Choosing the right bearing can make all the difference in your fishing experience. Whether fishing in rivers, lakes, or at sea, the type of bearing you use directly impacts your equipment’s performance, the smoothness of retrieval, and how often your gear requires maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of bearings and their applications for each type of fishing — helping you make the best choice!
The Importance of Bearings in Fishing
Bearings are essential components in reels, as they reduce friction between moving parts and ensure smoother and more efficient operation. A good bearing directly influences casting, retrieval, and the long-term durability of your equipment.
When the right bearing is chosen, the angler gains precision, longer and more comfortable casts, lighter handling, and longer-lasting smooth performance, making the fishing experience much more enjoyable.
Main Types of Fishing Bearings
VICAN offers four types of bearings for sport fishing, made from different materials, each suited to specific needs.
1. Stainless Steel Bearings
These rigid ball bearings, often called “conventional bearings,” are the most common type found on the market, serving solely the rotational function of the mechanism they’re installed in.
VICAN stainless steel bearings, like other stainless steel ball bearings, are not specifically designed to improve performance or significantly increase durability. However, thanks to physical and chemical treatments, stainless steel is more resistant to oxidation than other metal alloys like chrome steel, making them an excellent cost-effective option.
It’s important to note that stainless steel is resistant to — but not immune to — corrosion. Without proper care during storage, cleaning, or lubrication, these bearings can still suffer contamination-related corrosion.
VICAN Stainless Steel Bearing Materials:
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Races/Rings: Stainless Steel 440
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Balls: Stainless Steel 440
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Cage: Stainless Steel 304
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Shield: Stainless Steel 440 (if present)
Advantages:
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Corrosion resistance
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Good cost-benefit
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Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater
Disadvantages:
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Lower rotational speed compared to hybrids and ceramics
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Requires more frequent maintenance
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Susceptible to corrosion if not cared for
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Mandatory lubrication
2. Hybrid Ceramic Bearings (Open)
Hybrid bearings feature stainless steel 440 races/rings, stainless steel 304 cages, ceramic balls made from silicon nitride (Si3N4), and stainless steel 440 shields (if present).
Ceramic offers higher hardness, lower thermal expansion, lighter weight, more precision, and better resistance to corrosion, thermal shock, and impacts compared to stainless steel. VICAN hybrids have P4 - ABEC 7 precision, offering high rotation speeds due to reduced friction.
They can operate “dry” but using proper lubrication is recommended to extend lifespan, reduce wear, and protect the stainless steel components from oxidation.
Advantages:
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Less friction than stainless steel
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Longer lifespan than traditional bearings
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Corrosion resistance for freshwater and saltwater use
Disadvantages:
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Mid-range cost between stainless steel and full ceramic bearings
3. Hybrid Ceramic Bearings (Shielded)
Similar to open hybrids but with side shields to prevent contamination and retain lubrication longer, reducing maintenance frequency.
Advantages & Disadvantages: Same as open hybrids.
4. Full Ceramic Bearings
VICAN’s “Full Ceramic” bearings are made entirely of ceramic, making them immune to oxidation. They have extremely low friction and thermal expansion compared to steel, ideal for those seeking maximum performance and heat resistance.
Materials Used:
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Races and Balls: Zirconia Oxide (ZrO2) — lightweight, non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant (except against hot concentrated sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid), and withstands up to 400°C.
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Cages/Retainers: PTFE (Teflon®) — handles up to 330°C, chemically inert, and ideal for corrosive environments.
They can run “dry” since ceramic balls require minimal lubrication. Shielded models (2TS) offer added protection against impurities and better lubrication retention.
Advantages:
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Extremely durable
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Minimal friction for top performance
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Non-corrosive — suitable for any environment
Disadvantages:
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Higher cost compared to conventional bearings
Which Bearing to Choose for Each Fishing Type?
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Freshwater (Rivers & Lakes): Stainless steel or hybrid bearings are cost-effective and offer good durability.
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Saltwater (Sea & Coastal): Stainless steel or ceramic bearings are best for high corrosion resistance.
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Sport & High-Performance Fishing: Full ceramic bearings provide the highest performance with longer casts and faster retrieves.
Bearing Maintenance Tips
Regardless of the type, proper maintenance ensures longevity and performance:
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Always clean bearings after fishing, especially in saltwater
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Lubricate periodically to reduce friction and wear
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Avoid drops or impacts that can damage the balls or races
Why Choose VICAN Bearings?
VICAN offers a full line of fishing bearings made with high-performance technology and premium materials. Our products ensure smoother retrieval, longer durability, and corrosion resistance, giving anglers a worry-free experience.
Don’t let poor-quality bearings ruin your fishing trip — choose VICAN for top performance and durability.
Visit our website to explore our complete fishing bearing lineup.
VICAN — Performance and Durability!
