Just ordered this reel in the 6:1 the Elf I guess and a Tsurinoya rod to go with it. It’ll be my first BFS setup. I didn’t wanna drop a ton of money on a Shimano or Daiwa BFS setup. I might not like it. Awesome review!!!
I think you'll like it. Keep in mind, my reviews are influenced by having tried dozens of other reels. AND, since you got the Elf, I think you grabbed one of the few low-gear ratio reels available - and I still recommed the Elf because of that. You'll see it in a video coming out in a few weeks about the best budget reels. Enjoy!
Thanks for posting this review. It looks like you do a lot of reviews of BFS gear - it would be great if you could develop some standard tests and measurements and provide them for each piece of gear so there's some objective data to compare the products. Also, which Ali storefront do you buy from?
I buy from whichever one makes the most sense. Usually the brand if I can, but if it's got a lot of sales that works. I'll start thinking of trying to develop some objective measures - or maybe some head to head comparisons.
I was looking at the elf due to the lower gear ratio to work the lures slower. I do keep doing back and forth on the decision though between the Genius or the Elf. I due plan on getting the Air Arise or the Ark G BFS later on so those could fill in where the Genius is. I got a Zephyr but I can't cast anything lower than a 1/16 jig head on it.
I find it harder to find slower gear ratio reels for sure. For certain moving baits, paddletail swimbaits for example - that slower gear ratio is excellent.
@@AaronHuntFishing I met a pro bass angler who said he liked using slower ratio for his frog rod. I thought that was odd, but he said he just wenches them in.
@@noobpyrotech9991 Yeah, but the BFS reels I don't think have the same kind of torque. Not sure how we'd measure that though.... there's probably some math that could estimate it...
When you are researching or shopping for BFS reels what kind of criteria are you looking for or searching? You have any issues ordering through ali express? And had a few friends that do RC's order some RC stuff through their nose kind of a shitshow from what they told me. I really want to try it out
I'm usually looking for specific reels, but searching BFS is a good way to good way start. No real issues with Aliexpress. Check the shop for # of revierws - and if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
@@AaronHuntFishing good to know. I've always been a local 41 and I don't really like shopping online personally but nobody around here really has those types of reels
I received an Accura HICC 50 L 8.1 SS $49 delivered. The store was not the usual Doviello Aliexpress store, but another. It was perfect in all manners but had a very bad drag, much like the KKVEII; I think the drag washers are reversed. The store mailed the reel from Hebron, Kentucky. I think these are 2nd's. I will be returning this for refund. I'll let you know the outcome. Doc 1/5
LOL. Like you said, clickbait title. But part of UA-cam is following trends and seeing what works for your audience. It CAN be expensive, but no more than any other line of fishing. A great spinning set-up is the same price as a top end BFS set-up here in the states. And the most expensive BC's can't throw BFS gear at all. :P If you wanna talk expensive - get into kayak fishing, or buy a fishing boat!
@@AaronHuntFishing yea I know people with Hobies that could be mistaken for aircraft carriers. I just did some research into turning old Abu reels into BFS capable using aftermarket parts...now that's expensive!
@@yep.fishing Yes it is! I also considered it, but usually don't enjoy tinkering at that level. I don't get out fishing as much as I want the way it is! ;P
I fish in the saltwater, around the Chesapeake Bay. Recently I got a Penn Squall baitcaster and I'm getting used to it. I haven't caught anything big with it, but it's a Penn and I know it will be fine. I wonder if those Ali Express reels would handle the fish here and the saltwater? Are there any decent ones with flipping switches? Penn doesn't make it yet and the switch makes jigging for flounder easier because you can let out a little line very easily. I wouldn't know what cheap reels to look for. Kastking makes one I'm thinking about getting, they claim it doesn't backlash and it's got the flipping switch, and it's supposed to handle saltwater. I think it's around $130. Do you know of any Ali Express stuff that could compete?
Off the top of my head, I know of few aliexpress reels that can handle saltwater well that are also Bait finesse. I just don't fish those kinds of conditions often and don't look for those specs. The Curado BFS and SLX BFS are the e=least expensive reels I can think of that can be considered slatwater safe. Then there was the Lews Pro SP - it was the first reel I know of to be used for BFS - but it's really a skipping and pitching reel by design. I haven't seen any finesse reels with a flipping switch.
@@AaronHuntFishing okay thanks. I was thinking you'd know what I could use just because you have looked at the reels. But no problem, I can look. And honestly I'll probably just get the one I know works and the brand has a decent reputation. I only buy Penn spinning reels and the one baitcaster. I wish they'd make one with the switch.
How do I find, figure out the difference between a real dark wolf and a knock-off? I want to order one and an elf from ali, but I'm not sure what to look for.
I just got a Kingdom Micro Monster for under 45 bucks and can't wait to test it out.
Great deal! pretty much none of the 'clones" have disappointed. Curious to hear how your MM performs!
Just ordered this reel in the 6:1 the Elf I guess and a Tsurinoya rod to go with it. It’ll be my first BFS setup. I didn’t wanna drop a ton of money on a Shimano or Daiwa BFS setup. I might not like it. Awesome review!!!
I think you'll like it. Keep in mind, my reviews are influenced by having tried dozens of other reels. AND, since you got the Elf, I think you grabbed one of the few low-gear ratio reels available - and I still recommed the Elf because of that. You'll see it in a video coming out in a few weeks about the best budget reels. Enjoy!
Thanks for posting this review. It looks like you do a lot of reviews of BFS gear - it would be great if you could develop some standard tests and measurements and provide them for each piece of gear so there's some objective data to compare the products.
Also, which Ali storefront do you buy from?
I buy from whichever one makes the most sense. Usually the brand if I can, but if it's got a lot of sales that works. I'll start thinking of trying to develop some objective measures - or maybe some head to head comparisons.
Another great reel review
Thanks for your consistent support!
I was looking at the elf due to the lower gear ratio to work the lures slower. I do keep doing back and forth on the decision though between the Genius or the Elf. I due plan on getting the Air Arise or the Ark G BFS later on so those could fill in where the Genius is. I got a Zephyr but I can't cast anything lower than a 1/16 jig head on it.
I find it harder to find slower gear ratio reels for sure. For certain moving baits, paddletail swimbaits for example - that slower gear ratio is excellent.
@@AaronHuntFishing I met a pro bass angler who said he liked using slower ratio for his frog rod. I thought that was odd, but he said he just wenches them in.
@@noobpyrotech9991 Yeah, but the BFS reels I don't think have the same kind of torque. Not sure how we'd measure that though.... there's probably some math that could estimate it...
trusrinoya rods are really nice. i am using their agile series 6..6 rod. it feels amazing and cast amazing. imo on par with some shimano rods
I've heard good things about their rods for sure.
@@AaronHuntFishing yes, though they cost more but the quality speaks
When you are researching or shopping for BFS reels what kind of criteria are you looking for or searching? You have any issues ordering through ali express? And had a few friends that do RC's order some RC stuff through their nose kind of a shitshow from what they told me. I really want to try it out
I'm usually looking for specific reels, but searching BFS is a good way to good way start. No real issues with Aliexpress. Check the shop for # of revierws - and if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
@@AaronHuntFishing good to know. I've always been a local 41 and I don't really like shopping online personally but nobody around here really has those types of reels
I received an Accura HICC 50 L 8.1 SS $49 delivered. The store was not the usual Doviello Aliexpress store, but another. It was perfect in all manners but had a very bad drag, much like the KKVEII; I think the drag washers are reversed. The store mailed the reel from Hebron, Kentucky. I think these are 2nd's. I will be returning this for refund. I'll let you know the outcome. Doc 1/5
Good price. Too bad it didn't work out. I have one sitting on the desk, but it keeps getting shuffled back by other reels and videos!
Do you think some of the inconsistencies in the reels comes to over greasing?
Could be. The reels definitely feel like the break in a little after a few trips.
Hey, but the Hunter Fisher said BFS is expensive?
LOL. Like you said, clickbait title. But part of UA-cam is following trends and seeing what works for your audience. It CAN be expensive, but no more than any other line of fishing. A great spinning set-up is the same price as a top end BFS set-up here in the states. And the most expensive BC's can't throw BFS gear at all. :P
If you wanna talk expensive - get into kayak fishing, or buy a fishing boat!
@@AaronHuntFishing yea I know people with Hobies that could be mistaken for aircraft carriers. I just did some research into turning old Abu reels into BFS capable using aftermarket parts...now that's expensive!
@@yep.fishing Yes it is! I also considered it, but usually don't enjoy tinkering at that level. I don't get out fishing as much as I want the way it is! ;P
I fish in the saltwater, around the Chesapeake Bay. Recently I got a Penn Squall baitcaster and I'm getting used to it. I haven't caught anything big with it, but it's a Penn and I know it will be fine. I wonder if those Ali Express reels would handle the fish here and the saltwater? Are there any decent ones with flipping switches? Penn doesn't make it yet and the switch makes jigging for flounder easier because you can let out a little line very easily. I wouldn't know what cheap reels to look for. Kastking makes one I'm thinking about getting, they claim it doesn't backlash and it's got the flipping switch, and it's supposed to handle saltwater. I think it's around $130. Do you know of any Ali Express stuff that could compete?
Off the top of my head, I know of few aliexpress reels that can handle saltwater well that are also Bait finesse. I just don't fish those kinds of conditions often and don't look for those specs. The Curado BFS and SLX BFS are the e=least expensive reels I can think of that can be considered slatwater safe. Then there was the Lews Pro SP - it was the first reel I know of to be used for BFS - but it's really a skipping and pitching reel by design. I haven't seen any finesse reels with a flipping switch.
@@AaronHuntFishing I don't care about the finesse part, I want tough reels for big fish with a flipping switch.
@@comfortablynumb9342 Yeah, probably not my area of expertise then - I focus on reels that can cast lures you normally throw on spinning gear... :)
@@AaronHuntFishing okay thanks. I was thinking you'd know what I could use just because you have looked at the reels. But no problem, I can look. And honestly I'll probably just get the one I know works and the brand has a decent reputation. I only buy Penn spinning reels and the one baitcaster. I wish they'd make one with the switch.
How do I find, figure out the difference between a real dark wolf and a knock-off? I want to order one and an elf from ali, but I'm not sure what to look for.
I can;t imagine there are any knockoff DWU's. just buy from a store that has a 'choice" rating and good reviews on AliExpress.