Daiwa SS AIR TW: Real World Testing (Skipping, Pitching and Casting) (BFS Fishing)

In this video, Daiwa SS AIR TW: Real World Testing (Skipping, Pitching and Casting) (BFS Fishing), Hobie-Wan Kenobi uses the new Daiwa SS AIR TW in a variety of fishing scenarios to test the SS AIR TW ability to skip, pitch and do other close-range techniques for BFS fishing for bass.
Link to SS AIR TW (Digitaka Discount Code 79J):
www.digitaka.c...
I used the Daiwa SS AIR TW for about two months before making this video. The SS AIR TW has performed quite well and has been my most used BFS reel recently for bass fishing.
The Daiwa SS AIR TW does perform best in typical finesse bass BFS fishing situations. The braking system is designed as such and not really optimized for super light lures such as a Trout Magnet or other really lightweight lures.
For the rod, I used the Cashion Icon BFS for most of my testing. I did use the Phenix Classic BFS and also the Dobyns Sierra Series for bass fishing. The Phenix Classic BFS loaded very nice on the cast with weightless bass plastics but, lacked the power needed to pull fish from under docks. The Dobyns Sierra Series 701c was better but, I still felt better with more power.
The open water performance with the Daiwa SS AIR TW I did not really talk about but, it will cast Ned Rigs and other lures just fine. I would prefer the Gekkabijin or Aldebaran BFS for those techniques but, The SS AIR TW can do it.
From Daiwa Japan:
The compact body inherits the fearless appearance of black × red and is equipped with the brake system "SS MAGFORCE" born from a completely new idea and DAIWA technology, which has been well received in recent years. After 10 years of evolution, the revolutionary machine of the DAIWA Bait Finesse Reel was born here.
There are two main points of evolution. The newly developed brake system "SS MAGFORCE" provides unprecedented castability, and the standard installation of TWS and Hyperdrive DESIGN raises the level of basic performance.
The new braking system not only improves stability but also contributes to the downsizing of the body. The body design and brake settings were designed by Yukihiro Sawamura, K.T.F., the father of Bait Finesse. It achieves a high level of both pitching and casting, which is the most important in fishing grounds that practice bait finesse. Of particular note is the extremely stress-free and stable castability emitted from the compact form. It can be said that this is a new frontier reached by the synergistic effect of DAIWA, which has been refining its magnet brakes for many years, and Mr. Sawamura, who looks at the frontline sites every day.

[@IceAce150]

This is what old-school KZbin videos should be like - concise and packed with unique views, not like those other 20-30 minute videos that are all hat and no cattle.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I don't create videos to pay my bills so, I don't have to worry about making along video just to cram it full of ads. My goal is to help people learn about fishing tackle and techniques, not to make money. I pay my bills fine without monetizing my content.

[@IceAce150]

@@HobieWanKenobi Yes sir! That's what I am talking about.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@IceAce150 An unfortunate side to that is that I upload less frequently but...that's life

[@_md______]

​@@HobieWanKenobii hope mtn dew throws you a couple bucks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@_md______ Or just an IV drip of Dew 😂

[@DigitaLIon781]

Excellent video. I'm fishing the same type of shoreline at Clear Lake, CA. Using a medium spinning rod with 1/16 - 1/8oz lures, pulling out 3-5 pound bass from docks and vegetation. You've given me the confidence in this SS Air combo!

[@chancelightservice1829]

Great channel very informative. Surprised you don’t have more subs. Keep up the good work.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You aren't the first person to say that 😂. I don't upload nearly as much as I need to for growth

[@MrLarrypad]

Great video. Funny seeing these new BFS bandwagon youtubers hyping it up like mad. You are an original and definitely the best!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. It does seem as though BFS is getting more popular. When the next trend starts, they will hop on that too.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Most recent Digitaka Discount Code: 79J. My Instagram bio always has the most up to date code

[@metalnorthoutoors]

Great stuff man. All killer no filler

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You know how it is. None of that BS you see elsewhere

[@davidsagastume3700]

I just got my first bfs combo. I’m running the dobyns sierra rod with a shimano slx bfs reel. 8 lb power pro slick v2 with a 5 or 6 lb floro leader. I’ve caught some nice bass, I even snagged and landed a 13 lb carp.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Awesome to hear! That Dobyns/SLX combat has caught me many fish. I like a little heavier line for my BFS bass combos

[@johnlowak5811]

The SS air is my newest bfs reel. I received it in late May. I paired it to a Raid Gladiator anti 6'2" light. I hooked a nice 6lb fishing a 4in roboworm free rig. That was some fun.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I bet that was a ton of fun. I hooked into a few 4lb bass with mine under some docks...fun but scary at the same time.

[@johnlowak5811]

@HobieWanKenobi That was some fun. That is the largest bass I've landed on a bfs rig. 8lb 4X Samurai and a 10lb fluro leader in reeds and rocks. After I released her, I went home.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Idk how you went home after that...I would have stayed to see if there were more 😂

[@kevythyrrakalastus1296]

So this is not distance oriented UL baitcaster, but it is short to medium range BFS reel?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. I wouldn't throw this reel into UL category. It is aimed to use lighter bass soft plastics

[@abelabner]

Another excellent Video!!!

[@DrinkWetPoopFishing]

My most recent reel is the haibo arise air, which I've been happy with. I am now deciding between a GoPro to improve my content, or the Calcutta conquest bfs, lol.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Get the Conquest! Such a great reel

[@DrinkWetPoopFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi I got it and it instantly became my favorite reel, lol, and i have the new aldebaran and i've never owned a round reel. Thanks helping me choose.

[@user-xg2bm4mq2u]

diawa silver creek air sc jkkood short cork grip 5 or 5'6 ultralite my trout set up. either 8-10lb braid and 4 ft fluro leader have caught many hawgs on it

[@billluceno1255]

Hey Hobie, Doyou have a new Digitaka code? The K63 is not working in September…thanks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

79J

[@allmyfishing1055]

Hi and thanks a lot! Can you compare it with Alphas Air TW (KTF spool)? Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'll take this reel over the Alphas AIR TW all day.

[@flicknfishwithanthony]

Awesome video ! Just stepped into the world of BFS, would you pick this reel or the 21 Gekkabijin AIR TW PE Special? Looking for something with abit of casting distance for jigs about 1/30 to 1/12

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Gekkabijin would be a better choice for that lure range. Glad you got into BFS. I have a ton of instructional videos that may help you out

[@flicknfishwithanthony]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you really appreciate it Hobie ! Gained a subscriber from Australia!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@flicknfishwithanthony That Gekkabijin is a saltwater reel too so, that may help you out as well

[@flicknfishwithanthony]

@@HobieWanKenobi it will be used solely in saltwater no freshwater does that make the choice easier out of the both ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@flicknfishwithanthony Not really but, it helps for your type of fishing. Both reels act a lot different from each other

[@arnemueller2112]

Very interesting. How would you compare to the new Aldebaran BFS in regards to lure weight range, ease of use and accuracy? I‘m eyeballing this reel for stream and open water purposes (small plastics, cranks and Twitchbaits). I would go with the Aldebaran if it wasn‘t such an ugly reel (I know, esthetics should not be that important but to me it is :)) By the way….I‘m really curious how the new ABU Zenon MG LTX BFS will perform. Greetings from Germany

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The SS AIR TW is definitely easier to use. Less backlash prone without sacrificing too much distance. The SS AIR TW has been abused much more than my Aldebaran BFS and it is still smoother. Stream fishing is odd for dual purpose for any reel because of the required line difference. I will be releasing a stream video with the SS AIR TW soon.

[@arnemueller2112]

@@HobieWanKenobi yes, you‘re right. I will order a second spool to switch according to my needs. I‘m sure, Roro will launch an aftermarket spool for the SS Air. Thus it‘s important for me that the SSAir will be capable of throwing sub 3 gram hardbaits short- to midrange distances with no stress at all.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The stock spool can handle those duties. A Roro spool will definitely help

[@_bros.8441]

Great vid, bought ss air tw after watching your vid. ThenI found there were massive recall in Japan on series of the reels due to mag-holder failure. Do you have any issue on that? also, do you know where might be able to buy part, if fail??

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad I could help. I still use mine as a skipping reel. The recall I thought was because the material they used in the braking system was made of lead of something (something like that) and doesnt affect performance?

[@en8718]

i use 10-12 lb raid only because it tends to backlash less and i fish from height so need the grip that 8lb braid or lower cant give

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Braid is preferred my some people, I like fluorocarbon because it is more abrasion resistant and I like the way it handles when skipping.

[@thesonorandesertangler]

@@HobieWanKenobi I've been using 10lb braid, but I'm going to try 6 lb or 8 lb fluorocarbon once I need to respool.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like fluorocarbon for the slack line sensitivity. Often bass are hitting my lures on the drop and it helps to feel the bite.

[@slowwll2372]

I’m new to bfs fishing and I’m not use to such a little amount of line i live in Texas and I’m very likely to run into a 5lb+ fish any tips for catching bigger fish

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yeah...hook into them close 😂. For real though, you can use braided line for more capacity. If going short range like in this video, you could get about 25-30yds of 12 lb fluorocarbon on this reel.

[@davidgibson6263]

I’m debating between this reel and the conquest bfs. I currently have a gekkabijin. I do a lot of long casting in saltwater with sub 3 gram bates which reel would you recommend?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd go with the Conquest BFS over this for long range.

[@michael2one]

Im wondering if I got an aftermarket spool (like Chameleon) and put it on a tatula SV or 80, would it essentially work as well as a Alpha Air or a SS Air TW for 2-4gm lures?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It could. I would go with Roro. Consistent performance and tight tolerances

[@xDx0xUxGx]

For bfs, I think line diameter is more important than lb test.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

My first bfs reel was a Soloking Acura Pro that I got for Christmas this year, but my most recent bfs reel is currently a work in progress. I'm in the process of converting a JDM Tatula TW 80. So far, I've added a drag clicker and replaced the bearings. I'm in the process of deciding between a Roro or Gomexus spool.

[@fishingwith_grey]

I have a Salamandura AIR TW , and usually fish for BASS . is the SS AIR TW worth the upgrade? or is it geared towards smaller species and lighter lures?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The SS AIR TW was made for this type of fishing. It can do other types as well but, it is the best BZs reel I have used for skipping, pitching and close range.

[@mikewenlov55]

Question..CAN I use Conquest BFS. FOR regular bass and redfish in brackish and marsh here in Charleston SC.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. The only limitation would be line capacity. If it will hold enough line for you, it will work.

[@avocato2829]

I had a quick question, I recently received my air tw and the handle turn feels strange. I’m not sure how to explain it, but it feels “sticky” almost, like it’s so lubricated that it’s sticky, but it’s still smooth. Is this the case with yours?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Mine felt really smooth out of the box, and still is. If there isn't any vibrations or grinding, try using the reel a little. Could distribute the grease and reduce the sticky feeling.

[@oslo7457]

PURELURE New 119g 4.7g Spool Ultralight BFS FINESSE Baitcasting Reel lighest reel in the world, can you please test it ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I haven't heard of this reel? Do you have more information?

[@jnorman975]

Question for you - I've got a tatula 100 lying around that I'd like to convert to a bfs reel. I ordered a ~7g spool that is on the way. I've also been told I need micro bearings. Is this accurate? If so, which ones and where do I go to find them?

[@jnorman975]

Will be casting lures in the 5-8g range btw with this. So won't be going super super light

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You won't need aftermarket bearings in that weight. I would pick up some Roro micro bearings. It will help but, not totally necessary with that weight.

[@jnorman975]

@@HobieWanKenobi ok cool, good to know. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem!

[@anyaforger2021]

Hey just want to ask what if we added sv boost inductor from zillion sv tw into alphas sv tw. I love the alphas but I also want the sv boost. Did you think it'll fit. As long as the shaft on both reel is similar I think we can do it. Since the only difference is sv boost have those base and sleeve. Do you think it'll work

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'm not entirely sure. The SV Boost inductor may travel a different distance when in use that the Daiwa Alphas braking system, issue being the depth of the magnets on the side plate could change the braking.

[@anyaforger2021]

@HobieWanKenobi but if let say the shaft is the same diameter we could just slide in the sv component while maintaining the sama inductor from the alphas. Which means we theoretically just need to drill 2 small holes for the sv boost base n then slide on the component n top it off with the same alphas inductor. I really love the alphas but it's lacking the sv boost. So in theory if the shaft diameter is the same from zillion n alphas we could somehow transfer it to the alphas n boom alphas sv boost tw is born

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@anyaforger2021 I see what you are saying and it makes sense in theory but, idk how it will play out.

[@kevythyrrakalastus1296]

Sounds interesting. And if it work, sounds super. I too love alphas frame and I would like wery much Daiwa to introduce sv boost in Alphas.

[@anyaforger2021]

@kevythyrrakalastus1296 it crossed my mind since the alphaa is super great at reducing backlash. So the idea is by using alphas spool and inductor that's great at reducing backlash and the sv boost mechanism from zillion sv tw by combining both of them we might get something that's great ad managing backlash n can cast very versatile n long distance

[@avgft3419]

I have the alderbaran 2015 bfs limited xg. Is it worth grabbing this reel or the alpha air 2020?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would go with the SS AIR over the Alphas AIR 2020. That 15 limited is a nice reel. I wish I didn't sell mine.

[@avgft3419]

@@HobieWanKenobiDoes this still hold true for 2024? Still haven’t decided if I should buy a new reel or not 😅

[@Smolikrv]

Which line are you using and how much can fit the spool?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Im using about 50m of 7lb VARIVAS Dead or Alive FC in this video. I have about 35m of 10lb on it now

[@MF-Rell]

I found you. 🎣🐠🐟😂

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Sure did I suppose 😆

[@MF-Rell]

@HobieWanKenobi I been reading your reviews online. I never thought to look you up on here. 🫡 #tightlines

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for reading and now watching 😂

[@AndrewWrightDO]

Could you get the same experience from the silver stream?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Not. Both reels cast way different from each other

[@norrycha9844]

What type of your were you using in this video. Along with that how are you rigging it?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was using a Powerbait Power Claw Texas Rigged

[@norrycha9844]

What weight and hook do you recommend for bfs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@norrycha9844 I go weightless and whatever size hook will fit your plastic you choose. Try for a thinner wire hook for easier hookset

[@norrycha9844]

Ok thanks

[@WarEagleTheBest]

Thank you for the video! How the Gekkabijin would skip vs SS Air? Is it doable, if I crank the dial to 16-18-20? I live at the lake where I need a long cast for open water and at same time I need to skip docks, water so clear and fish love to hide in the deep parts of the boat docks.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I haven't really tried the Gekkabijin AIR TW for skipping. I may try that today and let you know.

[@WarEagleTheBest]

@@HobieWanKenobi Hello! Did you try? Also, how is Aldebaran BFS is for skipping?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the Aldebaran BFS quite a bit for skipping. Not as good as the SS AIR TW but, right up there