Hedgehog Studio Custom Parts from Japan

The Japanese Hub for Reel Tuning

Hedgehog Studio in Japan is what we are here: the central address when anglers want to tune their reels. The brand not only produces its own tuning components but has developed over the years into the first point of contact for serious reel tuning in the Japanese market. Anyone in Japan who wants to take a Shimano or Daiwa to the next level sooner or later ends up at Hedgehog Studio.

The range includes hand-selected spool bearings, proprietary oils, custom handles, handle knobs, star drags, wormshafts, and professional workshop tools. All produced with the standards of Japanese premium manufacturing: precise, durable, and designed for real angler performance, not just looks.

AIR Bearing and AIR HD Ceramic

The heart of the brand is the patented AIR Bearing technology. This bearing line was not developed for industry (like ABEC-standardized bearings) but specifically for fishing reels. Hedgehog Studio also refuses to classify their bearings on the ABEC scale because ABEC is an American industrial standard that measures precision but not the properties relevant for casting performance.

The top line is AIR HD Ceramic. "HD" stands for Heavy Duty. These bearings combine highly precise ceramic balls with rust-resistant HRCB metal, a special steel alloy. Effect in use:

• Starts spinning under minimal load: small lures immediately spin the spool where standard bearings stick
• 10 to 30% more casting distance according to Hedgehog Studio
• Saltwater resistant: HRCB metal does not corrode, even after intensive saltwater use
• No flushing needed: bearings come pre-filled with Alchemy Oil

Each bearing is individually hand-selected. Hedgehog Studio states it themselves: "All the bearings are selected one by one by our craftsman's hand." No bearing leaves production without a Japanese craftsman having held and turned it.

The "Kattobi" Tuning Kit

The best-known bestseller is the Kattobi Spool Bearing Kit. These are the two spool bearings of your baitcaster, paired in a matching size combination, model-specifically designed.

Unlike universal bearings, which are meant to fit as many reels as possible, each Kattobi kit is developed for a specific reel model. For example, you get a kit for the Shimano 12 Aldebaran BFS with 1030 + 730 AIR HD, one for the Daiwa Steez AIR TW with 1030 + 1030 AIR HD, one for the Shimano Antares or Calcutta Conquest. The size pairing is precisely matched to the respective spool system.

The delivery includes both bearings plus an English installation manual. What you additionally need: a Spool Bearing Pin Remover to release the original bearing from the spool shaft.

Alchemy Oil

Hedgehog Studio has developed its own oil, specially tailored to their bearings: Alchemy Oil. There are two main variants:

Alchemy Oil Ultra Light: lowest viscosity. For maximum casting distance, BFS casting, light lures. Brings out the best in AIR HD bearings, needs more frequent re-oiling with intensive use.

Alchemy Oil Medium Light: medium viscosity. All-round oil for most applications, lasts longer than Ultra Light, slightly reduced casting distance compared to Ultra Light.

Both oils are designed to be low-friction and durable. The oil works not only in Hedgehog Studio bearings but also as a high-quality after-treatment for your original bearings.

Custom Parts: Handles, Knobs, Star Drags, Wormshafts

Although bearings are the core business, Hedgehog Studio has built a broad custom parts range.

Wormshafts: the shaft that evenly fills the spool when reeling in. Hedgehog Studio versions are made from specially treated material, often with an anodized surface, for more even line lay and longer service life.

Handles: aluminum and carbon handles in various lengths, with Alumite treatment for corrosion protection and appearance.

Handle knobs: in many materials and sizes, with stainless steel ball bearings inside for minimal turning resistance.

Star drags: aluminum CNC-machined, with precise click settings and available in several color options.

All produced with the same manufacturing standards as the bearings: Japanese premium manufacturing, durable, precise.

Tools for Your Own Workshop Installation

Hedgehog Studio makes it easy to do tuning yourself. The range includes specialized tools:

• Spool Bearing Pin Remover: to release the spool bearing pins without damaging the shaft
• Disk Wrench Pro: for maintenance of monocoque Daiwa reels
• Line Roller Remover: for replacing line rollers
• Bearing Puller: for cleanly pulling out bearings

If you do your tuning yourself, these tools are almost mandatory. With normal workshop tools, you risk damaging the shaft or the spool.

Consultation

If you have questions about individual products or the right bearing size for your reel, use the Reel Finder or write to us briefly via the Contact page.