Daiwa just introduced two new BFS reels to the US market. For those that are familiar with their JDM lineup - how do these compare and where do they fit in with their existing options? I don't know a lot which is why I'm asking on here. It appears to be the first 70 sized BFS reel that they have offered

I haven't fished either of them, but they are both essentially rebranded existing options. the PX is an Alphas AIR TW, the Tatula BF is a toned down Salamandura Air.

You can get the jdm ss air for around that same price.

Haven't seen anything on them. Anyone have a link they can share?

13 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Haven't seen anything on them. Anyone have a link they can share?

https://daiwa.us/products/px-bf70

https://daiwa.us/products/tatula-bfs

The Tatula BF is the CDM (Chinese domestic market) Salamandura Air TW in a different color scheme so it matches with the rest of the USDM Tatula lineup.  Those have been available on AliExpress for a year or more now and run about $180 to $200.  The PX70 is the USDM version of the 2020 Alphas Air TW.  The Alphas Air TW runs about $220 to $230 from any of the big JDM tackle retailers.  The only difference is the PX 70 comes with a 90mm handle whereas the JDM Alphas Air TW comes with an 80mm.  Outside of the handle, they are the same reel.

 

Salamandura Air TW

 

Alphas Air TW

The Curado bfs sells well and it was just a more expensive scorpion bfs released later.  The alure of buying a USDM reel on TW at full retail is strong. 

I have two Alphas Air TW reels, and they are incredible. The 70 BF reel seems to be the same reel more or less.

48 minutes ago, waymont said:

I have two Alphas Air TW reels, and they are incredible. The 70 BF reel seems to be the same reel more or less.

What's your rod/line setup on them? And what weights are you typically throwing on them?

9 minutes ago, JN94 said:

What's your rod/line setup on them? And what weights are you typically throwing on them?

I don't fish ultra light. My rigs are on a GLX 842 for light shaky heads 1/8oz, poppers, tubes, 1/8oz jigs/grubs. The other set up is with a Phenix Feather 7'1" Feather for 1/16oz, 3/32oz Neds, small cranks, Rebel minnow baits, and 3/16oz-1/4oz top water baits. Bothe reels with 8lb Orig PP braid to either a 6 or 8lb FC leader. I LOVE both rigs. Last two years I caught tons of fish on both, and some bass up to 5lbs.

3 minutes ago, waymont said:

I don't fish ultra light. My rigs are on a GLX 842 for light shaky heads 1/8oz, poppers, tubes, 1/8oz jigs/grubs. The other set up is with a Phenix Feather 7'1" Feather for 1/16oz, 3/32oz Neds, small cranks, Rebel minnow baits, and 3/16oz-1/4oz top water baits. Bothe reels with 8lb Orig PP braid to either a 6 or 8lb FC leader. I LOVE both rigs. Last two years I caught tons of fish on both, and some bass up to 5lbs.

Awesome. Good info. Thanks!

2 hours ago, JN94 said:

Awesome. Good info. Thanks!

One thing about these reels. They don't like to be casted hard, a light even pressure cast makes the baits fly. Try and whip it out there and you get light backlash and less distance.

5 hours ago, waymont said:

One thing about these reels. They don't like to be casted hard, a light even pressure cast makes the baits fly. Try and whip it out there and you get light backlash and less distance.

I ended up actually ordering one of the PX BF 70s. Never had a Daiwa BFS reel before, only a Curado BFS. I really don't like Daiwa's "full size" casting reels for a few different reasons and have always been a Shimano guy, but wasn't happy with the Curado BFS so I figured I'd try one of the Daiwas. I was super impressed with my ~1 hour casting around a pond. Was getting more distance than I ever did with the Curado and throwing lighter stuff. Gonna try to get out on the boat soon and get a full day with it. I fish BFS kind of similar to you it sounds like - mostly lures in the 4-7g range. Reel seemed to handle that spectrum great!

1 hour ago, JN94 said:

I ended up actually ordering one of the PX BF 70s. Never had a Daiwa BFS reel before, only a Curado BFS. I really don't like Daiwa's "full size" casting reels for a few different reasons and have always been a Shimano guy, but wasn't happy with the Curado BFS so I figured I'd try one of the Daiwas. I was super impressed with my ~1 hour casting around a pond. Was getting more distance than I ever did with the Curado and throwing lighter stuff. Gonna try to get out on the boat soon and get a full day with it. I fish BFS kind of similar to you it sounds like - mostly lures in the 4-7g range. Reel seemed to handle that spectrum great!

Thank you for your service.