Upgrades for a Bantam Chronarch? 2024
nameiztaken reply :
So I got a (appears to be new) Bantam Chronarch 100 for $15... Not really sure where to start here... maybe bearings? The freespool time is like 3 seconds, after all I dont think its been used/broken in.
Handle seems a little off compared to my other reels, I like swept & drilled handles. Any replacements for those?
Looking for some ideas 
jdz197 reply :
I look on ebay and never find a deal that good. What's the secret?
Raul reply :
A good cleaning and lubing would be the only upgrade that reel would need in my opinion.
PatrickKnight reply :
On 3/2/2017 at 5:15 PM, Raul said:A good cleaning and lubing would be the only upgrade that reel would need in my opinion.
Yep! Send it out to DVT let him tear it down and get a good look at it. He will be able to tell you if anything needs replaced. Those reels were bulletproof and if it were me I would leave it as such.
dwardmba reply :
Put it on a shelf as a collector item.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 3/2/2017 at 5:15 PM, Raul said:A good cleaning and lubing would be the only upgrade that reel would need in my opinion.
This.
Basswhippa reply :
That reel was upgraded to begin with. It probably doesn't need anything if new. Use it.
Largemouth21 reply :
On 3/2/2017 at 3:49 PM, jdz197 said:I look on ebay and never find a deal that good. What's the secret?
YARD SALES!!! Lol you can find great deals there. Found some mint condition Mepps spinners for 50 cents once. You never know what you will find...
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/2/2017 at 7:44 PM, dwardmba said:Put it on a shelf as a collector item.
Rather he should put it on my shelf. 
OP: I wouldn't go with new bearings. Shimano already put good ones in it. As suggested, send it to DVT for a good cleaning. Possibly an upgrade to a Carbontex drag. I have two Curado 51Es that Mike did for me. One deep clean only and the other with upgraded bearings and I believe a tune. Can't see much difference between the two.
BaitFinesse reply :
Are their lighter weight spool options for this platform? Maybe something from the JDM variant? A 90 mil handle and some newer looking knobs couldn't hurt either.
The Bassman reply :
On 3/3/2017 at 6:00 AM, LowRange said:Are their lighter weight spool options for this platform? Maybe something from the JDM variant? A 90 mil handle and some newer looking knobs couldn't hurt either.
Congrats on your find! Aftermarket spools for this reel are becoming very difficult to find. If it was mine I would keep it in the perfect state that it is. All that it probably needs is the spool bearings flushed of old factory grease and oiled. Carbontex drag washers would be a good idea also. The original drag material has probably degraded. Other than that enjoy a classic. Other reels are lighter and faster but this is a show piece.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Deep clean/lube and Carbontex drag. Super Tune is just another $12. Not mandatory but you got that so cheap give it the works and you still got a steal.
Raul reply :
Forgot to add that a Carbontex drag pad replacement is what the Dr orders. 
On 3/3/2017 at 6:00 AM, LowRange said:Are their lighter weight spool options for this platform? Maybe something from the JDM variant? A 90 mil handle and some newer looking knobs couldn't hurt either.
Yes there is a better spool option but I doubt you can find a SF Wiffle spool from either the Chronach SF or from a Castaic or from a Metanium Mg ( JDM ) since it's a reel that dates back to the 90's.
The Bassman reply :
Pretty sure that reel isn't compatible with SF because of spool shaft bearing.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/2/2017 at 3:49 PM, jdz197 said:I look on ebay and never find a deal that good. What's the secret?
Salvation Army thrift store haha
Alpster reply :
Send it to DVT for a good cleaning and lube. Fish with the rest of your life.
Spider reply :
BOCA ceramic bearings.
Really nice find!
J Francho reply :
Not sure why anyone would replace brand new bearings with brand new bearings. My advice is to get it clean and lubed by a pro, like DVT, and while he's in there, add a Carbontex drag. That's a mod that will give you a lot return on investment than new bearings.
Spider reply :
On 3/3/2017 at 11:30 PM, J Francho said:Not sure why anyone would replace brand new bearings with brand new bearings. My advice is to get it clean and lubed by a pro, like DVT, and while he's in there, add a Carbontex drag. That's a mod that will give you a lot return on investment than new bearings.
I was suggesting new bearings because, it is not a new reel, and I have no idea how long it has been sitting around.
It was just a suggestion, he doesn't have to do it. But ceramic bearings add distance/smoothness to these reels. this thread is about upgrading the reel.
/Shrugged
J Francho reply :
Flush the bearings, and free spool time will go WAYYYY up.
kickerfish1 reply :
I would fish it a few times before doing anything to it. If there are issues document them and sent it to a tech.
The Bassman reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 12:01 AM, J Francho said:Flush the bearings, and free spool time will go WAYYYY up.
My first quality baitcaster was a Curado 200B. I fished with it on and off for nearly 20 years. I thought i was an accomplished
caster. Then I got into tinkering with reels and cleaned and oiled the spool bearings. The reel made a fool out of me. Don't get too hung up on things like free spool time. I mentioned earlier to clean and oil the bearings. The reel will slow down a bit after some use.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 2:41 AM, kickerfish1 said:I would fish it a few times before doing anything to it. If there are issues document them and sent it to a tech.
That's exactly what I'm doing
So far, no problems other than sub-optimal casting (like 10 feet behind my Curado e7).
I'm a bit new to upgrading parts/super tuning so that's why I'm asking
On 3/3/2017 at 11:33 AM, The Bassman said:Pretty sure that reel isn't compatible with SF because of spool shaft bearing.
Not sure if this actually has SF, But there is a sticker on the spool reading "Super Free"...
J Francho reply :
If your even slightly mechanically inclined, you can download the schematic, locate the spool bearings, and flush them without a full disassembly. Soak the bearings in Acetone, until it runs clean. Let them dry, and lube with a drop of fine oil. Replace and reassemble. If that seems beyond your reach, send it a pro - it'll cost you around $25, and the work should last you a whole season or more.
The Bassman reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 3:38 AM, nameiztaken said:That's exactly what I'm doing
So far, no problems other than sub-optimal casting (like 10 feet behind my Curado e7).
I'm a bit new to upgrading parts/super tuning so that's why I'm asking
Not sure if this actually has SF, But there is a sticker on the spool reading "Super Free"...
Super Free on older reels was just referencing how well they free spooled. The actual Super Free label meant the presence of a pinion support bearing rather than just the frame opening that the pinion passed through.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 3:43 AM, J Francho said:If your even slightly mechanically inclined, you can download the schematic, locate the spool bearings, and flush them without a full disassembly. Soak the bearings in Acetone, until it runs clean. Let them dry, and lube with a drop of fine oil. Replace and reassemble. If that seems beyond your reach, send it a pro - it'll cost you around $25, and the work should last you a whole season or more.
I am familiar with the insides of reels. I may buy some grease and oil since I ran out last season. Thinking about Reel Butter and Hot Sauce.
J Francho reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 3:52 AM, nameiztaken said:I am familiar with the insides of reels. I may buy some grease and oil since I ran out last season. Thinking about Shimano Permalube
Reel ButterandBantam Oil Hot Sauce.
Fixed it for you. Those are probably two of the WORST PERFORMING lubrication I've ever used.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 3:54 AM, J Francho said:
Fixed it for you. Those are probably two of the WORST PERFORMING lubrication I've ever used.
I haven't used them, going off of reviews. what do you recommend? @Delaware Valley Tackle
J Francho reply :
I generally recommend OEM lubes online, but for my own (and Mike will probably agree) I like Cam's Light Purple Grease, and Rocket Fuel Yellow or Metol Oust for performance, and Bantam Oil for gen purpose. Really, any light, clear oil will do for bearings. The lighter the oil, the more frequently it needs to be reapplied. Lastly, there's TSI 321, but unless you really know what your doing, it's hard to recommend a dry lube to anyone.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 4:10 AM, J Francho said:I generally recommend OEM lubes online, but for my own (and Mike will probably agree) I like Cam's Light Purple Grease, and Rocket Fuel Yellow or Metol Oust for performance, and Bantam Oil for gen purpose. Really, any light, clear oil will do for bearings. The lighter the oil, the more frequently it needs to be reapplied. Lastly, there's TSI 321, but unless you really know what your doing, it's hard to recommend a dry lube to anyone.
Would you say Shimano's drag grease and Bantam Oil is a safe bet? seems like I can get them together for $14 on the big auction site.
The Bassman reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 12:29 PM, nameiztaken said:Would you say Shimano's drag grease and Bantam Oil is a safe bet? seems like I can get them together for $14 on the big auction site.
Those will serve you well. The drag grease is also the OEM gear grease.
The Bassman reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 12:29 PM, nameiztaken said:Would you say Shimano's drag grease and Bantam Oil is a safe bet? seems like I can get them together for $14 on the big auction site.
Just checked the ad for that combo. Way overpriced. There are better options. Go to biggreenfish.com and order yellow rocket fuel and Cal's drag grease. They'll go a long way.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 7:52 PM, The Bassman said:
Just checked the ad for that combo. Way overpriced. There are better options. Go to biggreenfish.com and order yellow rocket fuel and Cal's drag grease. They'll go a long way.
$14 shipped is too much? looks like it'll be $18+shipping on the site you linked
The Bassman reply :
On 3/6/2017 at 4:17 AM, nameiztaken said:$14 shipped is too much? looks like it'll be $18+shipping on the site you linked
What I showed you is 4x as much material. Also, he's got your drag washers.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/6/2017 at 7:56 AM, The Bassman said:
What I showed you is 4x as much material. Also, he's got your drag washers.
Woah, ok yeah thats a pretty big difference... Didnt notice that.
J Francho reply :
Buy direct. Smooth Drags has the tools, grease, oil, and washers you need, and you'll talk to the owner on the phone. Dawn will hook you up.
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