Okuma

Thought I'd share the outcome of my Sheffield vs Aventa conversion.  I purchased an Aventa on Ebay for cheap but after I tried it once I learned quickly why it was cheap.  It would not spin well at all so after it sat in my storage cabinet for a year, I got the bright idea to change the bearings.  Little did I know that Aventa does not even have bearings - it has a bushing.  FYI the bushing does not come out easily.  I suffered through two attempts to install BOCA bearings in the Aventa.  The BOCA bearings fit great but even the high end bearings did not spin as well as my Sheffield.  So, I called an Okuma dealer in Pittsburgh and had them send me the Sheffield bearings and spacers.  I installed them as soon as they arrived and like magic the Aventa now spins just as well as the Sheffield (without the higher price tag).

Right...they certainly are good reels for the money. However, to try to compare a sheffield or anything Okuma makes for that matter is a bit extreme IMO. Again, they do the job, they are smooth and probably among the best of your low end reels. Some say a reel is only as good as the bearings inside them, but it goes beyond that. Tolerances, weight, workmanship, performance and service are also important for me. I bought a reel that cost twice the amount of a new Sheffield, but I saved up until I could pay for it and I know that its among the best and the service of the reel is very hard to beat. Ya see, I bought the reel from a local builder, MADE IN THE USA...I know we hardly know what that means anymore, but I'm certainly proud to say I'm supporting not only a local guy, but I can also talk to him anytime I want and go directly to him with the reel in case of a problem. I'm not a reel collector like most fanatic pinners...I bought one that I know will last a lifetime and one I could hand down to my kid if he wants to go that direction. I'm also confident that my reel will hold its value and in some cases actually be worth more with time.

Now, converting your Aventa was a good idea if you're on a budget and it will fish a lot nicer for you. I'd bet that as time goes on, and you decide to stick with pinning, you will eventually upgrade to a higher end reel. Then you will certainly be able to feel the differences in how the reels compare. Good luck.

Nevermind - Just realized your looking for video of the Okuma upgrade issue.

DM Sent.

As far as upgrading the sheffields bearings,the ceramic bearings from Boca work great.Remove the dust covers from the original bearings,very carefully, soak them in some kerosene, clean with some contact cleaner,then oil with a light oil,leave the dust covers off,works well also.

I have some sheffield berrings here laying around inside one that got destroyed (the bearings are fine)... anyone wants them, let me know.