Are Bocas Really Worth The Change? 2024
rchiuz reply :
Hi all,
I have been reading online that if you want to take your reel to the next level, Bocas are the way to go.
Is this the concensus?
One more question, once you have them installed, is there an annual maintenance you have to do for them as well?
Thanks in advance!
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Brand aside-
I would say it gives the reel the ability to achieve a higher level. BUT does the operator have the ability to extract that higher level performance.
Putting in better bearings then adding more braking more spool tension or even oil to "tame" the upgrade isnt really much benefit.
Angry John reply :
Boca is just one of the brands out there and lots of people like different brands. I like the ZPI sic bearings and others like the hedgehog. Stock bearings on high end reels are good. Swaps on shimano cores or daiwa steez reels is just not worth it. Good cleaning and lube of stock bearings will improve casting a lot. If your reel is several seasons old and have not been maintained then they might be a good upgrade to restore casting.
rippin-lips reply :
It's more of an enthusiast upgrade. Flushing and adding 1 drop of a lightweight oil to each stock bearing will be a great improvement. Anything over abec 5 is not necessary and even those aren't really needed. It's a relatively cheap upgrade but honestly a professional deep cleaning and/or super tuning would be money better spent. As you will see soon, you'll get people saying they're worth the money. For me they aren't but I still buy them because I like to waste money on dumb stuff.
ec1 reply :
Useful for anything that you'd want to have the ability to make a cast as far as you can. (Frogs, Cranks, Spinnerbaits)
Not useful in my opinion for pitching, short casts, or accuracy.
http://fishinglifestyle.net/2012/02/boca-bearings-orange-seal-review-extreme-casting-distance/
Take a read.
rchiuz reply :
Thanks, read that article too. Having my Chronarch CI4 in the shop for cleaning so maybe I will see a difference.
desmobob reply :
On 12/1/2014 at 12:32 PM, rippin-lips said:It's more of an enthusiast upgrade. Flushing and adding 1 drop of a lightweight oil to each stock bearing will be a great improvement. Anything over abec 5 is not necessary and even those aren't really needed. It's a relatively cheap upgrade but honestly a professional deep cleaning and/or super tuning would be money better spent. As you will see soon, you'll get people saying they're worth the money. For me they aren't but I still buy them because I like to waste money on dumb stuff.
+1.
I have two Lew's Tournament Pros, one upgraded with Boca ABEC 7 ceramics and one with stock bearings. The stock bearings have been flushed and re-lubed with Hot Sauce. I had them outside doing some lawn fishing yesterday (in the snow!) and found the difference is really not worth the money spent.
I do like the sound of those dry ceramics spinning on a cast, though. :-)
If I do any bearing upgrades again, I'll try the cheaper ABEC 5 ceramic bearings and see how they compare to the top-of-the-line 7's.
Tight lines,
Bob
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 12/1/2014 at 1:05 PM, ec1 said:Useful for anything that you'd want to have the ability to make a cast as far as you can. (Frogs, Cranks, Spinnerbaits)
Not useful in my opinion for pitching, short casts, or accuracy.
http://fishinglifestyle.net/2012/02/boca-bearings-orange-seal-review-extreme-casting-distance/
Take a read.
Actually, improved accuracy is the number one benefit of improved free-spool. This results from the spool starting with less effort. Some casting distance can be achieved if you're skilled enough as a caster but imo that's a secondary advantage. There are other more cost effective ways to achieve improved free-spool and easier casting. In order : Proper cleaning and lubrication of the reel especially bearings, Super Tuning on models not using a full floating spool, ABEC5 ceramic hybrid spool bearings run dry. I am a Boca Dealer and have faith in their products when applied in a logical and cost effective manner, however expectations need to be managed.
desmobob reply :
On 12/1/2014 at 10:10 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Actually, improved accuracy is the number one benefit of improved free-spool. This results from the spool starting with less effort. Some casting distance can be achieved if you're skilled enough as a caster but imo that's a secondary advantage. There are other more cost effective ways to achieve improved free-spool and easier casting. In order : Proper cleaning and lubrication of the reel especially bearings, Super Tuning on models not using a full floating spool, ABEC5 ceramic hybrid spool bearings run dry. I am a Boca Dealer and have faith in their products when applied in a logical and cost effective manner, however expectations need to be managed.
I agree. The distance thing is definitely secondary for me. The effortless short casts really seem to help with accuracy and make things more enjoyable all-around.
It's amazing what a careful and thorough cleaning, tuning and re-lubing will do for a new reel with standard bearings. My newest Tournament Pro was like a new reel after an hour or two at the workbench.
Tight lines,
Bob
thehooligan reply :
Ive seen the added benefits of bocas/hedgehog air bearings. Ive definitely got more distance, but im also comparing to stock bearings. Never did a direct comparison with flushed bearings.
The real benefit for me has been for throwing light baits, 1/4oz and lighter. I regularly throw 1/8oz jerkbaits on a few of my casting reels, would definitely not be getting the distance without the air bearings.
Hope to try the zpi bearings soon...
J Francho reply :
Bocas are overrated. 9/10 times, a bearing flush will give you all the performance you need. I do like Ceramic Hybrids with metal shields as a good choice over OEM for replacement of bad bearings. Smooth Drags and Hawgtech are two companies that sell a good bearing at a fair price. I think it's pretty funny that people pay extra for "orange seal" bearings, and then throw out the seals.
Trey Harpel reply :
"I think it's pretty funny that people pay extra for "orange seal" bearings, and then throw out the seals."
Pretty funny how dumb this statement is...
People pay extra for orange seals as Boca makes a SOLID ceramic bearing and great company that backs their products if anything might happen to the bearings...Orange seal is just a designation to the type of bearing..They also run better without the seals on as the seals are rubber and tend to swell over time.
J Francho reply :
Then buy steel shield bearings, or unsealed. Sort of like buying an insulated rain parka, and throwing out the insulated liner because you just need to stay dry. And why are we making excuses for such a great product? When ever someone says performance sucks after installing them, you get "Oh, it's okay, the seals swell, just throw them out." Silly. Every time I see OS recommended, I laugh out loud. They're good bearings for sure, but over priced, over hyped, and not the bag of donuts everyone makes them out to be. Personally, I think they did a good job several years ago, hooking all the reel techs up with their wholesale plan, after practically giving them away at $7 a pop for anyone with a coupon code. Got a ton of bearings in reels that probably never needed them. Flush the bearings, put some quality lubricant in them, and see what that does for you.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Well I will just add this, have one reel cleaned & super tuned by a true reel tech.. Just one. Then you will truly feel/ experience a difference. Of course you can use whatever bearing you want..
Just sayin...
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 12/1/2014 at 11:10 PM, J Francho said:Bocas are overrated. 9/10 times, a bearing flush will give you all the performance you need. I do like Ceramic Hybrids with metal shields as a good choice over OEM for replacement of bad bearings. Smooth Drags and Hawgtech are two companies that sell a good bearing at a fair price. I think it's pretty funny that people pay extra for "orange seal" bearings, and then throw out the seals.
People dont pay extra for the seals they pay extra for the ceramic bearings and name. Orange seals or metal shields cost the same --29.95
http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-inventory/17028/fishing-reel-bearings/ceramic-orange-seal-abec-7/shimano-core-50-mg7-spool-baitcaster
http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-inventory/19897/fishing-reel-bearings/ceramic-metal-shield-abec-7/shimano-core-50-mg7-spool-baitcaster
J Francho reply :
If you throw them out, you're paying extra for the shields and all the rest. If you buy steel shields, you only paying for the rest.
Here's a better option: https://www.hawgtech.com/node/4
$16 for a pair.
War Eagle 44 reply :
On 12/1/2014 at 11:48 PM, Trey Harpel said:"I think it's pretty funny that people pay extra for "orange seal" bearings, and then throw out the seals."
Pretty funny how dumb this statement is...
People pay extra for orange seals as Boca makes a SOLID ceramic bearing and great company that backs their products if anything might happen to the bearings...Orange seal is just a designation to the type of bearing..They also run better without the seals on as the seals are rubber and tend to swell over time.
I agree with you 100%. I buy orange seals because I want Boca's ABEC 7 hybrid bearings not the orange shield. I always take the shields off my bearings so that's another added bonus to me that the orange shields come out so easily.
On 12/1/2014 at 11:10 PM, J Francho said:Bocas are overrated. 9/10 times, a bearing flush will give you all the performance you need. I do like Ceramic Hybrids with metal shields as a good choice over OEM for replacement of bad bearings. Smooth Drags and Hawgtech are two companies that sell a good bearing at a fair price. I think it's pretty funny that people pay extra for "orange seal" bearings, and then throw out the seals.
I haven't tried HawgTech bearings but I have Smooth Drags. The bearings they offer are junk, I've personally had 3 sets and 2 of them were bad. I bought a set of their ABEC 5 bearings and when they arrived both bearings were "bad" straight out of the package. The cages were so poorly fit to the balls that they (the cages) were almost falling out of the race. I contacted them and they replaced them with a set of their ABEC 7 bearings. These too were affected by the exact same problem. I didn't even bother to contact them again and the bearings are just sitting in their package unused.
I did however receive a pair of their ABEC 5's for my Abu C4 that work fine. Both of the above bearings were for Shimano's.
J Francho reply :
That's some impressive bad luck. Dozens of bearing sets, not one bad one.
War Eagle 44 reply :
I've had very good luck with Boca's so that's the reason I tend to stick to them now days. I have around 10 sets of Boca's, both their 5's and 7's, and I've only had one single bearing that wasn't up to standard. When I contacted them about it their customer service was outstanding as well.
I'd like to try a set from HawgTech as well as ZPI. I can tell a difference between properly cleaned and oiled stock bearings but the difference between them isn't nearly as great as the difference between stock bearings the way they come from the factory and when they're properly cleaned and oiled. Max distance isn't the area that I can tell the Boca's make a difference, the effort needed to make "regular" pitches and casts is where I can tell the biggest difference.
aavery2 reply :
Someone correct me if I am mistaken, but I thought that the Hawgtech bearings use a polymer cage.
rippin-lips reply :
They do.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Yup, great bearings too..
Put a set in a cu51e
War Eagle 44 reply :
Either of you two guys think the Hawgtech's are noticeably better than OS7's?
Jrob78 reply :
I will echo that in most cases a thorough cleaning and proper bearing flush, (I don't mean just soaking in acetone) will be a big improvement over a greased set of factory bearings. I do use Orange Seals in several reels and they definitely make a difference. I haven't tried any of the other ceramic bearings to compare. I might have to buy a set of Hawgtech's to try out.
mjseverson24 reply :
I use the Hawgtech bearings, they work great, no need to oil them which is the biggest plus for me, they spin great and in my opinion improve the performance of the reel... that being said stock bearings usually are good enough for most applications. the areas I want the better bearings are the ones I need more distance with...(i know they improve accuracy, but for me its about the distance...)
Mitch
J Francho reply :
On 12/2/2014 at 11:43 AM, War Eagle 44 said:Either of you two guys think the Hawgtech's are noticeably better than OS7's?
I'd say on par, both in durability and performance. OS7s are louder.
War Eagle 44 reply :
On 12/2/2014 at 11:15 PM, J Francho said:I'd say on par, both in durability and performance. OS7s are louder.
Thanks, I think I'll have to try them.
J Francho reply :
On 12/3/2014 at 5:55 AM, War Eagle 44 said:Thanks, I think I'll have to try them.
Let us know what you think. 
Hogsticker reply :
The only bearings I've used I felt were worth it are from Hedgehog. The Zr bearings are fantastic for chucking lipless cranks a good distance, and the Air bearings are an improvement when tossing lighter jerk baits. Less effort required to achieve smoother, longer casts. Put that same reel in the hands of a proven, experienced reel tuner and the results are obvious.
Not_Here reply :
On 12/2/2014 at 11:15 PM, J Francho said:I'd say on par, both in durability and performance. OS7s are louder.
interesting, i got 2 sets of hawgtechs to try in reels i formally had boca's OS 7's in and the hawgtechs were noticeably louder and not as smooth...i also felt the OS7's performed overall better as well...i've been using bocas for many years with many sets and none were loud as the hawgs...thats just been my honest experience thus far...
the ceramic upgrades besides some distance has also been with throwing lighter baits/weightless rigs, ceramics make a difference...
J Francho reply :
On 12/3/2014 at 1:21 PM, Frog Turds said:interesting, i got 2 sets of hawgtechs to try in reels i formally had boca's OS 7's in and the hawgtechs were noticeably louder and not as smooth...i also felt the OS7's performed overall better as well...i've been using bocas for many years with many sets and none were loud as the hawgs...thats just been my honest experience thus far...
the ceramic upgrades besides some distance has also been with throwing lighter baits/weightless rigs, ceramics make a difference...
I find different lubes have different effects, and it's not as straight forward as you think. The Bocas I have are in sub freezing only reels, and are dry. I've run several other brands dry, and the Bocas are the loudest. They aren't Orange Seals, though. They have steel shields. Perhaps that's the difference?
Felix77 reply :
One word ... yes!
Upgraded my Silver Max ... casts so much better!
aavery2 reply :
I have mixed feelings on ceramics, I have several reels that have them installed on the spools and they perform well. What I can't swear is that they perform better than a very well cleaned and properly oiled SS bearing. In my use I believe the biggest difference that I can see/notice is when using lighter baits, somewhere around 1/4oz the ceramics seem to cast better and with less effort. When casting anything 3/8oz and up it seems that most any relatively clean and serviceable bearing performs well.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
It depends on the reel design and condition, but by and large I agree.
Preytorien reply :
I just got Hawgtechs this past summer, and the biggest thing I noticed is that I can throw light lures (1/4oz or less) considerably farther. To me that's worth it, I can actually see a couple times that's caught me a few more fish.
desmobob reply :
I put Boca steel-shield ABEC 7s in a new Lew's Tournament Pro this summer and was pleasantly surprised with the results.
I did a clean/flush/re-lube on that reel previous to installing the new bearings. I noticed the larger bearing (the one that stays on the spool shaft) felt rough. The other two bearings spun beautifully after being flushed and re-lubed with Hot Sauce, but that one bearing was definitely rough. The Boca replacements were all smooth as silk.
I just tore down another new Tournament Pro not long ago and guess what? That same bearing was rough while the other two were very smooth. The reel casted noticeably better after the cleaning/flushing/re-lubing. I have a set of ceramics from Hawgtech en route, so I'll be able to make a comparison to the Bocas in my other Tournament Pro. Before I put them all in, I'm going to change just that large one, and see if I notice a difference....
Tight lines,
Bob
J Francho reply :
New reels with rough bearings? Hmmm. Either the process to flush them isn't getting the job done or something's not right from the factory.
desmobob reply :
On 12/4/2014 at 8:30 AM, J Francho said:New reels with rough bearings? Hmmm. Either the process to flush them isn't getting the job done or something's not right from the factory.
In both my new Lew's Tournament Pros, the 5x11x4 spool bearing was rough and the two 3x10x4 bearings were perfect.
The 5x11x4s weren't horrible, but they definitely weren't right, either. Maybe Lew's got a bad batch of that particular bearing size?
All the bearings were soaked, then shaken, in naphtha, and then blasted thoroughly with aerosol brake cleaner.
Tight lines,
Bob
PitchinJigz reply :
To be straight up with you, no I do not think they are worth it. You're better off getting Hawgtech ABEC7 bearings for $8 than Boca ABEC7 bearings for $25...
They're basically all hype, the bocas. They sell them off to reel tuners/ cleaners to get advertisement and add a bunch of YouTubers to their "pro staff" to get a bunch of advertisement. It's all just a marketing scheme from Boca. Hawgtechs will do just as well.
thehooligan reply :
On 12/8/2014 at 1:21 PM, PitchinJigz said:To be straight up with you, no I do not think they are worth it. You're better off getting Hawgtech ABEC7 bearings for $8 than Boca ABEC7 bearings for $25...
They're basically all hype, the bocas. They sell them off to reel tuners/ cleaners to get advertisement and add a bunch of YouTubers to their "pro staff" to get a bunch of advertisement. It's all just a marketing scheme from Boca. Hawgtechs will do just as well.
Thats a pretty bold statement on bearings man. Boca orange seals are great bearings and definitely worth the money.
Just sounds a little funny to me having such an opinion on bearings after reading all your posts in the lews/shimano thread you started... 
J Francho reply :
It's true, though. Especially this part.....
Quote
They sell them off to reel tuners/ cleaners to get advertisement and add a bunch of YouTubers to their "pro staff" to get a bunch of advertisement.
They're fine bearings. Way overpriced.
thehooligan reply :
I primarily throw finesse baits with my casting gear these days, but out of all the bearings ive used, best build quality and performance would go in this order...
1. IXA
2. Hedgehog
3. Boca OS
4. Hawgtech
aavery2 reply :
On 12/9/2014 at 2:50 AM, thehooligan said:I primarily throw finesse baits with my casting gear these days, but out of all the bearings ive used, best build quality and performance would go in this order...
1. IXA
2. Hedgehog
3. Boca OS
4. Hawgtech
Curious if you have tried the ZPI bearings and they didn't make the cut, or just have not had the chance to try them.
J Francho reply :
We're just talking about them, off board... I have some very high end ZPI bearings in my TD-X HSDLs. They're pretty good. They were expensive. I've never used the IXA, so I'd say #1.
thehooligan reply :
On 12/9/2014 at 5:25 AM, aavery2 said:Curious if you have tried the ZPI bearings and they didn't make the cut, or just have not had the chance to try them.
Haven't tried them yet, but after a lot of research I'd put them right up there with ixa & hedgehogs...
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Only when using light line and lures.stock bearings in any reel will suffice for normal fishing.
Jeff H reply :
I am going to try some Hawg Tech bearings next. I've had decent luck with Boca Lightnings (ABEC 5 hybrids) too. But....I've experienced some inconsistency with them, so I'm going to try Hawg Tech and see how they work in one of my TD-Z's.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
You'll get an occasional dud with any bearing line, but Boca will replace them. Are you using Orange Seals? If so it's the seal that rubs. They are not truly "No contact". I run them open if not using ABEC5 shielded.
Jeff H reply :
Mike,
No orange seals. Lightning 5's were the ones that were inconsistent. I intend to talk to somebody there next time I order, and make sure they either don't sell me any lemons or will exchange them if they do. The ones I've had that work right have been great, and I see no reason to buy OS7's.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
ABEC 7 rating is overkill for the sustained speeds a reel sees. It's purely an enthusiast decision when I do use them. I also rinse every bearing before installation regardless of where they come from. It doesn't take much in the way an oil smudge or dust particle to affect a tight tolerance bearing.
desmobob reply :
On 12/10/2014 at 10:48 AM, Jeff H said:I am going to try some Hawg Tech bearings next. I've had decent luck with Boca Lightnings (ABEC 5 hybrids) too. But....I've experienced some inconsistency with them, so I'm going to try Hawg Tech and see how they work in one of my TD-Z's.
I just put a set of HawgTech bearings in one of my Lew's Tournament Pro reels. I have Boca ABEC7s in a different Lew's TP. I can tell no difference in smoothness, free spool, or sound. It's not exactly a fair comparison though, as the Bocas have been fished heavily for 4-5 months and the HawgTechs are brand new. It will be about four months before I get to actually fish the reels side by side. (Winter sucks!)
My initial impression is that at half the price, the HawgTechs seem like the logical choice. Time will tell. Or maybe not...
Tight lines,
Bob
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