Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW On The Water Review (BFS Fishing - Stream)
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- #bfsfishing #gekkabijin #bfstrout
In this video, Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW Review On The Water (BFS Fishing - Stream), Hobie-Wan Kenobi gets the new Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW out on the water and gives the reel a great test on a very large fish.
The Gekkabijin AIR TW is what I feel is an upgraded version of the Alphas AIR TW. Has way more bearings and feels even more smooth on the retrieve. It also has a new specialized spool specifically made for distance casting light lures with braided line.
Although Daiwa says NOT to use any line besides PE (braid), I intend on testing the Gekkabijin AIR TW with monofilament line. Given how the braking profile is, I feel that the spool can cast mono just fine. I will use special attention not to use too much line or apply a lot of pressure.
8.5 gear ratio
74cm per turn
12 CRBB
28mm duraluminum PE tuned spool
80mm handle
165gr (Alphas AIR TW is 160gr)
Link to Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW:
www.digitaka.c...
There is a lot of talk on the TackleTour forums about the Gekkabijin AIR TW. Check out the TackleTour forums for the latest tackle talk: www.tackletour....
One of youtube's under rated site.
It's your job Peter to spread the word. Share it with your friends!!!
Excellent explanation of this new reels casting abilities. I felt the same as you during my casting time with this reel. I've tried the roro spool and it gives the extra spool speed for those stream settings as you already figured. Even the Alphas Air tw s spool in the Gekkabijin seems a little faster in my opinion. The area as you mentioned where this reel really shines is long casts on the lake. I was blown away with the distance and ease at which it casted on big water settings. Overall the smoothness of this reel has been what's shocked me. It's Fantastic! Your assessment was spot on and always enjoyable. Thank you
I am glad that our finding were consistent. Every has their opinions but, having close thoughts make the reel consistent. I plan on using my Roro spool and the stock Alphas AIR TW spool for streams. That will be after I use the Gekkabijin stock in a lake (closer to how the reel was designed to be used).
Great video! Excited to see your review on a lake with this reel.
Thank You. It is meant for open water fishing so, it will be a better test
I thoroughly enjoy your content. Watching you cast is like watching ballet. That was a nice fish BTW.
Thank you. I enjoy everyone being entertained by it. I will have some casting compilation videos conning soon!!!
@@HobieWanKenobi I would really enjoy that. Also, how about a rod building presentation? I built a fly rod back in the 80s when I was just getting into fly fishing. I wanted a really good rod, and the only way I could afford one was to build it myself. A guy showed me how to do it, and I ended up with a really good rod. My son still fishes with it. I would enjoy watching a tutorial on it now. I bet things have evolved dramatically.
I been thinking about a rod building video. I have a great idea for an entire series but, it will take a LONG time to come to fruition.
Thanks for making such critical content. You have really helped me get into BFS... God Bless you Bro!
Glad to hear it! It is always good to hear new people getting into BFS.
Love the drag tearing off as that fish got in the current! Nice job... I have one on order and can't wait to get it on the water!
I was a bit scared hahaha. If you reel right handed, Digitaka.com still has some in stock. They been selling fast from what I have been seeing at different sites.
@@HobieWanKenobi I ordered my from Japan Lure Shop and a left hand retrieve. I've never ordered from them. Hope their shipping is as good as Digitaka. Who knows?
@@gregyoung5052 I got mine in 4 days from Digitaka. The reel is great no matter where it comes from. 👍
I'm very happy to find this content🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩
Glad to see you enjoy the content. Please share with your friends.
Thanks for the Review!
No problem. It was fun to film.
I have a cart on Digitaka waiting for the Gekkabijin. Great video and I definitely will get one now. Should be good for inshore and freshwater.
Glad you liked the video. I apologize for having you spend your money...hahaha.
If you fish saltwater, this reel is THE reel for saltwater BFS. I do not fish saltwater but, I can tell from further open water test casting that it is made for long casting.
Brilliant Hobie-Wan . Im considering getting this reel and i think you might have convinced me . I would love to see how it casts 1 gram and 1.5 gram jigheads and cheburashka weights with a trout magnet soft plastic or similar . Great content !!!
Thank you!!! I think it will cast those lures just fine in open water. You will find out soon enough.
Great review. Can’t wait to try mine out .
It seems like a great reel so far. More of an open water reel but, I am also odd and like very fast spools for the stream.
Nice. I also got one from digitaka. Should get it in a couple days. Can’t wait. What rod is that you’re using? Hard to find a nice bfs casting rod. Thanks for the review.
This is a custom rod I made. I am planning to release a small amount for sale. I have delays due to parts availability.
@@HobieWanKenobi will you be making a video of it once it’s ready? What’s the eta?
I will be making a video of the completed rods. I cannot promise an ETA. I need to get more reel seats but...easier said than done. I will be making a video and also posts on Instagram when it is ready to launch and with updates.
I know this video is from a ways back. This reel really excites me. But I’m excited by the Silver Creek and the zillionaire. Even the Alphas air. I am looking for a versatile all around Diawa reel with good casting qualities. I search lots of medium to large size streams and rivers. But I also fish lakes for small bass and panfish. I want this reel to be able to do both comfortably. I have a Calcutta conquest BFS with a chameleon spool and love it. It is a spectacular reel. I also bought a Corrado BFS and have the avail spool for it. I have pre ordered the Roro spool. I hope this spool is better than the avail. I find it very finicky. I don’t have any Daiwa reels and I’m interested in trying one out. I have looked at everyone of your videos on Diawa reels over and over again and can’t make up my mind. I am really leaning toward the Gekkabijin. It looks like it’ll take the Alpha‘s spools. That would be pretty cool to cast lighter lures. Any help you could be would be much appreciated. I have a wide range of rods to cast sub 1 g up to 15 g or more. I absolutely love your videos.
The Gekkabijin is a great choice for you. The Gekkabijin also takes the same size spools as the Alphas AIR TW and Silver Creek AIR TW, including Roro aftermarket spools.
@@HobieWanKenobi too bad it is impossible to find spools for them. Everything is sold out.
@@HobieWanKenobi btw is it worth changing or playing with the bearings? Does it add any performance?
@@HobieWanKenobi plus it’s really hard to tell if any of the spools on Aliexpress will fit. Any ideas?
@@candrasko If it is 28mm...you can try your luck
Very informative-
Great fishing 🎣
💯
Thanks Greg. I appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for very good review! ..Have to order that reel 😃
Thank you for watching. you provided some good information on the TackleTour Forums about the Gekkabijin. I ordered mine from Digitaka after reading all the info on TackleTour.
@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks! Digitaka is mine favorite for ordering Japan fishing stuff 😃
Good to hear. Hard to beat getting a reel shipped from Japan and only taking 4 days.
The only thing that I am finding with my Gekkibijin is that I am having issues casting 1/32oz jigs. But anything from 1/16oz and up I have zero issues with making long casts. But the issue might be the fact that I am using a Light action rod. But I really like this reel. The rod that I am using isn’t one of the best for bfs in my opinion. As I am just getting started I bought the Shimano Senslight. But as I progress in the bfs world I am sure that I will find better rods.
So if ou fish the alphas air tw with thin PE/braid you will notice the line lay is more centered - with gaps on side of the spool.
The gekkajibin solves this for bfs with braid -
Alphas fluro or mono Gekkajibin pe/braid
Good observation! I think the Gekkabijin is a specialized tool and Daiwa really thought well of its design. I will have to get more time with this reel in open water to truly appreciate the braking system I believe. The reel is incredibly smooth and the drag clicker is a bonus.
no gaps on my alphas with pe line, straight as it gets.
@@gvidasgi2480 The braking system is the biggest system with the Gekkabijin versus the Alphas AIR TW
Great review. That fish was a great demo of the reels drag :)
Thank you. Yeah...a very coincidental way to break a new reel in.
@@HobieWanKenobi how does it compare to sagisi custom in terms of loudness?
@@Kelberi It sounds a lot like Sagisi Customs Gen1 clicker with the metal ring.
@@HobieWanKenobi cool!
That first catch was bad ass
Thanks. It was unexpected for sure. I am glad I landed it.
Hi, thanks for all your great material! After some advice if possible please? Ive been using shimamo bfs slx reels for throwing 3 -10 grams and it copes very well. However, id like to throw lower weights, down to 1 gramm and the slx doesn't cope well with this.
So would you recommend a Gekabijin or the alderbaran 22 for an upgrade to meet this need or is there another model around the similar price that you'd recommend please?
Thanks Mark
The Dobyns/Curado BFS combo will handle most of your typical "bass finesse" fishing. Getting a reel slightly more capable for lighter lures will compliment the Kistler a little more, especially if going after panfish/trout. Depending on budget, can go with the iFishband Tender Shoot or Daiwa Silver Creek AIR TW. There are more reels of course but, gives you a base to work off.
@@HobieWanKenobi thanks for the information it's much appreciated! I live in the UK and mainly target perch and trout on the rivers with my bfs set up. Looking forward to
Getting a new reel and putting it into action!
Thanks again
Hi! May I ask you, what kind of rod you are using? Thanks! Keep up the awesome work btw, love ur videos!
It is a custom rod I built. I am going to be doing a release in the spring with some for sale.
Sou do Brasil . Moro no estado do mato grosso. Amo a modalidade bfs . Tenho uma tatula 70 ela arremessa bem iscas d 5 gramas e é bem controlável em relação a cabeleireira so q ela é meio pesada pequena porém pesa 185 gramas ... Essa a gekkabingin é mais leve gostaria d saber se ela e bem controlável também em relação a cabeleireira . Valeu ótimo vídeo
Great video. Which rod and net are you using in this video ?
The net is from a company Handy Pak Net. It is a foldable net that is very convenient. The rod is a custom rod. It is a prototype for a future release. I will be posting information about availability and the final product when I am closer to launch. Part availability has been an issue. I have all the blanks though!!!
@@HobieWanKenobi oh cool ! Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it . I'll keep an eye out for that video
Thumbs up for cameraman. Or woman. A lot of work : )
I appreciate the camera work far more than any viewer could. There are a lot of sacrifices that are made to be the "person behind the camera". They do not get to fish as often, have to be one step ahead of the angler (really hard because I have a difficult time staying on topic) and have to worry about getting quality footage. I should also mention we create a "game plan" and I forget it about 90% of the time once the camera is rolling. The work put into filming for someone else's UA-cam channel is selfless and well deserving or praise.
All I have to do is fish and talk. Every time is misspeak or get snagged, the camera operator has to "reset". I just have to clear my throat and stat talking again.
I cannot watch television now without thinking of what the camera operator has to endure. All of the same rigors plus carrying camera gear. Next time you or anyone else reading this comment watches television, think of what that camera operator has to do to be able to capture what the subject is doing for your entertainment.
@@HobieWanKenobi im aware of all that. Every time i let my wife ir the champion or someone else hold my camera i have to throw the footage in the garbage. People have no idea what to do. Now i just hold it myself or put it on a stick, but dont trust others any more. U r lucky
There are times where is it hard to communicate my intent in regards to filming. More frustrating to the camera operator than to me. Also, when I have to delete an entire day worth of filming...makes the selfless act of filming even more selfless.
Great video, which one do you prefer for bfs bass fishing, this reel or alphas air tw
I would choose the Gekkabijin AIR TW for bass fishing.
Nice video, thank you for sharing! What do you think about using it as saltwater finesse approach? I suppose that’s what it’s meant to be used for, I’d like to use it for targetting Seabass on calm days. Any thoughts of a proper rod to pair it with? As of now the only rod I have that might fit this would be a Shimano Expride BFS reel which is 3-10 gr I believe, but I was thinking about a Yamaga Blankz dedicated casting rod…
From my limited open water test casting so far, it is definitely a long casting reel. The braking profile reacts to those open water situation better than I was fishing in the river in this video.
Great work again!..could you provide more information on the rod you are using...it looks fantastic and I would love to get one!.
It is a custom rod I have been working on. I will be doing a release in a few months. Guides have been really slow to get. Backorder like crazy.
@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you So Much...I look forward to finding out more. Cheers Max
Have a happy holiday season
Motions to the fish to come on up here...fish obeys 😅
That is selective use of The Force 🧙♂️
@@HobieWanKenobi haha the force is strong with this one!
Nice steelhead
This fish put up a pretty decent fight. I am glad it had a good release.
Definitely a buy.
I have been liking the reel a lot. Really smooth and the drag is butter smooth.
@ Hobie, where did you purchase your bail cast rod in this video from? Thank you..
This is a custom rod I built. This one is a prototype. I will be releasing a small number of these custom BFS rods in the near future.
@@HobieWanKenobi < Okay, thanks again.
No problem.
Yep they are fast shipping from Japan I ordered stuff from digitaka all the time it only takes 2-3 days maybe 4-5 days it doesn’t take long
That is good to hear you have had positive experiences with Digitaka. The point system is good too.
Yep I for got them
@@eugenejohnson8635 They got that 500 yen daily code as well. Every little bit adds up
How do you find them or get them what pages
Let me ask you a question about Abu Garcia ceratina rod where can you get them at
Nice fish , ? A dark brown ? .. I am really wonting this reel . I fish Maryland eastern shore , March and creeks . It seams it was made for it . I own a number of bfs reels . I use my Shimano Scorpion now . Is this a big upgrade or not ????? Thanks
Coho Salmon. I think the Gekkabijin is a big upgrade to the Scorpion BFS. I like the Scorpion BFS for stream fishing better and that is about it. The Gekkabijin is way smoother, casts further with less backlashing. To cover the stream fishing, just get a Roro spool for the Gekkabijin.
I have the curado bfs and when I fish jerk baits or jigs with it and twiching my rod I can feel the pinion gear to spool shaft play knocking and it drives me crazy. I really like bfs fishing but would love a reel with little to no spool to pinion play that I can feel. Does this diawa have much play that u can feel while jerking baits around? I would buy it if it doesn't. I'm use to my twin power and u can shake it like a salt shaker while reeling and not feel a thing just your lure and that's the smoothness I want in a bfs reel
My Aldebaran doesn't do that. I do know my Daiwa reels seem to have a tighter tolerance regrading handle play than my Shimano reels
Did you ever swap out the spool for lake fishing? If so what spool did you use?
I really like the stock spool for lake fishing. Plenty of distance and control.
Have you used or own the 500xxh?
I'm on the fence for this one. Mainly because I dont salt water fish ever.
I have used the Steez 500xxh. I prefer the Alphas AIR TW for what it is worth. They cast pretty much the same and I found the Alphas to be more smooth. The drag star clicking is nice on the Alphas too. The Steez is lighter in weight but, much heavier on the wallet.
@@HobieWanKenobi I'll be back for a 2 month update on which one you would use out of the 3 1st. Tw 8.6R, gekkabijin or 500xh.
I will give you my honest opinion then!!!
Hobie, would you consider the 19 STEEZ CT SV TW 700XHL as a bfs reel?
I have some videos on the 19 Steez CT. I think it does well for 1/8oz but, either a BFS spool for it or a different BFS specific reel is needed for optimal performance below that.
Nice footage. Do you think there‘s a unique use case for the Gekabijin that Alphas Air TW can‘t handle? I wonder whether this reel would complement my arsenal. I fish 2x Alphas Air Gen 1, 2x Alphas Air TW, 2x Abu ALC BF7, Curado BFS, Scorpions BFS and some other reels with aftermarket BFS spools. Besides my tackle addiction I can‘t find a convincing reason for a purchase :)
I have to get more testing with the Gekkabijin but, I found the Gekkabijin to cast VERY well in open water for distance. Perhaps the braking profile is tuned to get very good results for distance casting versus the short, soft casting that is common in streams.
@@HobieWanKenobi okay, thanks for that. Is there any availability date for your rod? I assume it will be sold by Baitfinesse Empire and thus not be available outside the US? Will it be available in a shorter length for really „bushy“ streams (shorter than 5 foot eg)? I‘m really curious on the results….
This initial run is going to be sold direct by me. I want to ensure there is enough demand to fully invest into making enough rods for regular distribution. for international shipping, I am sure I can work something out. There will not be a large profit margin on the rods so, I cannot guarantee international shipping. I will try though.
@@HobieWanKenobi this would be highly appreciated and with regard to shipping costs this would obviously be up to me. The only thing I would insist is an autograph 😀
I can at least guarantee the autograph!!!
One more question...which would you say is the better all-around reel gekka air or alderbaren bfs
Hmm...I been loving the Gekkabijin but, all around, I would take the Aldebaran. That is however, because I do a lot of stream fishing. If doing mostly open water, Gekkabijin.
Thanks man I'm a shimano guy so maybe I'll try the alderbaren. I kind of want to see what new releases there will be in 22 from shimano. Hopefully there will be some awesome bfs reels...
What rod were you using in this video? What’s the rated max lure weight on that rod? Thanks.
It's a custom rod I built. I would say it would be max of 6gr
@@HobieWanKenobi thank you! your passion for BFS stuff is a true value on UA-cam. Really enjoyed your videos! Thank you!
@@lulumink0 No problem. Not about that hype life
If its a bit overbraked, you might want to try to change the spool spring to something stiffer.
I was thinking about that. I want to try it stock in a few different situations before I tinker with the spool. I will also try different spools such as Roro and the Alphas AIR TW stock spool.
can we compare please long cast casting with measure with curado/scorpion or slx bfs, aldebran 22, daiwa air, daiwa gjekkabin (with braid 0.6)on correct measure 1,3,5,7 +- g casting. it can be awesome and answer for most questions.on same rod, same lures + your feeling about controling and casting comfort
New subs here...
Watching your review in clamber vs curado bfs.
And still hard decide. Maybe i watch and asking too many lol.
I using 2 - 8gr lure.
What your reccomendation? Should i go for kastking?
Go Curado BFS. Make sure you ask the yellow card for 1 year guarantee from Shimano
@@vire559 thanks, SLX its salt water versions right?
@@vire559 i check your video about scorpion aftermath. You mean the spool bend?
I use braided too, and i will pair it with slx/curado like ur suggestions... 0.12 / 9lb.
And ill set drag to 1,5kg.
Its is safe setting? I dont know shinono spool weak like that.
@@antareslonghorn6943
Generally BFS spool is like that but always look on the manual.
Ex: Daiwa not recommend PE line on previous gen Alphas Air. Another example: current Daiwa Alphas Air TW recommend less line for PE than Mono also Daiwa put a warning about Gekkabijin Air TW spool with Mono or Fluoro (basically not to use those line).
I can speak a lot more of other member experienced bend spool with their Abu Garcia.
Basically play safe.
@@antareslonghorn6943
Both reel is SW safe according to the Shimano but like many of other baitcaster always do a light maintenance before and after use and do heavy maintenance after 2 weeks heavy used.
Water can get through every nook and cranny every time you cast.
Can you please tell me where can i find a short fiber glass fishing rod ?
There are a few options out there. Most are expensive. I made this rod myself.
Will an Alphas SV spool fit into the Gekkabijin? Or is the outer spool diameter different?
The spool will not fit. The difference is too much, even with modding.
@@HobieWanKenobi dang. I'd really like to get a Gekkabijin just for the looks and smoothness and to do some weightless plastics fishing for bass with it. I don't really finesse fish. I wonder if there's a less-BFS oriented spool that would fit into it that would still hold plenty of 10lb fluoro for the job? Or maybe I should just get the new 800s Alphas SV shallow spool
@@jpap967 The Alphas would be a better bet. No deeper spool options for the Gekkabijin yet
@@HobieWanKenobi I could probably take the Alphas and put bearings under the handle knobs and one under the worm gear to make it just as smooth lol
The gears are different though. I had an Alphas AIR TW rough up pretty quick. I think it's odd Daiwa went with 8.5 gears instead of the 8.6 from the Alphas AIR TW even though they have the same frame? I think a gear redesign happened and they didn't want it to be known as such.
you custom built that rod yourself or who make for you? And how much does it cost?
Built it myself. More information on the rod coming soon.
So I’ve tried this reel today for the first time and it is really great, caught some small Seabass on it. BUT: I’ve had some backlash issues on below 7 settings even with very light lure. I went down to 0.9 gr Jighead with a 2” Keitech Shad and as soon as I try to cast on 6 a backlash will happen. Is this just me not using my thumb as I should or am I “forcing” the cast too much? I used it at the Sea and therefore wanted to reach maximum distance possible, on 8 I probably get to 10-15 meters with above lure, using a Jighead of 2.3 gr with a 3” Shad on dial 8 was way better for distance but again, at 7 I started to have backlashes… Any help is greatly appreciated! (I didn’t touch the Zero Adjuster)
I found in open water, the spool casts very well. I also do find that you have to experiment with force casting on higher brake settings and also gently casting on lower settings. I set my Zero Adjuster Knob to have hardly any side to side play.
@@HobieWanKenobi ok, thx, will try to set the zero adjuster and see if it changes anything for me
Hello! Which rod do you use in this video? Thanks !
A custom prototype rod I built. I will be releasing a small batch in the future
What kind of ultra light casting rod is that?
This is a custom rod I built for myself.
What is the best line on this reel for Bass fishing?
I have been using 0.6goh (10lb) VARIVAS Baitfinesse x4 PE. Casts great, cuts through weeds and is pretty smooth for a 4x braid.
have you try the lucky craft pointer 48mm
I have not. I heard good things about that lure.
Do you have any recommendations on a budget bfs casting combo?
What are you overall looking to spend? Also, what type of fishing?
@@HobieWanKenobi I’ve seen the kayaking set up with all in is under 200 but I was thinking 400 max for rod and reel. I also want a rod that is good for both moving baits and light plastics. I get confused as to the length of rod I should get as I’ll be primary fishing from the banks with a bfs set up.
@@Mavejar520 I feel the balance with rod length for BFS is being able to cast without snaggings, accuracy and enough rod to fight the fish. A small amount goes into being able to navigate your lure around obstructions in the water.
I like around 5ft. I wade so, not too worried about shoreline brush. I am also taller than average as well. The 4'7" Ares is pretty nice. I also have used 6ft rods too going for bigger fish. Don't worry about casting distance compared to rod length. The reel is what holds most distance back for BFS, not rod length
I wonder if that spool would fit the alpha sv tw?
I just checked that stock spool is almost 200. Looks like the best option is the roro spool
It does fit the Alphas AIR TW
The stock Alphas AIR TW spool is a great spool. Better distance than the Roro but, not as good with the lightest lures.
Hi, what is your spinning rod?
This rod is a custom I built.
what is this spinning? sorry for my bad english)
This baitcasting reel is the Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW.
@@HobieWanKenobi rod?
It is a custom rod I built.
Hey hob do you think bfs empire will get this reel
I am not sure. I know it has been selling fast everywhere.
@@HobieWanKenobi who has them now and what's retail
@@chrismccluren6655 I know Digitaka had some in stock. I am not sure if they do now or not. There looks to be some other places in Japan too but, they are sold out
@@HobieWanKenobi I wanted to ask you a question also I found some ultralight rods blanks they wer several different lengths but the 5 footer was rates 1to 4 # 1/32 to 1/8 I want to build a prototype would you check it out and if suits you can make it your signature series
@@chrismccluren6655 I am always willing to try new tackle out. I went through many blanks before finding the one I have now
What length rod is this?
4'11"
Is this a custom rod ?
Yes. It is a rod I built for stream BFS fishing.
Those added bearings makes 0 sense as u want as low bearing count as you can in saltwater without compromises ofc to performance and smoothness.
I thought bearings in the knobs wouldnt be a good idea for salt. Luckily I am using it in freshwater
I have two alphas air tws and I keep trying to talk myself out of buying this reel, you’re videos don’t help.
I was resisting for the longest time. I saw it in stock at Digitaka in LH so...I impulsively bought it and well...here I am. 😂
Please , give me name of the rod
It is a custom I built especially for BFS stream fishing. I will give more details soon. There will be a small number of rods for purchase.
Saya suka gekkabijin, namun sayang mahal....
The prices came down a little since it was released.
Daiwa : PE Special
HWK : Use mono
🤣
I make my own rules.
@@HobieWanKenobi that is my guy right there!