Hey all,
Looking to get my first BFS reel and have chosen the following list as my candidates. This will be used primarily for 1/8oz shaky heads (bass fishing). Might graduate up to my FFS minnow rig, but initially it's job will be shaky head. Will be going on a Falcon Cara BFS rod

Daiwa Silver Creek: $263
Daiwa Silver Wolf: $256
Daiwa GekkaBijin Air TW PE: $252
Daiwa Zillion SV TW: $220
Daiwa Alphas BF TW: $254
Daiwa Alphas Air TW: $223
Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800s: $166

Shimano Alderbaran BFS: $242

Thanks for your thoughts.

I have the aldebaran on the 7’2” Cara and love the combo. 
 

also, you have the zillion listed. It won’t do bfs without a spool change. It does light baits great but you’re not going to throw a true 1/8 oz total bait weight on it. 

I fish two Aldebaran BFS on Dobyns and have zero complaints. 

15 hours ago, mitchparker1980 said:

Looking to get my first BFS reel and have chosen the following list as my candidates. This will be used primarily for 1/8oz shaky heads (bass fishing)

What size worm will you be using in the 1/8oz Shakey Head? The reason I ask is that once you get past the 5 gram or so total weight mark, there isn't much point in using a purpose built BFS reel with a 28mm-30mm 5 gram spool, IMO. I think you'll be better served here with an Alphas TW 800S. A 1/8oz head with even a very light worm will put you easily over 6 grams. This is mindless casting territory for this reel on even a typical medium rod while still using a conventional casting rod casting stroke. It'll only get better on a ML rod. I have my Alphas 800S on a Medium light and it's primarily used to sling weightless 4" senkos which clock in at 6.4 grams on an Owner Twistlock Light 4/0. I'd rather use this setup for this weight bait over either of my 2 true BFS setups where I prefer to max out at 1/8 oz total weight.

Where are you getting a Shimano Aldebaran BFS for $242? Gonna need that deal!

@70diesel Japan.  Digitaka is $250 flat right now, plus a bit of tariffs.  

shimano aldebaran 100%

Digitaka. It was $244 a couple days ago. Looks like the exchange rate has bounced up a little. $250ish this morning.

I'm with @PhishLI if you're @6g, the alphas 800S is great.  If you're under that weight, I've been really happy with the roro x27 in a Zillion with pe 1.  Feels like I can cast anything from 3-20g.

 

scott

Aldebaran by far. I hate to say it but I have yet to find one better (with exception of the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS).  It does take a bit to get use to but once you get it set up, it's awesome. I have caught tons of fish on mine. 

Looks like Aldebaran or maybe the 800S. Going to be ordering an Alde later today. Will try to remember and report back to this thread and share my thoughts after a few trips.