Bearing counts appear on nearly every fishing reel listing, usually written as a number pair like 10+1 or 12+1. The count is easy to quote and easy to over-read, so it helps to know what the numbers describe, what else about bearings matters, and how the counts on our own reels are stated. This guide walks through all three.
What the Bearing Count Describes
A bearing count states how many ball bearings a reel's specification includes. Our listings state it in that format: the GOOFISH BCS250 saltwater baitcasting reel lists a bearing configuration of 10+1 stainless steel bearings, the GOOFISH YB Series saltwater spinning reels list a 12+1 bearing configuration, and the GOOFISH SY770 big game spincast reel lists 6+1 stainless steel bearings. The second number in the pair usually refers to an additional bearing in the drive or anti-reverse arrangement, and the listing is the place to confirm what a specific count covers.
Count isn't everything: bearing material, placement and protection matter alongside the number.
Quality and Placement Matter Too
A count alone does not describe how a reel's bearings perform. Bearing material, where the bearings sit in the drivetrain, and whether they carry shields or seals all shape how the reel runs and how it handles saltwater. Our guide to bearing shields, seals and saltwater limits covers that protection layer, and our guide to reading a grease's SDS and TDS covers the lubrication side. The BCS250 listing itself adds a care note: do not spray oil into bearings or drag parts indiscriminately.
Reading the Counts on Our Reels
The counts differ across our lineup because the reels are built for different jobs. The BCS250 pairs its 10+1 stainless steel bearing configuration with a 6.18:1 gear ratio and a CNC-machined aluminum body with anodized finish, while the YB Series pairs its 12+1 configuration with a 5.9:1 gear ratio and CNC-machined aluminum body and side plates. The SY770 spincast reel states 6+1 stainless steel bearings alongside a 3.9:1 gear ratio and a 7kg minimum drag force. When you compare reels, read the bearing count alongside gear ratio, drag and body material rather than on its own; our guide to caring for aluminum reel bodies in saltwater covers the body side.
Quick Checklist
- Read the bearing count in the format the listing states.
- Check what the second number refers to on the specific listing.
- Weigh count alongside bearing material, placement and protection.
- Compare with gear ratio, drag and body material, not on its own.
- Follow the listing's care notes before servicing bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher bearing count make a reel better?
The count describes how many bearings the specification includes, not how the reel performs on its own. Bearing material, placement and protection all matter, and the reel's other specifications complete the picture.
What does the +1 in a bearing count mean?
The second number usually refers to an additional bearing in the drive or anti-reverse arrangement. The listing is the place to confirm what a specific reel's count covers.
Are stainless steel bearings better for saltwater?
Stainless steel is a common bearing material in saltwater reels, and our listings name it where it applies. How bearings handle saltwater also depends on their shields or seals, which our bearing protection guide covers in detail.
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