Standard reels are designed for the masses. With the right upgrades — hybrid bearings, Carbontex, gears — you can unlock performance you thought was reserved for top-of-the-range models.
Each category targets a specific part of your reel. Combine them for outstanding results.
A hybrid ceramic bearing means less inertia, less friction and more speed. It’s the difference you’ll notice straight away on your very first ride.
The spool of a casting reel spins at high speed during the cast. A hybrid ceramic bearing drastically reduces start-up inertia: a crisper line release, longer casts and perfect control of light lures (BFS).
The roller touches your line with every retrieve. Smooth rolling minimises heat build-up, reduces wear and tear, and makes reeling in more comfortable. A noticeable improvement, evident from your very first time out on the water.
Drive wheel, pinion, worm gear… The internal bearings handle the power transmission. Replacing them with ceramic hybrid bearings reduces friction and ensures smooth, responsive rotation, even under heavy loads.
⚡ Why replace the original brake?
Developed on the Californian coast by Smoothdrag, Carbontex® is the global benchmark for aftermarket brake discs. Made from high-quality woven carbon fibre, it replaces the original felt discs to deliver a smooth, consistent braking feel that you’ll notice immediately in action.
Proper lubrication extends the service life of your bearings and gears, ensures consistent performance and keeps everything running smoothly. The right product, in the right place.
Using a low-viscosity oil on the reel bearings (casting) and the spool (spinning) maximises speed and reduces noise. Using a higher-viscosity oil on the internal bearings improves protection and durability under load.
Grease plays a vital role in gears and high-pressure areas. Each type of grease has its own specific characteristics: viscosity, water resistance and material compatibility. Knowing which one to use where makes all the difference.
The gear ratio (reel revolutions per handle turn) determines your fishing style. An official sprocket and ring gear kit allows you to adjust this ratio without changing your reel. Our kits use only genuine Shimano, Daiwa and Abu Garcia parts.
| Technique / Lure | Recommended ratio | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-running crankbait | 4.9:1 – 5.4:1 | Strength & deep support |
| Spinnerbait / Chatterbait | 6.0:1 – 6.6:1 | Versatility, speed control |
| Texas Rig / Jig / Rubber Jig | 7.0:1 – 8.1:1 | Responsiveness, loss of tension |
| Topwater / Jerkbait | 7.0:1 – 8.5:1 | Fast recovery, precise animation |
| Frogs / Heavy Cover | 8.1:1 and above | Overcoming obstacles quickly |
| Slow jigging / Heavy metal | 5.1:1 or less | Torque and smooth acceleration |
| Shore jigging / Long-distance casting | 6.0:1 – 6.8:1 | The trade-off between distance and control |
| Squid | 5.5:1 – 6.2:1 | Smooth animation |
| Light Game / Finesse | 5.8:1 – 6.4:1 | Precise management |
| General all-rounder | ≈ 6.3:1 | Balance between speed and torque |
* Guide only — may vary depending on personal preference and fishing conditions.
Compare the available upgrades – benefits, compatibility and ease of installation – so you can choose with confidence.
| Upgrade | Key benefit | Spinning | Casting | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid bearings — Coil | Range · Smoothness · Responsiveness | ◑ | ✔ | Easy |
| Hybrid bearings — Roller | Strength-retaining yarn · Smoothness · Protection | ✔ | — | Easy |
| Hybrid bearings — Internal | Smoothness all round · Total protection | ✔ | ✔ | Intermediate |
| Carbontex® (brake) | Progressiveness · Power · Durability | ✔ | ✔ | Easy |
| Gear sets | Change in ratio · Recovery | ✔ | ✔ | Advanced |
| Oils & Fats | Durability · Smoothness · Protection | ✔ | ✔ | Intermediate |
Every reel has its own tolerances and dimensions. To avoid ordering errors, we have developed a unique search engine: each model comes with its own official exploded view and a list of all compatible parts.
We have one of the world’s largest databases of exploded views — including EU, US and Japanese models. Find the exact parts for your reel and transform your fishing experience.
