I'm going to start getting stuff together for a BFS setup. I have done some research and notice a lot of people use the 50 series shimanos. I already have an Alphas sv and was thinking of buying the megabass finesse spool for it instead of spending the money and getting a new reel like an Alphas air, a used 50 or an Aldebaran. Has anybody tried this yet? If so, what did you think? I was going to call Gary at tackle trap to see if the spool will fit just to make sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this will be my first BFS setup. Thanks in advance.

It's a popular spool, and it will serve you just fine. It will fit your alphas sv also. Secondly, the rod is equally important in the situation. It has to load properly to cast your intended baits.  I have a 2 power bfs rod and throw 3.5g baits without a problem.  How light to you plan to throw?

Thank you for the help. I was thinking of getting the 6'4" L zodias for throwing weightless trick worms, light drop shots, and ned rigs and possibly small inline spinners. I dont see myself going below 1/8 of an ounce on anything. Also do you use braid on any of your BFS setups? I'm a little worried about damaging the spool, but I guess if I don't try to use the reel to get a snag out by pulling it should probably be fine.

The stock Alphas SV spool handle 1/8 dandy. If you're not going any lighter, you don't really need a new spool unless you just want to get one cause you can. I'd put the money into the rod and a spool bearing upgrade. I will say that a 50 series Shimano with Yumeya bfs spool will outcast the Alphas SV, and allow you to go lighter. It's not a finicky spool either. 

38 minutes ago, IDUTBass said:

Thank you for the help. I was thinking of getting the 6'4" L zodias for throwing weightless trick worms, light drop shots, and ned rigs and possibly small inline spinners. I dont see myself going below 1/8 of an ounce on anything. Also do you use braid on any of your BFS setups? I'm a little worried about damaging the spool, but I guess if I don't try to use the reel to get a snag out by pulling it should probably be fine.

I will tell you that some of those baits weigh more than you'd think. The Zodias light would be a good choice. I've heard great things about that line of rods. No, I use #8 Sunline on that combo. I do know people who run #10 braid though. I have that on my 1 reel and ml rod and it's been fine. If you want the king of bfs spools for the alphas platform find yourself a used  Cosugi Works spool.  

I just sold a Cosugi Works Spool and it just got resold. Ha ha. If you go the Shimano route and decide on the 32mm Yumeya BFS Spool, you need to know that there are 2 versions of that spool. A magnesium and an aluminum version. I just sold my last magnesium version and I have an aluminum version left.  It is not quite as light as the magnesium version but it holds considerably less line which somewhat makes up the difference. If you are interested, the price is $75 shipped. I also have an Avail Ald0915 Microcast Spool  that I would let go for $75 shipped. 

8 minutes ago, John G said:

I just sold a Cosugi Works Spool and it just got resold. Ha ha. If you go the Shimano route and decide on the 32mm Yumeya BFS Spool, you need to know that there are 2 versions of that spool. A magnesium and an aluminum version. I just sold my last magnesium version and I have an aluminum version left.  It is not quite as light as the magnesium version but it holds considerably less line which somewhat makes up the difference. If you are interested, the price is $75 shipped. I also have an Avail Ald0915 Microcast Spool  that I would let go for $75 shipped. 

Man i put a 32mm Yumeya BFS Magnesium in my otherwise stock curado 51e and it was like a whole other reel....  made tossing the lighter baits a breeze!

Thanks for the help everybody. Maybe I will pick up the rod first, try it out and go from there. I was really debating picking up a 50 but it seems people really know what they want for them. Any other input on possible rods? I've seen the Major craft Volkey rod has been talked about a bit on here. But I haven't heard of many other rods that people have been using on here.

From what I read (several times) I would stick the Alphas SV on the rod as it is, and see if it does what you want.  I am the only one out of 1231 posts that hasn't had good luck with the Alphas SV.

However, I think you really need to buy an Alphas Air. 

You could look into the Jackson Trickster rods. I had one and it was great. Somebody has one for sale on TT right now. 6'3 ml bfs rod for 190 obo. Being subjective, but I think it's a better stick than the Volkey, plus you wouldn't have to worry about insane shipping fees and possible custom charges. 

20 hours ago, IDUTBass said:

Thanks for the help everybody. Maybe I will pick up the rod first, try it out and go from there. I was really debating picking up a 50 but it seems people really know what they want for them. Any other input on possible rods? I've seen the Major craft Volkey rod has been talked about a bit on here. But I haven't heard of many other rods that people have been using on here.

The volkey is a fine bfs rod and many people like them but for almost the same price the Speedstyle feels more crisp and alive to me. It's a step up from the volkey. 

Easy to acquire rods from the U.S. or overseas that aren't too expensive including shipping. Roughly 180-220

Zodias bfs 

recon 682 'selling mine'

dobyns 702

megabass hyuga

majorcraft 

1 hour ago, rippin-lips said:

Easy to acquire rods from the U.S. or overseas that aren't too expensive including shipping. Roughly 180-220

Zodias bfs 

recon 682 'selling mine'

dobyns 702

megabass hyuga

majorcraft 

I'd be interested in that recon. Also where are you guys finding 50e's?

34 minutes ago, BronzeChaser said:

I'd be interested in that recon. Also where are you guys finding 50e's?

Shoot me a message if you want.

For sale sections of forums or the auction site.

Thanks again everyone. I'm thinking either the Zodias or Volkey mainly because they are two pieces and I travel quite a bit. Where do you guys order your JDM rods from? Ive only ordered reels reels from Japan. 

You'll find the best prices on 2 piece jdm rods at Global Rakuten most likely. Several Japanese fishing shops on this website.