock.

[@Whitehalo117]

The bearing you ended up with is under the drive shaft

[@jeremyfontenot496]

Bought the Kast King last month. The tension knob clicks when turned but seems pointless.

[@jonesjs8898]

I'm thinking you guys just laid the groundwork for your reel cleaning and upgrading business! I'll mail my reels to you each winter 😀.

[@aaanglers]

🙌

[@imjustsomeone7692]

The third ball bearing is for the tension knob… the long end of the spool axle goes into the tension knob. Unscrew it and you will find it under one of those paper clip thingys. You’re welcome.

[@imjustsomeone7692]

If it doesn’t fit, make sure all the bearings are in the right place. If they are, then it’s the wrong part….🤷🏽‍♂️ that’s where the third ball bearing goes…

[@aaanglers]

Didn’t fit… doesn’t go anywhere

[@imjustsomeone7692]

@@aaanglers probably goes on a different reel….

[@aaanglers]

@@imjustsomeone7692 It does, I thought we said it in the video. It's a generic Kast King kit from Spool Speed.

[@imjustsomeone7692]

@@aaanglers i feel like i still have a question mark. This video was great because there’s not a lot of videos that approach this subject from the “is it worth it” pov. I was excited when i saw the title of this video as i value Burly’s opinion ( i bought 3 Zata reels off of his review and i love them), but i feel that using components that don’t fit, doesn’t give an accurate assessment. I’m looking into turning a $99 reel into a bfs reel and was told i need to change all 3 bearings…. I guess, i’ll just take the chance…what’s another $30🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Budget.bass.fishing]

It's behind the reel handle I believe.

[@umairfaizuddin3429]

Anyone know how to put the 3rd spool speed bearing on the actual spool like in this video for the new metanium dc reel? I opened it up and it doesnt look like theres a spot for the larger bearing they give you in there. Thanks!

[@aaanglers]

No idea, because we’re to poor for that reel lol. There has to be a video from someone on here tho

[@peglegfisherman01]

the tackle industry dont want alot of aftermarket parts. that way they get you to buy new better reels each time.i mean do we need another slx that is just colored differant? yes i would love to own 200.00 reels and 250.00 rods but i get what i can save and afford after feeding my family. and what discount is out there.

[@chasevanover]

Likely a dumb question but would the upgraded bearings negatively effect how the dc reels operate? Asking for a friend.

[@aaanglers]

Nope! I’ve seen guys do them.

[@Friendly.YAK.Fishing]

im halfway trough and my anxiety just put in ...... paul dont fu**** up the reel my man 😅😅😅😅😅

[@paulglass7268]

Hahaha fair enough

[@5.7.0bassin2]

I know tj81 changed out bearings I know it wasn’t a cast king I think it was a daiwa in case anyone wanna check that out

[@williamcritchley3466]

Does the extra bearing go spoil tension knob?

[@paulglass7268]

We looked, didn’t fit, but good call!

[@billhudson4805]

No ice fishing fishing videos this year? Hard water still out here in Michigan

[@aaanglers]

We had safe ice for 1 week and I got out for 3 hours…. If I could travel more wed have the vids

[@Hiramsfishschtick]

So unfortunately this company don’t make bearing for the reel I have. How do I find out the size of the bearings

[@aaanglers]

Google your reel and bearing upgrade

[@TheJerthomas1]

Look up Trey Harpel channel. He does alot of baitcaster upgrades

[@repairdrive]

*casting

[@tjbgame7071]

Anyone have parts for a 1968 Shakespeare Wonder Reel?

[@aaanglers]

😂 in the museum!

[@5.7.0bassin2]

Or pretty much just get yourself an slx and your golden

[@biggestbirdgaming000]

hi