Ball Bearing Versus Traditional Swivel - Which is Better?

Before comparing the ball bearing and the traditional fishing swivel, we must understand what a swivel is. How it works, why it should be used, and when to use it are important questions for discussion to recognize the tiny device’s significance better.

A fishing swivel is a small gear with two rings connected to a pivoting joint. On one ring, the line from a rod and reel is tied.  The other ring is connected by a fishing line frequently terminated by a sinker, lure, or hook. The pivoting joint typically has two basic types: ball bearing and barrel-shaped or traditional; swivels come in different sizes. The measurements range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. It is usually made of stainless steel or nickel-plated brass.

Some anglers used to believe that swivels frighten fish. Others avoid using swivels in fear of appetizing the fish, making them bite on it and cut the line. Despite this, swivel improvements over the years proved these claims wrong.

Why Should You Use a Swivel

A swivel’s core purpose is to move by the line’s movements and help it untwist during line retrieval. They are handy when using rigs that are prone to twisting. Moreover, swivels can help stop a sliding sinker placed before or after a swivel depending on the fishing method and setup. Often, swivel colors are metal or brass, but modern ones have red, blue, or green, depending on the brand and store. Colorful swivels may play a role in drawing the attention of game fish, particularly in deep water and low light conditions.

Swivels are crucial in preventing nasty twists from becoming serious problems. These twists may lead to the following:

1. Undesirable Entanglement

Too many twists in the line may cause tangles that will prove unpleasant when reeling it back in. When this happens, the lure itself may be caught in the line, which can become a frustrating hassle and ruin a good day of fishing. The lure’s position may also cause unwanted entanglement between the hook and the swivel when too much line twisting. Sometimes, even the current can cause line twists before the lure lands a bite. Furthermore, these twists may cause the line to intertwine and become entangled in a vexing knot.

2. Weakening of Line

The over twisting can decrease the line’s performance by creating weak spots that cause breakage or damage. In cases when the line does not break, it is still at risk of a decrease in its overall strength. This is why a swivel is necessary, especially in situations where line twists are rapid such as when using lures that spin.

3. Limited Casting Distance

Tangled line twists tend to shrink in length and may rob anglers of casting distance. Although it does not sound troublesome, it is still important, especially when reaching farther parts of the water while fly fishing on the shore.

Traditional Swivel

Traditional swivels are regular barrel-shaped fishing swivels. They spin on the wire ends inside the barrel and are relatively cheap. A conventional swivel will perform well when fishing for average-sized panfish considering the minimal weight. However, the main disadvantage in using traditional swivels is their ineffectiveness in turning under repeated resistance and heavy loads. When faced with massive weight, tension, or pressure, the friction within the swivel will stop or slow down its rotation. This will cause twists up a fishing line. Additionally, they do not spin instantly after one or a few twists in the line. Nonetheless, traditional swivels are exceedingly popular because of their low cost and a wide variety of sizes.

Ball Bearing Swivel

This type of swivel spins on a ball bearing, a rolling device that uses balls to separate between the inner and outer bearing races. A ball bearing aims to reduce rotational friction while supporting radial and axial loads. Because of this friction-free mechanism, the ball bearing swivel can rotate freely and perform well even under heavy loads. These swivels also spin immediately according to a line’s movement. The primary disadvantage of this type of swivel lies in its cost. Ball bearing swivels are a little more expensive, especially branded ones. 

The Better Fishing Swivel

Anglers may easily neglect the idea of using swivels, mainly because they are not as popular as other parts of a fishing rig. Although, fishing swivels are important in situations with heavy strains like offshore rapid trolling with plugs, fishing in strong currents, and lengthy tug of wars with big game fish. Selecting the right swivel depends on the fishing technique that an angler would use in certain situations. However, there are general factors to consider that will be useful when choosing the right swivel type, especially for beginners.

1. Price 

The traditional swivel’s main advantage is its low price. With a quarter per piece or even less, a relaxed day of fishing can get by with a swivel. On the other hand, a ball bearing swivel is expensive, even going a little over two dollars per piece for the most high-quality ones.

2. Performance

Unlike traditional swivels, which require several rotations before turning, ball bearings almost always turn to two-line twists instantly. When performing under pressure, a ball bearing swivel works well in both light and action-packed fishing. On the contrary, while a traditional swivel works well with modest angling, it is more prone to nonperformance in hefty situations.

3. Durability

A ball bearing swivel can withstand more pressure over longer periods than a traditional swivel with its friction-free feature. Still, it is best to constantly inspect the swivels in use to make sure they rotate freely and are damage-free. Also, note that swivels do not last forever as they also wear out over time. It is best to frequently keep them in check and replace them now and then. These preventive measures will prevent mishaps when fishing. Inspect them for damage and make sure they rotate freely. This is especially important after fighting a large fish.

Overall

While traditional swivels are enough to maintain connection and untangle twists on a light fishing day, ball bearing swivels are better at persistently preventing line twists in any fishing situation. For anglers who find fishing swivels essential when they head out to the water, spending the money and getting a ball bearing swivel is better.