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Ball Bearing Compatibility for Shimano Bantam
Suitable for the following Shimano Bantam models:
- BANTAM 22 | 150, 151, 150HG, 151HG, 150XG, 151XG
- BANTAM 18 | PG Right, PG Left, MGL Right, MGL Left, MGL HG Right, MGL HG Left, MGL XG Right, MGL XG Left
Spool Bearing Differences – Core vs Edge vs Apex Compared
Spool Bearing Differences – Core vs Edge vs Apex Compared
Our spool bearings differ in material composition, ball quality, cage system, ABEC precision class, and optimal tuning for your casting weight. Each class is designed for a specific application. The decisive factor is not just the ABEC rating, but the entire construction and its tuning to your setup.
Apex – ABEC 9 with S30 Ceramic Balls and PEEK Ribbon Cage
Apex bearings are our uncompromising high-performance option. They consist of ABEC 9 precision-made stainless steel rings, equipped with S30 ceramic balls and a PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) ribbon cage.
S30 ceramic balls enable extremely low friction and very high speeds. The PEEK ribbon retainer is a high-performance cage that ensures stability, temperature resistance, and reliable ball guidance at very high speeds.
- ABEC 9 precision standard
- S30 ceramic balls for maximum rotational pleasure
- PEEK ribbon cage for stability at high speeds & minimal friction
- Very fast spool acceleration
Thanks to this design, the spool of your baitcasting reel starts very quickly and reaches extremely high speeds, especially in the lower casting weight range.
Sweet spot casting weight: 2 to 60 g
If you mostly fish well above this range, a slightly more robustly tuned design makes sense. In this case, switching to the Edge class is recommended.
Edge – ABEC 9 Hybrid Ceramic Bearings with S25 Balls
Edge bearings are also based on an ABEC 9 precision standard. They use S25 ceramic balls combined with precision-made steel rings and a Japanese ribbon retainer.
Compared to Apex, Edge is tuned to be a bit more versatile. The design offers high speed capability combined with more mechanical stability for a broader range of applications.
- ABEC 9 precision standard
- S25 ceramic balls for high speeds
- Japanese ribbon retainer for stable ball guidance
- Balanced performance tuning
Edge bearings are available in two variants:
- With Orange Seal: Additional protection against dirt and moisture
- Without Seal: Minimal resistance for maximum rotational pleasure
Sweet spot casting weight: 5 to 100 g
If your setup regularly exceeds this range significantly, the Core class is the technically more suitable choice.
Core – ABEC 5 Stainless Steel Bearings for High Load
Core bearings consist of ABEC 5 precision-made stainless steel bearings with a stable ball and cage construction. They are designed for durability, continuous use, and consistent performance.
ABEC 5 here does not mean lower quality but a more robust tuning compared to high-speed hybrid ceramic bearings.
- ABEC 5 precision standard
- Robust stainless steel construction
- High mechanical load capacity
- Consistent performance under load
Sweet spot casting weight: 8 g to over 200 g
The Casting Weight Decides
All our spool bearings are high-quality manufactured and designed for high speeds. The crucial difference lies in the tuning to your actual lure spectrum.
Those who mostly fish very light lures benefit from maximum startup dynamics. Those covering a broader spectrum should choose a more versatile tuning. Those who consistently cast heavy should rely on robust stability.
The best performance arises when bearing class and casting weight match.
Compatible Reel
Suitable for the following Shimano Bantam models:
- BANTAM 22 | 150, 151, 150HG, 151HG, 150XG, 151XG
- BANTAM 18 | PG Right, PG Left, MGL Right, MGL Left, MGL HG Right, MGL HG Left, MGL XG Right, MGL XG Left
RL-TNG EDGE Spool Bearing Set for Shimano Bantam
RL-TNG EDGE Spool Bearing Set for Shimano Bantam
The Bantam MGL is versatile and covers a wide range of lure weights. The EDGE Hybrid Ceramic Bearing follows this logic: S25 ceramic balls for high speeds, stable hybrid construction for long-lasting use, optionally with Orange Seal for use in rain and wet conditions.
Construction and Material
EDGE Bearings operate with ABEC 9 precision and use S25 hybrid ceramic balls combined with precision-made steel rings and a Japanese ribbon retainer. This hybrid design combines the speed advantages of ceramic with the durability of steel, for a balanced ratio between speed and durability.
- ABEC 9 precision standard
- S25 hybrid ceramic balls for high speeds and stability
- Japanese ribbon retainer for clean ball guidance
- Available optionally with or without Orange Seal
With Orange Seal or Without Seal
EDGE spool bearings are available with or without Orange Seal. The sealed version offers additional protection against dirt and moisture, ideal for use in saltwater or changing conditions. The open version is designed for minimal resistance and maximum rotation enjoyment.
Recommended Application Range
The optimal application range is for a casting weight of 5 to 100 g. This makes EDGE Bearings ideal for all-round setups where different lure weights and fishing techniques are required.
Classification within the RL-TNG Bearing Classes
For maximum spool acceleration and highest speeds in the ultralight BFS range, the APEX class with S30 ceramic balls and PEEK cage is the right choice, for 2 to 60 g.
For maximum durability with heavy setups and consistently high loads, the CORE class with stainless steel balls is the more robust solution, for 8 to over 200 g.
EDGE positions itself exactly in between and offers the most versatile performance for demanding baitcaster anglers.