Biomaster 5000 (*Stradic 2007) Supertune

[Nimo]

Visited the Shimano Massachusetts showroom in Foxboro and got really excited about the new range of 2009 reels. Reel technologies keep improving with new designs, materials and manufacturing precision. A reel of a few years may loose its application value quickly.

My Biomaster 5000 (Japan *aka Stradic) is a light, strong and hardy reel for salt water jigging. It tamed two sail fishes last year with only 20lbs line. For what it is, I have no complains. It is also like new after heavy uses on boats. Spring time is near and should I buy a new Sustain 5000 or the Biomaster for Cape Cod fishing?

Stripping down the reel confirmed my horror. The two main shafts ARB bearings, changed twice already, have become again ‘All Rusted Bushes’. The gears are good with some stains. The body is like new and so is the spool. I used detergent to remove grease from parts, salt particles and let air dry. Do not wash the bearings.



Proper tools and correct lubrication is a must.


One thing about Shimano of different range is, the side plate is made of plastic or aluminum alloy. You can get a spare part from a higher model (Twin power) of the same year and upgrade. I have no issue with the rigidity of this reel. The main body is aluminum alloy anyway.

The bearings are a problem. Rust and roughness after just a few serious trips is an issue. This mid range reel already has spool bearing, line roller bearing, main shaft bearing, main gear shaft bearings. The only thing is the main shaft back support is a plastic bush. The oscillator front support is also a plastic bush. I have decided to change all load stressed bearings to hybrid ceramic bearings. In 2009, Shimano changed all the ARB to sealed types. I think they are still the ABEC 7 mid range type. Meaning, even if I buy a Stella I still have to put up with rusted/rough bearings eventually.

The front support of the oscillating shaft can be modified by filling off and seat in a new sealed bearing. The pictures shows the originals compared with new Ceramic types. For the spool and line rollers, bearings are OK so they stay. But the main gear support bearing pair, are all rusted inside despite Corrosion X and synthetic greased applied.

Ceramic bearings are ridiculously expensive. Hybrid types are reasonable.


After cleaning the gear, it is nice. No green stains and wear. New Shimano reels have reinforced gears. I think I can still live with this one. It is slightly heavier and less strong.



The main shaft back support is a plastic bush. Bush has caused some surface wearing on the bass worm gear. There is a Shimano part to replace it, but I use a hybrid ceramic type. Actually, it is not load stressed here, so a normal bearing will do. I wasted US$10 more by specifying ceramic type. Use a digital caliper to measure the size you have before ordering.



This is how I install the bearing with ease and prevent damages.



Check the play and if the bearing fits nicely.


I have seen some gentlemen modified the bush using two bearings. Actually, using one is sufficient. The internal of the bush is hollow so will not interfere with the single bearing. I have ditched the original bearing at the back end, because it is rough and not smooth anymore. So, standard reels using only common off the shelf bearings. The new bearings used can withstand 30kg load at 100,000rpm. There is a small plastic washer between the gear and the small bearing. Don’t miss that out.


Check the bearing locations and how they fit. Use a plastic pen or tube to push in or push out.



Use your finger to feel if the rotation is smooth and no grit. Check matching before applying oil or grease. This plate is made of hard ABS plastic. It can be replaced by an aluminum plate from other models.


With new main gear hybrid ceramic bearing installed. Check the shafts for fitting and interference



This is super stopper II. Many people do not strip this part, but I find it essential. A good anti reverse helps to set hook firmly. It is part of the complete system. This is where Shimano wins Daiwa many classes at the same price.


The internal plate is naked without oil in original form. Suggest oiling this plate very lightly.



Check the alignment



Again, rust proof these rollers and do not grease them. Clean with light oil and wipe off the oil.


Check placement and all the springs locations



Now, Shimano has super stopper III for 2009 (catalog). Which has a bigger internal bush and less slipping.



Checking the bush here, there was obvious slippage from the wear of the internal bush. This metal bush is the same for all, from Sienna 2500 to this. I put in a new one as it is cheap to replace.



Before putting in the anti reverse block, put in the selector. Be careful of the spring as it can fly off easily. If it flies off, it is usually about 1-2 m from you. No need to look too far. I had it flew off many times already. Note for the selector lock screw, I put in a new spectacle screw with some glue to lock it. The original one is self tapping and I do not like it.



Grease the gear with Super Lube. This lube is so good that it sticks on the gear even after thousands of loaded revolutions. Not like many other that looks sticky but disappear just after lightly loaded.


Check the side plate screws before screwing in! They are of different sizes!


From Stella 10000 to Twinpower 3000, this is an annoying problem. The rubber seal within the rotating body always breakdown in the tropical heat and breaks. I usually throw it away and don’t bother with new ones. After all, water should not get in so easily.



Use Teflon grease on the line roller bearing. Actually, this part should be a ceramic type but because of its size and PRICE (!) I use the few original Shimano ARB. So far, this location is ok with ARB type.



Spool bearing is the same size as those I modified on Daiwa Kaldia Kix. Higher end Shimano has two bearings.



Check parts placement and install.


The original drag is up to 6kg with fabric drag pads. I have changed them to carbontex. You can order from Smoooth Drag by specifying the diameters. (same size a Spheros). Carbontex gives smoother and more powerful drag.


The reel is completed! At its original form, the reel is already nice and smooth. But will full ceramic types at critical locations, no more plastic bushings, and PTFE lube, the turn is almost like 100% frictionless. Gives you a very firm and precision feel. I usually will load the reel with a 2 lbs weight with a rod to check the reel operation before actual commit to combat.

[canyondiver]

Awesome thread!!
I have been thinking about this for my dads old Stradic 2500.
I love the reel because it was his, but when the fog rolls in the reel gets stiff.
I know it is because of the bushes. Bearings would change all that!!
Thanks!

[janez]

Hi,

realy nice work. Thank You for sharing it with us.

P.S.: If You do not know whether one piece of reel is made of plastic or aluminium, just lick it. The metal is always colder than a plastic.

Regards, Janez

[hmaster]

Hi, great write up thanks. Does anyone know what the exact dimensions are for the new Shimano Sustain 5000fe bearings and/or the Stradic 4000fi? Looking to replace with ceramic ones. Hoping something on this site will fit http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/CTGY/Shimano but unfortunetly i don't have the proper tools to measure the bearings. My main goal is to increase casting distance therefore due to my limited skills/budget not really looking to change all the bearings. Thanks!

[Jameso]

this is a serious thread, thanks

[mantriumph]

Great post

[davescarp]

this is great, alan tani style but w/ a spinner.. thanks for doing this... so did i read correctly that this is the same reel as a stradic 5000fi??? doesn't look too bad to break down and service at all.

[Ken D]

[Jae]

this thread is almost a year old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ken D]

Who cares *how* old it is? it's useless as a referral thread when the images are toasted....:-) It's referred to, in a very recent thread....a few days ago..
like: yesterday.....
http://www.stripersonline.com/surfta...d.php?t=720507

[wizardude]

Originally Posted by Ken D

Who cares *how* old it is? it's useless as a referral thread when the images are toasted....:-) It's referred to, in a very recent thread....a few days ago..
like: yesterday.....

Agreed, and Nimo has some really good posts, but the same problem with all....

Downloading images to the site would be much appreciated by "myself", and I'm sure many others

Thanks!