Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW Test Casting (BFS Fishing)

#bfsfishing #gekkabijin #bfstrout
In this video, Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW Test Casting (BFS Fishing), Hobie-Wan Kenobi shows you how the Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW casts with a variety of lures.
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.
The Gekkabijin AIR TW does cast a wide variety of lures pretty far for a BFS reel. The level of control added to that distance is remarkable. Usually have to sacrifice one for the other.
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)
Gear used During Testing:
Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW:
www.digitaka.c...
Zman Jig/Craw: baitfinesseemp...
"Frog" Lure - baitfinesseemp...
Eurotackle Tungsten Jig / B-Vibe:
baitfinesseemp...
baitfinesseemp...
Tsurinoya Topwater Lure: baitfinesseemp...
Dobyns Sierra 700c:
baitfinesseemp...
VARIVAS Super Trout Advance Baitfinesse PE 4x:
baitfinesseemp...
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....

[@andersbomortensen757]

Yet another completely insanely delicious daiwa baitcaster. It has to be the the most beautiful reel a long with the awsome Morethan sw tv PE. Daiwa is my #1 🥇

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Morethan series do look nice. I like the Gekkabijin, even though I don't like black/red (way too overdone).

[@Kelberi]

Didn't you know? Legend has it that if you cast this reel under the moonlight, there will be a beauty appearing in front of you. 😆

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Whitney Houston from her song "Queen of the Night"??? That would be ironic.

[@Kelberi]

@@HobieWanKenobi 👻

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd rather a 10lb bass as a beauty.

[@baitfinesseempire]

Great video Hobie. The reel seems to perform really well for open water. 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It does. I think the best part is that the distance is easy, even in wind. Some other reels may get close to the same distance but, much more temperamental with braking.

[@DavidDP11]

@@HobieWanKenobi how does the Silver Creek reel compare to the Gekkabijin on open water?

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

great video. I just got my Gekkabijin a couple days ago and was able to try it over the weekend. I was able to cast everything from trout magnet to ~ 1/16 ned jig head w/ TRDcrawz well. I was surprised how well I could cast the trout magnet as compared to my St. Croix Legend elite panfish light action w vanford 2000.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Gekkabijin AIR TW is a great reel. I still don't understand how the reel can cast so far yet, be so controlled.

[@Curlee187]

I have found when the spool is filled up more it definitely can stack line on the sides of the spool. I haven't tried it yet with a half spool of line.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Casting was a noticable difference with half spool of 0.6 Goh line

[@InfinityFishing]

I do saltwater bfs fishing therefore i prefer braid all the time.Because in saltwater we use metal jigs and jerkbaits which require proper action in terms of different types of jerking depending on the fish you aim to catch.Braid has the lowest stretch and highest sensitivity and more capacity on the spool as well. I used fc sniper but the problem is even a slight stretch on the line really destroys your jigging action and sensitivity.Jigging in saltwater you should be able to feel the action of the jig, the better action you present the more chance to get strikes. Also regarding jerkbaits such as duo spearhead ryuki 60/70/80s I prefer hard jerks and stops to get the attention of predators.Ryuki series are such successful in this manner that when you apply a swift jerk and stop a second it presents very nicely in the water and most of the time the moment right after you stop you get a strike.using fc diminishes the swiftness of this action. I normally prefer 0.6pe braid in saltwater just to prevent braid digging and also to be ready for surprise big size fish attacks, however last time I actually spooled 0.3pe varivas light game super premium pe and it really surprised me on alphas air tw.man it was so easy and convenient to cast.compared to 0.6pe it casts at least 5-10m more. Also thinner braid line sinks much faster and prevents your line to be carried with current thus you can start jigging action much faster and much better. I haven’t been able to catch a fish in my last trip but I’ll try and report back on

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was using 0.2 braid and it didn't do as well on the Gekkabijin. You are right on about deeper jigging and the ability to land unexpected fish using braid.

[@vire559]

I like Ryuki 45s Wakasagi color, caught a lot of sand grouper with it, i am looking for F and SP series now.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I want to use the SP.

[@CookingandFishing]

Excellent! When you tie on a leader and test, please try a longer leader say 15ft+ so the connection knot is inside the spool. And do you have a weight on that Dobyns rod?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I can test the leader knot that far. I usually don't have that long of a leader. The Dobyns rod is about 3.5oz if I remember

[@CookingandFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi Haha excellent!! And if I can be so bold...perhaps tie that 15+ft 4-6lb leader to say, any 4-5g hardbait and cast it into the wind! I am really trying to see if BFS can replace some of my ML/L spinning duties, the clicking drag on the gekkabijin gets it a little warmer :)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Gekkabijin handles the wind pretty well.

[@rawrfishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi Roger is a local god angler. he slays hard

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Better than you?

[@robrennolds8239]

Braided for me all day long!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Unlike the versatility of braid. I have been liking FC for most of my BFS fishing

[@emmpak]

Daiwa is on a power trip. You can use this baitcaster for freshwater bass fishing as your daily driver if you wanted.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

For sure. It was designed for saltwater fishing at night. I only have freshwater around me but, the reel does great

[@jnorman975]

Out of all the BFS reels you've fished, what reel do you think is best for 4-7g lures distance wise? Which do you think would be the worst?

[@arnemueller2112]

In my opinion, braid is the easiest to throw on bfs reels with the greatest distance. Thus, I mainly use braid to Fluoro. If you have to choose between Alphas Air TW or the Gekabijin….what would be your decision!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would prefer the Gekkabijin. Without a big increase in price, you get more bearings, a clicking drag and a butter smooth retrieve. If fishing streams, I would put a Roro BFS spool in either reel.

[@rawrfishing]

With the spool diameter smaller than the others, i would be interested to see how far some of these stuff would go. my alphas air tw doesn't go as far as some of my other reels unless it's the super light stuff.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

These brakes seem to be tuned to get distance. It was also very stress free to get that distance

[@brewtankoutdoors1432]

Been 4 months and I'm still waitin on tht dobyns finesse rod

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Keep checking Bait Finesse Empire. I know last batch was announced on Instagram when it was in stock. I think a couple other places carry it too.

[@brewtankoutdoors1432]

@@HobieWanKenobi yeah I ordered it frm American legacy.. 1st time I've order frm them

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You paid 4 months ago? Man...that is a long wait.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

I think they got them in stock

[@vladfarcas171]

Thank you for another great video ! Do you think this would be a good reel if used mainly with 4-12 g lures ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would say yes. 12gr may be on the high side for casting

[@warefisher]

Thanks for the information. I’m considering the purchase of my first BFS reel and will be using the 7’ version of the Dobyns Sierra rod. I fish open water, both light salt and freshwater panfish and smallmouth. Am considering the Shimano Curado BFS (if I can get one), the Daiwa Gekkabijin you are reviewing, and the Shimano Calcutta Conquest 17 BFS. I don’t intend to throw less than 1/16th oz. All three choices are probably suitable and I will enjoy, would you agree?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Curado BFS is not saltwater safe if I remember. The SLX BFS is. The Gekkabijin is probably the best for you intended uses

[@warefisher]

Thank you for the quick response. What are your thoughts about using that rod with a Curado 70 HG that I already have? Haven’t tried it yet but I’m not in a great hurry to decide on a new reel. I do love the look of that Conquest!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@warefisher Depends what size lures you plan on casting. A spool bearing upgrade may be all you need

[@HH-wl7dx]

Hey man, I really like your videos with the real-world reviews. I was wondering in general if you know what the "upper limit" for lure weights was for these bfs reels, assuming you have the right rod. I wanted the flexibility to fling up to 3/8oz if possible.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would go with a different reel like a Daiwa SV if doing 1/4 and up frequently. These BFS reels can do 3/8oz, line capacity being the limit for the most part.

[@HH-wl7dx]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks for the recommendation!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@HH-wl7dx No problem

[@davidohlert4754]

Hey I just ordered the gekkabijin and oh man I can't wait. I was wondering are those handle knobs very much heavier than the stock ones.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They are actually lighter. They are made of a carbon composite called Zaion.

[@davidohlert4754]

Awesome thanks

[@vire559]

Nice reel is it not? I keep thinking wether i have to sell my beat up Scorpion BFS or not for Gekkabijin Air lol.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think it is a nice reel. Retrieve is so smooth, clicking drag and casts great in open water.

[@philipfalco7304]

Great video Hobie! Would you recommend using this Varivas Super Trout Advance X4 braid in Goh #0.5 (9LB) or the Goh #0.6 (10LB) for distance casting with Trout spins and spoons in the 1/16-1/4 oz. range or do you prefer Floor or Mono? Thanks. I have the Gekka and T.W. air and I wanted to put Braid on the Gekka and Mono or Floro on the T.W. air and possibly swap spools while fishing to see the difference. Any suggestions would help.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Go with the 0.6goh. Daiwa recommends that size and, the 0.5,goh line in the Baitfinesse x4 costs a lot more money.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@HobieWanKenobi Great, one problem solved. I'm a newbie to BFS and just trying to pick your genius brain so I can get it right the first time.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@philipfalco7304 Pick away. Many good videos on my channel to help people out with BFS.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@HobieWanKenobi Yes there are! I'm up to 5 BFS reels now. I now have Curado BFS, 17 Conquest, Daiwa Gekka, Daiwa Alphas Air, 16 Aldebaran and just ordered the SLX BFS which will make six. The 22 Aldebaran will be my last when it's in stock. Now I need some rods. When are you going to put your's for sale?

[@adampilkington8379]

May I ask the name of the company tht you get your drag gear & handle knobs!! Great video!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLP Works. Somewhere in these comments, there is a link to the products. Could be in the description too.

[@adampilkington8379]

Thank you!!

[@technicallycorrect838]

Sigh, my poor wallet. So many interesting options this year: Gekka, Silver Creek, ‘22 Aldebaran BFS.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Keep watching here and you will see all three compared.

[@technicallycorrect838]

@@HobieWanKenobi Awesome!

[@richardghalayini2666]

Great video as always, what was that purple frog lure called again please

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have a link in the description to the frog. Bait Finesse Empire may not have the purple color in stock right now. I think this frog is going to be a lot of fun.

[@Danyang1]

The recommendations for filling the spool is only half of the spool for the braid? So the spool will only be half full all the time? Sorry if this is a duh question, just wanted to clarify. Thinking about buying this reel

[@HobieWanKenobi]

People fill the spool half way to keep the weight of the spool down. The tin diameter of braided line allows you to use little weight and still achieve casting distance

[@tylerp1042]

Hey Hobie, so the Gekkabijin can’t use FC with the stock spool? Also what spool would I need to throw FC on the Gekkabijin, I really like the fact it has a drag clicker

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I plan to try FC on the Gekkabijin really soon. I am curious for myself. Sometimes the braking profile of the braid tuned spools can be a disaster with FC...I will find out 😂

[@tylerp1042]

Thanks for the reply! I look forward to hearing how it does!! 😅😅

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@tylerp1042 Me too 😂...I will try 4lb and 7lb

[@arabarran]

Have you tried Abu Garcia Roxani BF8? Abu says it is best for 5-10gr lures, so i paired mine with 4-16gr rod for zander and perch fishing at the lake. Now i wonder could i use her for trout fishing if paired with 1-8gr rod. I usually throw Countdown 5 and spiner N°2 at small river. I don't have trout casting rod, so i don't wanna make wrong purchase.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I haven't tried the Abu BFS reels. Countdown 5 is pretty heavy so, should cast fine with most reels. The Roxani would struggle with 1gr for sure. If you had upgraded micro bearings, 2gr may be achievable but, will require soft casting because the braking system isn't that great.

[@arabarran]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks!

[@sirconagato]

Can you do a video on how to put those SLP upgrade on?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I may be able to do a shorts style video of it.

[@sylvesterzhang1197]

How’d you compare the 22 Aldebaran BFS and the Gekkabijin PE? Been deciding between the two.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the Aldebaran BFS a little more overall. For long casting, the Gekkabijin wins by having more control with similar distance. I prefer the Aldebaran for stream fishing. The Gekkabijin has more aftermarket spool options, which is beneficial if you plan to use the reel in a variety of situations.

[@sylvesterzhang1197]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks a lot, i fish a lot saltwater open water applications. Do you reckon the ss air is worth the wait? also the reel test video kinda did the gekkabijin dirty, not sure if the casting distance from the 22 aldebaran is really sigificantly further.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@sylvesterzhang1197 The saltwater application would have be lean more toward the Gekkabijin. Casting distance is pretty close.

[@boy53]

I'm new to these accessories :). So you changed handle, knobs and star drag? Any chance you can link me to those?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I changed the drag star and knobs. Drag Star: www.digitaka.com/item/4/12/102/4560454387042 Knobs: www.digitaka.com/item/4/12/100/4560454387011

[@boy53]

@@HobieWanKenobi Awesome. Thank you Sir!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@boy53 No problem

[@pampeesantiago77]

@@HobieWanKenobi i am about to order the drag star and knobs. do they come as a pair or do i need to order two of them

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@pampeesantiago77 You will need to order 2 knobs, as the come individual.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

That fishing line on your reel how much line is on it like 10 yrds or 20 yrds what’s the difference between this reel and the daiwa steez sv tw 1016s-sh I know they are awesome reels both of them has 12/1 bearings

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think I had 35yds on it. I have to double check. It is a far casting BFS reel for sure. The difference between this and the Steez is line capacity for starters. Gekkabijin has a smaller frame and less spool options (Steez SV TW has TONS of options). Really depends on what weights you will be casting. The Gekkabijin has a clicking drag too.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Have you put bearings on the worm gears yet if you did what sizes of the bearings is there anymore bushings on this reel so I can put bearings in it thanks do you sale bearings top of the line bearings man it’s a small reel

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@raymondjohnson6496 Worm gear has bearing. There are bearings everywhere that bearings can be.

[@user-jh9gh5jm9o]

영상이 너무 좋아요! 이 릴에 carbon 6lb 사용하면 얼마나 감을 수 있나요?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would guess 60m

[@user-jh9gh5jm9o]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you for watching

[@rossionq110]

What reel would you recommend for salt water for 1/4 ounce baits and 10 pound mono I do not like braid.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Look into the Alphas SV TW. Great amount of reel for the money. I really like it for 1/4oz

[@zakkoutlaw2701]

What set up would you recommend to start out (cheap but still decent quality)?

[@zakkoutlaw2701]

Also do you buy all over seas or can you find your gear in stores?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX BFS would be my suggested reel. I usually order from Digitaka.com. I get the rods/reels faster than if I ordered from the USA.

[@richardingraham6353]

I fish brade in salt and mono small fresh water

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Gekkabijin is really nice with braided line. So effortless to cast.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

Did you change them bearings on that reel or is it the original bearings

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Original bearings. I wanted to test the reel completely stock performance wise before changing spool bearings.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

Ok

[@raymondjohnson6496]

That handle and that star drag it’s only got red is that the same color you have on your reel if it’s not what number is it I don’t see the dark red is it the Zaion red

[@HobieWanKenobi]

These are the exact parts I ordered: Drag Star www.digitaka.com/item/4/12/102/4560454387042 Knob (come as 1pc, order 2 for a reel) www.digitaka.com/item/4/12/100/4560454387011

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Thanks I getting that reel in a few weeks 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@raymondjohnson6496 It is a nice reel

[@raymondjohnson6496]

What line be the best for bass fishing

[@raymondjohnson6496]

On gekk reel

[@joselimajunior5482]

Acho a Aldebaran muito arisca. Não é tão controlável ... Minha tatula 70 é mais controlável e arremessa bem iscas d 5 gramas com vara d oito libras será q a jerkkabingin é bem controlada com iscas leves pq a Aldebaran da um pouco d cabeleira

[@mysero1188]

can you tell me if those knobs work on aldebaran 22 ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They will not.

[@Budhalon]

Does it handle lures down to 1g?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It does 1gr okay. Not the best in stock form for 1gr. Doable but, the Roro AX24 spool helps with 1gr.

[@trailbiken848]

braid all the time..... especially for BFS.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like braid but, FC for me when fishing bass or panfish. Mono for trout.

[@wurstmann2094]

Why have Cork and Thema keep the plastic lul Ehen it geht's wet and cant breathe the Cork is gonna rot

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was waiting for cork sealer to come.