Back To The But
So, does higher ABEC rated bearings mean that your spool will spin faster and that you will get much greater casting distances? Not necessarily true. Yes, the higher ABEC rated bearings can spin faster but the casting distance you get generally depends on the weight, dimensions, wind resistant levels of your lure, the weight and diameter of your line, the condition of your reel, the length of your rod, and of course your ability to control your spool.
What We Think
So, would we recommend that you spend your hard earned money buying expensive higher ABEC rated bearings (ala ABEC 7 or even 9) for your reels? No. Unless you are into competitive distance casting then higher ABEC rated bearings may give you the little extra edge and help you clinch a trophy.
Itching To Upgrade
But if you are like most of us, just fishing with the hopes of landing a trophy fish and working out some muscles, screw the higher ABEC rated bearings unless the original bearings that came with your reel are really screwed up themselves. Anyhow, if you’re itching to upgrade, ABEC 5 is plenty good.