What are the best bearings for the Optima?

[Coelacanth]

Back in the old days, you had bushings or bearings. Nowadays, there are different qualities of bearings. A month or two ago, for the first time, I saw these sealed bearings, the ones with the blue sides. I've also seen bearings that are sealed by having metal sides. Prices for an Optima 16-pack go upwards of $20 (but a heckuva lot cheaper than back in the day, I think a bearing upgrade set for the Optima cost $39.99 from Tower Hobbies).

Anyway, how do these bearings compare to the common bearings of the 80's, function-wise? Are they truly sealed, do they last longer or something?

I want a set of the better-quality bearings for my upcoming Project CYANide build, rather than using the stock bearings I've had in my toolbox for the past 25 years.

[Hcp22]

Boca Bearing has compete kits from 14$ to 70$, se link.

http://www.bocabearings.com/search.aspx?SearchType=StartModel&ProductGroupID=1&MFGSYSID=48&ModelName=OPTIMA%20COMPLETE%20KIT&Feature=

[Coelacanth]

Wow, $69.99....that's a bit out of the ol' budget. I did ask for it, though. What do most of you guys use for your runners that's a step up from the old-tech bearings, but still affordable?

[jwscab]

avidrc.com

[Coelacanth]

avidrc.com

I was about to make an order until I read in their FAQ that they only ship internationally with USPS Express Global, which is stupidly expensive ($18+) considering the small size. Good suggestion, though.

[Hcp22]

I still use my 20 year old bearings (14$); I have removed the inner shield. That way I can easily clean them out with a ultra sonic washer (I’m not shore if this is the right name for the washer, I’m a Swede) After you washed it, all is needed is a few drops of oil.

[jwscab]

i see....didn't know you were international.....

I suppose ebay would probably have reasonable bearings for you then.....

if you can get bearings for like a buck apeice, the quality does not have to be clean-room worthy. any bearing is worlds better than a bushing.....and at a dollar, just replace 'em when they fry.....

[Hcp22]

I can recommend Boca Bearing 14$ kit, I use them in my Scorpion runner for some time!

[ROH73]

For runners, I'd recommend buying the cheapest metal shield bearings you can find. Lot's of eBay sellers have kits for vintage cars. The quality will be fine; even the ones from Taiwan, China, etc. Prices should be about $1.00 per bearing.

The blue rubber sealed bearings keep out more dirt and moisture, but they also have more drag. Again, for standard running, metal shield bearings work great and can be cleaned. It's all I use in my 20+ vintage cars, with the exception of my Clodbuster; it hits the snow every winter, so I use the blue rubber seal bearings in it.

Regards,

Robert

[Coelacanth]

Thanks for the info. A couple Asian sellers on eBay have the rubber-sealed bearing sets for under $10. Has anyone tried these? I'd hate to build up the gearboxes with these only to have the quality be sub-par and the rubber end up inside the bearings or something.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Kyosho-16pcs-Optima-Javeline-Salute-Rubber-Bearing-Set-/350224037085?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item518afab4dd

[shane]

All this talk of bearings , where do teflon sealed bearing rate?

[Hcp22]

I haven’t tested this, but for 16$ it’s worth a test, don’t you think? I think I gone do my one test..

Regards
Lars

[Hcp22]

They hadn’t any with blue seals to the Scorpion

[Coelacanth]

They hadn’t any with blue seals to the Scorpion

Yeah, they do...I took the plunge myself. I'll report on the quality when they're received.

Scorpion bearing set
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Kyosho-14pcs-Scorpion-Beetle-Tomahawk-2WD-Bearing-Set-/350179457468?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51885279bc

[Hcp22]

They hadn’t any with blue seals to the Scorpion

Yeah, they do...I took the plunge myself. I'll report on the quality when they're received.

Scorpion bearing set
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Kyosho-14pcs-Scorpion-Beetle-Tomahawk-2WD-Bearing-Set-/350179457468?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51885279bc

I notice those, but they are not with blue seals, just the regular metal seals ... But I have a Javelin runner to, so I try a set for that car.