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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 24 Metanium DC 71
RL-TNG Complete Ball Bearing Tuning Kit for Shimano 24 Metanium DC 71
Complete Bearing Tuning Kit
for Shimano 24 Metanium DC
This complete bearing tuning kit is aimed at anglers who want to technically and fully optimize their Shimano 24 Metanium DC. It replaces all bearing positions, including wormshaft and pinion gear, where Shimano still uses plastic bushings from the factory.
The result is a smoother operation, a consistent free spool, and a noticeably more even feel under load, with significantly reduced friction throughout the entire gear system.
Features & Benefits
- 11 bearings total – every bearing position is covered
- Upgrade of wormshaft & pinion gear – plastic bushings eliminated
- Highspeed bearings – faster spool start and efficient power transfer
- Clean, controlled operation when casting and reeling
- Less wear for long-term durability
Bearing Overview (11 pieces)
- 2× Highspeed spool bearings – fast start and free spool
- 1× Hybrid bearing on wormshaft – smooth feed instead of plastic friction
- 1× Highspeed pinion gear bearing – smooth operation and better alignment
- 1× Highspeed drive gear support bearing
- 2× Stainless steel drive gear support bearings
- 4× Stainless steel knob bearings – play-free and controlled
Total: 11 bearings – no bushings, no compromises.
Installation Notes
- Remove all original bearings and plastic bushings.
- Install bearings precisely in their positions.
- Lightly oil and check function.
Tip: For DC reels, oil highspeed bearings only minimally to maintain optimal free spool.
Technical Highlights
- Highspeed bearings – high rotational joy and quick start-up
- Hybrid bearing – stable, even wormshaft operation
- Stainless steel bearings – durable and suitable for everyday use
Compatibility
Fits Shimano 24 Metanium DC models:
- 24 Metanium DC 70
- 24 Metanium DC 70 HG
- 24 Metanium DC 70 XG
- 24 Metanium DC 71
- 24 Metanium DC 71 HG
- 24 Metanium DC 71 XG
Note: The 70 and 71 versions use identical bearing sizes.
Recommended Oils
- Alchemy Oil Ultra Light
- Glitch Oil High Spec
Conclusion
This complete bearing tuning kit offers a well-thought-out, technically clean bearing upgrade for the Shimano 24 Metanium DC – with smooth operation, consistent free spool, and reliable performance from the first cast to the last fight.