Shimano slx upgrades? 2025
Shimano_1 reply :
Just curious if anyone has upgraded these reels? They're slick out of the box but I'd like to upgrade the main shaft bushing with a bearing like everyone was doin with the citica e reels etc. Searched and haven't seen anyone talk about it yet but I'm sure it's coming. Thanks
DomQ reply :
Measure the bushing inside and out then find the matching bearing
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
The regular size main shaft bearing that you found on a lot of Shimano’s won’t fit in SLX.
mrpao reply :
Not sure if replacing the main shalf bushing with a bearing would be an upgrade or not. You'll never notice the difference.
I think a 90mm carbon fiber handle would be my first upgrade. It would lighten up the reel slightly and look cooler
Shimano_1 reply :
I like the handle that's on em but thanks for the suggestion. I dont think it will "feel" better but it will feel more free for lack if a better word. Just figured if anyone has a bearing size it would be a cheap thing to try and if it didnt help I'm not out much. I dont have calipers or anything to measure it with or I'd be doing that
CrankFate reply :
If you use quality bearings you will notice a difference with every bearing you add or upgrade.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Another option for you is to search for schematic of SLX MGL or SLX XT those two come with main-shaft bearing. If they are the same bearing as in Curado, you might be out of luck, meaning Shimano modifies SLX frame to fit regular bearing.
FishTank reply :
I would just let it be. You would need a special tool to remove the bushing and add the bearing.
johnD. reply :
On 6/3/2019 at 1:01 AM, Shimano_1 said:Just curious if anyone has upgraded these reels? They're slick out of the box but I'd like to upgrade the main shaft bushing with a bearing like everyone was doin with the citica e reels etc. Searched and haven't seen anyone talk about it yet but I'm sure it's coming. Thanks
The bearing you need is BNT0031 , it's a 5x9x3 mm. I'd recommend stainless steel , as moisture can sometimes get to that bearing. You won't need a special tool , just a small screw driver set or pick to remove the c-clip on the bushing.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 9:16 PM, johnD. said:The bearing you need is BNT0031 , it's a 5x9x3 mm. I'd recommend stainless steel , as moisture can sometimes get to that bearing. You won't need a special tool , just a small screw driver set or pick to remove the c-clip on the bushing.
Are you sure that would fit? It driveshaft bearing for old 200i and 50e which also same dimension as Curado 70 bearing bnt4194.
Shimano_1 reply :
Well...I reached out to DVT and asked about bearing size. I want to upgrade but dont wanna order the wrong size.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 4:46 AM, Shimano_1 said:Well...I reached out to DVT and asked about bearing size. I want to upgrade but dont wanna order the wrong size.
Update your post here please, I also might wanna swap out bushing for bearing on SLX.
johnD. reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 4:40 AM, JustJames said:Are you sure that would fit? It driveshaft bearing for old 200i and 50e which also same dimension as Curado 70 bearing bnt4194.
100% sure it will fit. I have a slx xt , that is the part # given ( BNT0031) in the schematic for the drive shaft bearing that sits in the frame.
$5.98 for a stainless one. free shipping, ebay seller trbrcbearing .
BNT 4194 is a Shimano ARB bearing
Shimano_1 reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 6:45 AM, johnD. said:100% sure it will fit. I have a slx xt , that is the part # given ( BNT0031) in the schematic for the drive shaft bearing that sits in the frame.
$5.98 for a stainless one. free shipping, ebay seller trbrcbearing .
BNT 4194 is a Shimano ARB bearing
Awesome! I'll order a couple and try it out. I have 4 of these reels and they're already great. Cant hurt to try! Thanks a bunch!
johnD. reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 7:07 AM, Shimano_1 said:Awesome! I'll order a couple and try it out. I have 4 of these reels and they're already great. Cant hurt to try! Thanks a bunch!
cheaper to order 10.
idk if we can post ebay links but , here goes.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/TRB-RC-10-5x9x3mm-Precision-Stainless-Steel-Ball-Bearings-Fishing-Reels/162539314151?hash=item25d8191be7:g:HzIAAOSwUDZcge~D:sc:USPSFirstClass!33801!US!-1
Shimano_1 reply :
Thanks again I'll definitely give those a try! Will report back when i have some results!
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Thanks
Shimano_1 reply :
Both of those part numbers are 5x9x3 bearings. I'm gonna try one and see what happens.
johnD. reply :
BNT0031
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Here after all said and done.
Ill wait until I open up one of my 50e or 200i and compare both 0031 and 4194.
johnD. reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 8:04 AM, JustJames said:Here after all said and done.
Ill wait until I open up one of my 50e or 200i and compare both 0031 and 4194.
You will find both are the same size. Difference being the 4194 is a S-ARB bearing.
It's also wise to measure all the way across the bearing in the middle of the caliper , not the side of the bearing with the tips of the caliper. Tight lines.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Here is update for you, the bearing does work and catch fish lol.
Joshua van Wyk reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 9:15 AM, JustJames said:Here is update for you, the bearing does work and catch fish lol.
Careful man, that's a Shimano reel on a Daiwa rod! ????????
Shimano_1 reply :
Right lol. Need that slx rod to put it on! Nice fish tho
BaitFinesse reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 9:15 AM, JustJames said:Here is update for you, the bearing does work and catch fish lol.
I raise you a Daiwa on a Shimano rod.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Sorry I can’t find Daiwa on Shimano rod to raise you back since I sold them all ????????.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 8:27 AM, johnD. said:It's also wise to measure all the way across the bearing in the middle of the caliper , not the side of the bearing with the tips of the caliper. Tight lines.
Anyway thank to you with SLX XT schematic that I can now install bearing on SLX.
TBAG reply :
On 6/6/2019 at 7:32 AM, Shimano_1 said:Thanks again I'll definitely give those a try! Will report back when i have some results!
Hey to another Lexingtonian! Let us know how they work as I've got a couple SLX reels too that I'll try this on.
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