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Compatible reels
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.
RL-TNG Complete Ball Bearing Tuning Kit for Shimano 23 Metanium
RL-TNG Complete Ball Bearing Tuning Kit for Shimano 23 Metanium
This complete ball bearing tuning kit is designed for anglers who want to bring their Shimano 23 Metanium up to a technically clean and comprehensive tuning standard. It replaces all bearing positions in the reel, including the wormshaft and pinion gear, where Shimano still installs plastic bushings at the factory.
The result is smoother operation, a consistent free spool, and a noticeably more even feel under load, with perceptibly reduced friction throughout the entire gearbox.
Features & Benefits
- 11 ball bearings in total – every bearing position is covered
- Wormshaft & pinion gear upgrade – plastic bushings are eliminated
- High-speed bearings – faster spool startup and efficient power transmission
- Clean, controlled operation when casting and cranking
- Reduced wear for long-term durability
- Optimized for the SVS Infinity brake and the MGL Spool III
Bearing Overview (11 Pieces)
- 2× High-speed spool bearings – fast startup and free spool
- 1× Hybrid bearing on the wormshaft – smooth advancement instead of plastic friction
- 1× High-speed pinion gear bearing – smoother operation and better alignment
- 1× High-speed drive gear support bearing
- 2× Stainless-steel drive gear support bearings
- 4× Stainless-steel knob bearings – play-free and controlled
Total: 11 ball bearings – no bushings, no compromises.
Installation Instructions
- Remove all stock bearings and plastic bushings.
- Install the ball bearings in their exact positions.
- Apply a small amount of oil and check operation.
Tip: Oil the spool bearings sparingly – one drop per bearing is sufficient to preserve the free startup of the MGL Spool III.
Technical Highlights
- High-speed bearings – high spin performance and fast startup
- Hybrid bearings – stable, smooth wormshaft operation
- Stainless-steel bearings – durable and suitable for everyday use
Compatibility
Suitable for the Shimano 23 Metanium in the following versions:
- 23 Metanium 100 HG
- 23 Metanium 101 HG
- 23 Metanium 100 XG
- 23 Metanium 101 XG
Note: HG and XG versions use identical bearing sizes. Right- and left-hand models do as well.
Recommended Oils
- Alchemy Oil Ultra Light
- Glitch Oil High Spec
Conclusion
This complete ball bearing tuning kit provides a well-designed, technically clean bearing upgrade for the Shimano 23 Metanium – with smooth operation, consistent free spool, and reliable performance from the first cast to the last fight.
Fits these reel models
Checked to fit 1 reel models. Each model page shows all tuning parts for exactly that reel.