Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: fishman1 on October 30, 2009, 08:02:49 AM

Title: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: fishman1 on October 30, 2009, 08:02:49 AM

Hey guys,

 I have an Islander Steeleheader CP should I upgrade the bearings to the ABEC 7?  If yes where can I get the bearings from and could I install them myself?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: fishman1 on October 30, 2009, 08:51:04 AM

Sorry wrong section.  Can this be moved to general disc.
Thanks

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: mr.p on October 30, 2009, 11:57:06 AM

I think there are a couple of choices for upgrades.
If I recall correctly, you can upgrade to Abec 5 stainless or Abec 7 ceramics.
I've been told that the ceramics spin like crazy, but are noisy.

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: Sam Salmon on October 30, 2009, 12:25:48 PM

Quote from: mr.p on October 30, 2009, 11:57:06 AM

I've been told that the ceramics spin like crazy, but are noisy.

Fragile too, if you're disassembling the reel and a bearing drops out............ :'(

Personally I'd go for something like Hot Sauce (http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/1535/HOT-SAUCE.aspx) or if you're really cutting edge then the dry teflon lube from xtremelubricants (http://www.xtremelubricants.com/contact.html).

Rocket Fuel is great too but is not recommended for cold weather applications.

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: fishman1 on October 30, 2009, 06:44:13 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Food for thought

Chromekings
Yes there is nothing wrong with the standard bearings but I had heard the ABEC 7 bearings improved the reel. 
The cost from Mikes is $50 bucks installed.

Anyone else put these in?

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: mmmroe on October 30, 2009, 07:10:46 PM

Upgraded bearings are well worth the money..... WAY smoother and you can chuck light weight with ease! I bought 7 ball bearing ceramic from VBX bearings supposedly the ceramic bearings are even smoother than the stainless steel. Check out the difference on how they spin on youtube. Hope this helps! You can check out vbx.com

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: fishman1 on October 31, 2009, 10:29:10 AM

Wow those ceramic bearings sure do spin for a long time.  I think i may put them in.

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: SnaggedADuck on October 31, 2009, 12:05:28 PM

I have put upgraded bearings on one of my reels but it wasn't an islander.

The bearing fit on my reel was a slight interference fit so i put it in the oven @ 350 or so cause aluminum expands faster than steel and then used a pen to poke out the old bearings.
Had the new bearings in the freezer and dropped them and the spacers into place.

Title: Re: Islander Steelheader bearing upgrade
Post by: lucky on October 31, 2009, 06:24:31 PM

In my opinion if it ain't broke don't fix it! I've been fishing with a second hand steelheader I bought 4 years ago and the only lubrication that it has seen in that time is the odd dip in the river, after all my abuse I am still able to effortlessly cast across any river in the lower mainland. Unless you are going to be using it for distance competition I would leave it "as is".