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.

[JerseyBrian]

Originally Posted by ahistick

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.

So could we order that ARB bearing by using the provided part number from a Shimano parts distributor here in the US? Would Bucko Parts have this bearing?

[fishr1989]

yes, they are the shimano repair shop for the northeast, they should both have the baring and have it in stock. They may carry the carbontex washers as well, as they have them for abus.

[JerseyBrian]

Originally Posted by fishr1989

yes, they are the shimano repair shop for the northeast, they should both have the baring and have it in stock. They may carry the carbontex washers as well, as they have them for abus.

Cool, I'm going to give them a call this friday and order up that Stella power handle; I'll ask them about the washers too!

FYI, I just got my Saragosa 18000 delivered to me. Sitting in my lap at work right now

[fishr1989]

if they don't have the washers, info@smoothdrag.com will, try to talk to Dawn, she can help you out. make sure to get a container of the Cal's Grease for them. Put a light coating on the washers before you install them, it will keep the drag a bit smoother. You may also install them dry, but most people grease first.

[JerseyBrian]

Originally Posted by fishr1989

if they don't have the washers, info@smoothdrag.com will, try to talk to Dawn, she can help you out. make sure to get a container of the Cal's Grease for them. Put a light coating on the washers before you install them, it will keep the drag a bit smoother. You may also install them dry, but most people grease first.

awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[SkeeterRonnie]

carbon fibers... anything else sucks! thin coatings of cals grease. too much drag and that spheros will come apart. 22-25# is all i would push it to.

[Josh]

well do you think the saragosa with upgraded drags will handle 25-35#? if so which drags would you recomend? carbontex?

[SkeeterRonnie]

SMOoOTH DRAG *** Can Stop Anything *** call and talk to Dawn. carbon fibers are the only ones I like. and yes-22-25# is sustainable.. you can actually put these in the spheros 14000FA and tighten it down to the point of exploding the reel

[fishr1989]

I'd love to be able to say I exploded a spheros...that would be a first. I've blown up may rods but never a reel, someone should send a spheros with the new drags to Gunsmoke, I'm sure he could do it, the sea anchor test would do it for sure

[Josh]

so you dont think the reel will hold up over 25#?