Upgrade kit for Shimano Spheros 14000FA

[ahistick]

I previously posted that there is an upgrade kit for the Shimano Spheros 14000FA. Its a very popular reel in Australia. While US anglers upgrade the stock felt-like drag washers with carbontex washers from Smoothdrag.com, the Aussies modifications include a few more parts. In fact, Bluewater-Tackle-Surf-Dive-Marine Australia sells a whole kit.

The kit consists of a Stella handle and knob, ARB bearing for the right side of the main gear (to replace a bushing), an aluminum cap for the other side of the handle hole, and the carbontex washers. Since ordering the parts from Australia may be restrictive, Che' Carson, Bluewater.net.au included the parts numbers.

ARB bearing: RD8202
Stella handle: RD8356

He indicated that the installation of parts are simple and requires no modification or shimming.

Lastly, according to Kilsong, the Saragosa handle fits the Stella, so using the Saragosa handle may bring the cost down some.


Bluewater Kit


To provide a counterpoint, I did contact Shimano; of course, they don't necessarily endorse the upgrade. Here's the info that I received:

I would not recommend changing anything on the reel. The drag system is fine in the stock configuration. Replacing the bearing on the right side requires removing the main gear assembly. If the wear pattern is disturbed the reel will not feel correct after reassembly. The bearing can also vary in thickness and will typically need shimming to make the gear pattern feel correct.

The handle can be changed if you want the model with bearings. This simply makes the reel feel smoother when turning the handle.

We do not recommend any Cal Sheets products and your warranty will be voided with any modifications to your reel. I realize you purchased this reel used but we still stand behind our products.

Dan
Product Support Specialist
Shimano American Corp.



Hope this help those who want more info. I have two Spheros 14000 and both have greased carbontex drag washers in it. If I went fishing more, I would consider the other upgrades.

[Josh]

would these upgrades work on the bigger saragosas?

[fishr1989]

This upgrade was designed for the 14k and the 18k, so yes it should work on the larger reel.

[Josh]

but the website says for the 12k and 14k. and im looking at the 18k saragosa. what do you think?

[fishr1989]

apologies, I misread your post and thought you had the spheros, not the saragosa, I don't think this kit will fit the saragosa, it's a completely different body. I'd give Info@SmoothDrag.com a call to see about a carbontex drag kit, and as for the extra bearing, the saragosa comes with 6, I'm not really sure where the last one would go or why it's needed. The saragosa is essentially a cheaper stella, the only real mosidication I could see being need is the carbontex washers, as for the ubgraded handle, buckosparts.com can ship it to you for about $36, this is the t-shaped stella handle.

I'm assuming you already have the upgraded handle, do you just want the new drag washers and the bearing?

[ahistick]

Aren't the NEW Saragasos and Spheros coming with better washers now? The older model Spheros 12K/14K FA had a felt-like material for drags washers.

[fishr1989]

the drags on the saragosa are dartanium, same as the calcuttas and trinidads. THey gum up after a lot use with grease and dirt, I put the new carbontex washers in my calcutta te and used to catch a 200lb lemon shark. I don't trust the stock washers especially when they're stuck together when you open the reel to clean it and the whole drag stack comes out as a unit rather than individual washers.

[JerseyBrian]

good find Gil! I will be changing out my Saragosa 18000's washers for the Carbontex drag washers. I don't think the bearing replacement is necessary. Can someone care to explain how replacing the bushing with an ARB bearing would be beneficial?

[ahistick]

Originally Posted by fishr1989

the drags on the saragosa are dartanium, same as the calcuttas and trinidads. THey gum up after a lot use with grease and dirt, I put the new carbontex washers in my calcutta te and used to catch a 200lb lemon shark. I don't trust the stock washers especially when they're stuck together when you open the reel to clean it and the whole drag stack comes out as a unit rather than individual washers.

Well, I did indicate "better" not optimal. The dartaniums are better than greased felt washers

I have a Shimano Biomaster that I'm changing the stock washers with carbontex from smoothdrags.

Same with the Daiwa SLX series reels. Great reels, but the stock washers were greased felt. After awhile, the felt washers just get dirty and all gummed up or, worse, total disintegrate.

Brian,

The bearing would provides a better support than the bushing. Same would go with the upgraded handle, two bearings in the handle knob would make for smoother cranking.

[Josh]

no i dont have the power handle or reel. i cant get them here in a bahamian out island so im trying to get all the info on the reel and find out if it will modify to my likeing and then ill pick it up next month when im over there. well the bearing wouldnt be that important to my but the drag washers are a must, im trying to get smoth consistent drag between 25-35#s.