Regular or super tuned baitcaster?

[Hookmaster]

I've decided on the Daiwa Advantage baitcaster. There are two models. The regular with 5 stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing. The super tuned has 8 stainless steel ball bearings, one roller bearing and a perforated spool. Other than these differences they are identical. This reel will be used for casting, not trolling. What benefits does the super tuned model have over the regular model?

[musky hunter]

From an engineering standpoint, more ball bearings = longer life. When a ball bearing is eliminated, frequently it is replaced with a brass or polymer bushing. While I cannot speak with authority on this specific reel, I suspect that is the internal difference. Ball bearings have a lower rolling coeffience of friction and generally a longer life than bushings. The difference is likely very subtle, you can't see it by lookng at the reel, but it's there in the quality.

[perchpro]

Do NOT go cheap when buying a bait caster! More bearings means longer more effortless casting. Get the super tuned model you won't regret it.

[delcecchi]

eventually one runs out of useful places for ball bearings. two for the crank, two for the spool, two more for some gear. that is six. Where do they put the other 4? two on the level wind worm. still leaves two. Is the exploded diagram on line?

[Wayne Ek]

Couple things to think about. More important than the number of bearings is the quality of bearings. Are they shop mass produced bearings or bearings built to the specific standards of the reel maker? Some of the places on bait-casters that bearing are used (spool shaft(palm), spool shaft(gear),worm shaft,crank shaft(L)spool tension knob®and on some reels the crank handle grips will have bearings. Now after all that pontificating (God I love that word)... More important that the number of bearings, as all of the top end reels will work very well, is the the number of hours you are willing to practice with the rig, and the type of rod you put it on. Not the rod brand, but the action. But far more important is practice.