[ahistick]

Guys in Australia have done modifications to the Spheros. It seems like they replace a bushing with a ARB bearing for supporting the handle, replacing the handle with Stella handle, and upgrading the drag washers with carbontex washers. The Stella handle may cost as much as the whole reel...lol

For under $10, adding carbontex drag washers and a thin application of Cal's grease is well worth it.

Here's the Oz upgrade kit

Turn your Spheros 12000 or 14000 from a four-ball-bearing regular reel into a seven-ball-bearing precision machine with heaps more drag available!

Our upgrade kit includes a machined aluminium handle with 'Shimano' engraving, Septon handle knob with 'Shimano' badge, fully assembled with two A-RB anti-rust bearings on the handle shaft, a matching aluminium cap for the other side of the body, another A-RB bearing for the right side of the main gear (replaces a bush), and Carbontex drag washers for a smoother drag with a greater range of progression and more drag pressure available at the maximum.

It's an easy job to assemble these parts straight into your Spheros. Give the drag washers the thinnest smear of Cal's grease (tell us to do it before we send them if you want), swap out the originals, lubricate the bearing with marine grease, pull out the bush and drop in the bearing, and screw on the outside bits - you're done!