Ceramic Bearings from AliExpress?

[Shadowcaster1969]

Here's my findings.

Incredibly smooth straight out of the bag, opened up and as you see.
20230619_170012~2.jpg

Last picture of inside outer race shows what seems to be oxidising later but to be fair it's at best 304 grade or lower?
20230619_170115~2.jpg

Went inside a old D Chronarch that's a bit of a battle axe in condition and made it heaps more quiet - replaced the dodgy Australian derived bearings (china sourced of course).

Bearings got a little spritz of TSI321 and the spool rotation is incredible in comparison.

Slazmo, beside TSI 321, would other low viscosity lubricant like ZX1 provide similar performance for full ceramic or hybrid bearings? TSI 321 is hard to find in my part of the world...

[Dalleinf]

I have purchased several full ceramic bearings from different aliexpress sellers. All bearings have performed well. I do not mind the noice but have typically used a wee drop of tsi321.

[SSS]

Its so annoying how finding TSI321 is literally impossible in Canada, and ordering from the US you'll pay a $25 shipping.

[Slazmo]

Any type of lubricant is better than none IMHO. Use what you have and what you have confidence in.

Edit: 30-6-2023.

6 more came - all 6 are smooth and long spinning straight out of the bag.


Took the reel (battered Chronarch D7) which took the first 2 bearings that came. May have over lubricated them with TSI and not the best conditions with a slight headwind this afternoon. Well on a Jewel 4-7kg 6'6" rod and some unknown braid that's too heavy for its intended purpose I got a Ecogear CX35 (4gr) lure about 20m, compared to OE flushed bearings and the AUD delivered hybrid ceramic bearings , these made the reel pretty effortless.

So will dump those new bearings in other reels with a more controlled amount of TSI and when I get more time reevaluate.