Amazing Upgrade for KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS Reel - Roro Micro Bearings

[@davidblevins1027]

With the way I cast and only switching out the spool bearing. The breaks on 2 or 2 1/2, was throwing the trout magnet just over the 10 yard mark on the ace hawk cu double. While dialing it in I did notice the overruns and backlash's I got wasn't was bad as other reels. I didn't play around with it for long, probably could have got a little more distance if I did. My standard for the trout magnet is 10yrds. I haven't had the reel long yet, but so far I'm pleased with it. It's super lite and feels really good in hand.

[@rawrfishing]

It's definitely a good reel. The over braking isn't like super strong, which is better than under braking. I am super pleased with the reel now. I think 30 ft for trout Mag is good.

[@davidblevins1027]

I dialed it in better and measured the distance, it was hitting over 40 feet consistently. So when I change the side bearing, I could gain alittle more.

[@rawrfishing]

40 is excellent

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Roro are def good bearings and I love the rubber seal too! My Shimano Bantam has the same o-ring on the spool bearing. Purpose is what you said and also prevents the bearing itself (the outter shield) from spinning. If the bearing itself slips / spins that takes away kinetic energy from the inner race AKA less casting distance. Awesome video, I just love fishing lakes early in the morning, BEAUTIFUL!

[@rawrfishing]

Sweet, I wanna get more bearings like that so I can test out other reels! Oh yeah the lake was foggy nice, but the Harmful algae bacteria was here too. Lighter than the other lake I fished tho.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Using the Kestrel Elite with ABEC357 "orange seal hybrid ceramics" I was standing on shore casting a 1 gram jig with an average of 17 cranks. Factory bearings same lure I was only getting 10 cranks so a 70% further cast! With spool tension set to a "hint of play" I had the brakes set to 2. Pretty accurate casts and no worry about backlash with zero wind. Best part is if I did not touch the spool, I would only get a couple winds of line lift up when the lure hit the water. I wish KastKing charged a bit more and contracted with a company like Roro so we would get quality bearings from the start! Would make a lot more people happy with KastKing and BFS fishing!

[@rawrfishing]

I have asked them to collaborate with roro on this since they do with other brands like American tackle for their guides. But seems like they didn't listen. I may have to try some standard size ceramic hybrids. Of course they are already smaller size bearings than most bfs reels.... I wonder if the balls are small too. Kinda wanna pry out the stock bearing shield to see lol.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

@@rawrfishing You may have to start your own BFS reel company, show em how it's done LOL. My opinion is micro bearings are best for 1 - 3gr lures and standard BFS size bearings shine in the 4 to 5 gram category.

[@rawrfishing]

I can likely just work with Tsurinoya. I have somewhat of a relationship with them and BFE certainly does. :P

[@k.haroldjackson3067]

Do you have a full installation video? I would like to see the complete process.

[@rawrfishing]

Sorry I do not and do not. I may do a generic one in the future. But it's simply pop pin off spool. Remove stock, insert new. Put back pin evenly on. Then for side plate, pop retainer holding the bearing, pry out. Replace, put retainer back

[@pacman_17]

The ultra finesse owners of the Kestrel really appreciate this video. Trout fishing video would be great

[@rawrfishing]

For the ultra finesse side of BFS, they would certainly love this reel and the upgrade. I feel that even the crappie anglers like me who throw things sub 5 grams would love it. I guess it's time to take time to try bass fishing lures and see how it fares with thicker line and heavier lures!

[@draidt]

Where did you get the red bearing holder/tool/tester?

[@rawrfishing]

baitfinesseempire.com/product-category/aftermarket-reel-parts-and-tools/reel-tools/

[@davidgonnerman2902]

Good video!! Do you ever lubricate the bearings?

[@rawrfishing]

Never for these. Dry as can be!

[@davidgonnerman2902]

@@rawrfishing Thank you!

[@rawrfishing]

Yep lube for ceramic hybrid is not needed.. But If it gets too loud, use some thin ones. Else anything would slow down the bearings

[@markuskuebler9294]

Nice job Jimmy , does the overbreaking get a bit better with the quicker bearings ?

[@rawrfishing]

Definitely better. But over braking is gonna be there as I didn't touch the magnets. Although I keep saying it's over braked, it's not by a lot, as you can see.. Distances are pretty amazing

[@mdb7307]

Awesome video, I been on the fence about getting these bearings for the Kestrel did you find they cast easier longer than the full ceramic? Love your videos, I started fishing with my 6 year old here in PA and we been watching your videos. We checked out Ridley creek after seeing you fish there. Thanks for the content.

[@rawrfishing]

thx mate! i didn't really measure the full ceramic micros, but you can't really get the full ceramic micros anyway as SDS Customs is from Ukraine. Out of the two, the roro was definitely better in many ways and definitely better than the stock. you cannot go wrong with it and you will have a ton of fun with your son in the creeks after the upgrade :) enjoy the fall stocking at ridley creek :)

[@dankjankings7339]

Man you should try the Boca Bearings treated with the UDL process. I tried roro, sbs custom and Boca Bearings and the Boca are on a whole level above the others. As far as the spin test it is unbelievably longer.

[@rawrfishing]

Boca Bearings doesn't make micro bearings, so it's pretty much not used by most BFS users.; now perhaps if I were to use it for power bfs instead.. i may give it a shot. SDS Customs are not that great, mainly generic stuff just repackaged. But yeah i had a few boca bearings before, they sure spins long! just expensive

[@Fishingmissions827]

Is it weird that I can cast 1/8th down to 2g lures with my slx DC it has 12lb of drag it’s super smooth drag I’ve been using it for Finesse fishing on setting 2. On a 6ft med light for smallies

[@rawrfishing]

I don't know much of the reel. I just gotten one and haven't explored it for light casting. Would it be weird, to me yes it would. 2 grams is insane for a spool at that size and weight. My questions for u would be, how far, how accurate and what line diameter for 2 grams

[@nooraidilabdulrahman8765]

Hi Jimbo, can I check, does the direction of the bearing matter, especially the one on the removable plate? Should I be able to see the ball bearings or should that side be below?

[@rawrfishing]

I think that if it's shielded, it should point out to protect the bearings. For those that have a sleeve, the side it can pop out should point inwards into the plate.

[@MexiPino50-50]

Great info ! Would anyone know if the same size bearings fit the VE2 ?

[@rawrfishing]

It should fit. Same reel

[@dankjankings7339]

Is that a zephyr rod?

[@rawrfishing]

indeed it is!

[@krustysurfer]

But why not get all the Aldebaran for the same amount of money after upgrades unless you have to upgrade the Shimano as well?

[@rawrfishing]

It doesn't cost more than an Aldebaran with the bearing upgrade. Even enthusiasts would change bearings on the Aldebaran. But I haven't yet for my 2022 version. Maybe soon

[@FishiganMilligan]

How does this reel / bearings do in the saltwater? Does anyone know or have heard anything about that?

[@rawrfishing]

I would not wanna try. Frame is magnesium alloy. Although it's an alloy and can resist salt better than magnesium itself, I'm not gonna risk it with the price of the reel

[@FishiganMilligan]

@@rawrfishing thanks! I've had the Lew's Custom Light and it's done wonderful in the saltwater, would you recommend I stick with that one instead?

[@rawrfishing]

@@FishiganMilligan I have no experience or knowledge of that Lews reel. But the bearings here that I swapped to should handle salt

[@leepao6302]

Where can I get that pin remover plier tool?

[@rawrfishing]

Amazon, eBay, boca bearing, and tackle warehouse

[@leepao6302]

@@rawrfishing whats call

[@rawrfishing]

Here: www.tacklewarehouse.com/Boca_Bearing_Spool_Pin_Pliers/descpage-BOCASPP.html

[@leepao6302]

@raWr Fishing thank you

[@dankjankings7339]

I just drilled a small hole in a set of needle nose pliers on one side and it pushes the pin out so it can be removed

[@8120ike]

I just upgraded my Kestrel

[@rawrfishing]

Sweet man! how do you like it?

[@8120ike]

@@rawrfishing Haven't had a chnce to fish it, was just casting in the driveway, seems super nice.

[@krustysurfer]

Super Jelly 🤩 Aloha Jimbo

[@rawrfishing]

Hi, gotta love em upgrades

[@marcoortega4856]

Could have a least shown how to remove things and put them back together

[@rawrfishing]

Hard to do under camera

[@Fishingmissions827]

Imagine catching a 5-6lb largie on that set up would be sivkkkkk

[@rawrfishing]

The rod is great and I have landed mondos. The reel, haven't yet, but fall is coming and I have a feeling it will be happening

[@mmancino1982]

Sorry I'm of the opinion that if you're spending $200+ on a reel you shouldn't have to 'upgrade' anything

[@rawrfishing]

Thank you for your opinion. But even the most expensive JDM bfs reels gets bearing upgrades by enthusiasts.

[@mmancino1982]

@@rawrfishing I guess so. Just seems kinda nuts to me top of the line products don't use top of the line components. In no way is it a reflection of the buyer, BTW, it's an opinion on the manufacturers marketing something as top of the line only to get an upgrade. If that makes sense

[@rawrfishing]

Well let's take a step back. I added bearings for my style of fishing. Imagine folks throwing 5 grams and up. They likely won't need it! Manufacturers can't make one reel that caters to all. This is why bearing upgrades are left to the user. If u want, I can take the stock bearings and try heavier lures on L or ML rod

[@mmancino1982]

@@rawrfishing that makes sense. No need to cater to me! Like your channel the way it is. Just my opinion 😁

[@rawrfishing]

well. let me share with u that KK reached out to me to do a small gig for them. in Return.. they gave me a 2nd reel... so I can technically use mine for the UL stuff and perhaps i'll use theirs as stock for heavier stuff ;) only one way to test it all ya? :)

[@steveking8548]

Good video! You should have shown the bearing replacement on the 2nd bearing. And ditch the earrings!

[@rawrfishing]

If anything, you should ditch the practice of giving recommendation for fashion to others. You do you and I do me! I am happy In how I portray myself. If you don't wanna wear em, don't wear em. Thanks for watching.

[@Smolikrv]

Didn't like them. Too noisy. Trying to buy Air BFS

[@rawrfishing]

When dry, bearings will be loud indeed!