How to Install 16ALD15R BFS Spool

[@2musiclover534]

Goodness Hobie, you are a mind reader....:) I was just about to ask you how to do this very thing. Apparently I don't need to swap bearings then. Thanks a million. Just noticed - you now have 400 subscriber. Congrats.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

A lot of people been asking about the spool and what is required to do the swap. Just some magnets and the spool. I am glad the video helped you as well.

[@marksardar4557]

Just got mine. Useful explanation. Will be looking for additional spools. If you're interested the brakes work by eddy currents induced in the spool as it moves past the magnets and the spool. It called eddy current braking.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This spool is far better than stock for the lightweight baits. The eddy brakes do work better with wind than the centrifugal brakes...at least for me

[@HighEndTroutFishing]

Good to know about bfs reel !

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching. I will be putting out a lot of BFS info on this channel.

[@kellypeterson5771]

Also am wondering if you could put together a basic instruction video of how to adjust/use these new baitcasting reels for us novices? The only bait casting reel I ever used didn't have these adjustments-had to use your thumb to control and prevent backlash. Everything from installing line to adjusting the knob on spool and the breaking mechanism. Or if you could point me to a good video already made on this subject. Thanks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Not sure about pointing you to a specific video but, I may be able to help. This video may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZDJhqOCrauXn68 The knob by your handle is your TENSION KNOB. This adjusts the tension on your spool. I generally adjust this to have the spool have a SLIGHT amount of play side to side when the thumb bar is pressed. The BRAKE KNOB is the dial on the side plate. 1 is the lease amount of braking, 6 is the most. Start at 6 and slowly work down until you feel the reel starts to overrun. Use a gentle casting motion. Dont muscle the cast. The delicate braking system cant handle the force and will backlash. Experience will be the best teacher.

[@kellypeterson5771]

Thank you, that sure helps. All I knew about was the tension knob by handle was used for adjusting the drop weight of the lure, or so I thought?

[@kellypeterson5771]

Thank you, looks simple enough. Just ordered the spool and a set of magnets for the Aldeberan. Do you have the Smimano Scorpian BFS reel? I do and see they have lighter shallow spools for it. Wonder if that will help, too?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I do not have the Scorpion BFS. The Scorpion cast almost as well as the Aldebaran BFS. It is a slightly bigger and heavier reel. The @tackletour crew did a review on the Scorpion BFS. Link to review: tackletour.com/reviewshim17scorpbfs.html A very similar spool is available for the Scorpion BFS. Avail makes it as well.

[@RonMTube]

Any need to order/change the bearing when using the Avail spool?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

There are no real bearing upgrades for the spool. The Avail spool has a different size bearing that the stock spool. I considered buying an individual bearing from Boca Bearings or another company to see if there is a difference in performance.

[@sgtpavlov]

I ordered the scorpion BFS xg, and it's gonna arrive here tomorrow. So lookin forward to it!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Should have a great time with it. Avail also makes shallow spools for the Scorpion BFS.

[@muskietime]

Damn! Haven’t been able to find anyone who has the 16ALD15R Spool in stock! Being told the spools will not be available till around October. Be well.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Everything seems to be delayed lately. Just keep checking the websites. I have done that, its a grind but worth it.

[@seandesborough6929]

Hi , I'm looking at doing the same upgrade to my calcutta conquest bfs hg, do you know if I need to replace the sideplate bearing to the 4-7-2.5 bearings . Thanks for help if you know

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The side plate bearing will stay stock size. The spool shaft bearing will change to 4x7x2.5

[@danielumbar93]

Hey i have this reel and its new got it during xmas. The brake assembly hub(the gold ftb thing) on mine has a side to side play, is it supposed to be like that?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. Mines does and that mechanism move in and out when you turn your brake dia.

[@2musiclover534]

Hobie-Wan, hope you do not mind one more question. With the avail, have you tried UL braid vs UL Flouro? Would both work fine or is one clearly a better option? And why? I tried mine for the first time today with braid and got lots of birdsnest as I dropped drag from 6 to 1. But I could get out of the snarl easily. Would fluoro reduce that and would fluoro not kink and be weakened when birdnesting ? Thanks again for your channel. I even got one of those 4' 7" rod that you demoed on your videos. That's what I'm testing with. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have only used braid on it. I put my cast control knob (knob on handle side) to have the spool have barely any side play. I will then start my brakes at 6 (max) and take a few casts. I then will turn the brake dial a small mount and repeat until my line starts to fluff very slightly (not quite birdnest). I then turn the brake up slightly.

[@2musiclover534]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you Sir. I am indebted to you. Much grateful.

[@sgtpavlov]

looks good

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks man

[@AP_Thailand]

Hi, total magnets number is 8 normally, but I heard some people saying they are not placing them all, some are even reporting using only 2 magnets (one each side). Have you ever tried same and what is your opinion about this special use? Thank you 🙏

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It really depends on how you cast. Light lures or heavier lures, short range or long range...all that. I suggest starting with all of the magnets and then using the brake dial. If the reel is too restrictive, take 2 magnets out and turn the brakes up.

[@AP_Thailand]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you for the fast answer despite my comment on a quite old video! I am talking about BFS, lures weight 2 to 4g. I will be doing some tests indeed. I think that one advantage of removing some magnets could be a range increase for the brake adjustment : instead of adjusting the brake in the range 10% to 50% (100% being full brake), rarely going more than 50%, the range could extend from 10% to 80% for example, giving the option to use full range then for more precise adjustment. Will see...

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the way you think

[@Swimbait_fishing]

Do the magnets come with the spool, or do you have to buy them separately? Thanks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You will have to buy them separately. They are about 8 USD.

[@pampeesantiago77]

Will this spool and magnets work on the curado bfs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Magnets will work...the spool will not.

[@2musiclover534]

Not sure if you are still following. I see that Avail also list a BEARING on the same page as this Avail spool. Do you know if that bearing is necessary? My spool is not spinning very freely. The original spool spin very freely for a while but the Avail doesn't free spin for much time at all. THis is bare spool without line. Thanks for any insight.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This super light BFS spool isnt going to free spool like a normal spool. The spool doesnt have the mass to keep it spinning as long as a heavier spool. Did you flush/clean the bearing on the spool? A lot of times that helps. Here is a good test: Put your brakes to 0. Put your tension knob to have a tiny bit of wiggle side to side with the spool. Press the thumb bar. Now use a finger to spin the spool. Watch as it comes to a stop. Does the spool come to a gradual stop? If so, you are fine. If not, try cleaning your bearings (and use a light oil like Alchemy Oil or something). Let me know if that works.

[@2musiclover534]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you much. Really surprised how quickly you replied. Much grateful. Explanation makes sense. I'll check. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@2musiclover534 No problem.

[@2musiclover534]

@@HobieWanKenobi Well, I just did the test - everything set properly. My stock Aldebaran BFS 15 spool spins between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The Avail with 8 magnets installed and set at 1 spins at only 1.8 seconds. I did multiple runs. May I ask if that corresponds to yours? It does slow down gradually on both spool but the Avail just slows down far more quickly. I wonder if I should put a tiny dab of the blue oil Shimano provides... Thanks in advance for any help. Love your channel.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@2musiclover534 Free spool doesnt really translate to performance. The Avail spool is very light so, it will slow down faster than the stock spool. Adjust the cast control knob to allow the smallest amount of side to side movement of your spool. Then go out and use the spool. It is a fantastic spool.

[@kellypeterson5771]

My Avail spool and extra bearings arrived the other day. Now all I need to figure out how to open the side plate? Seems there is no lever to move to open side plate on my Aldebaran like there is on my Scorpian BFS reel, just a slot I suppose one has to put something in it and push or?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

On the sideplate, near the thumb bar (button to release spool). It will say OPEN. Flip the switch and then pull on the side plate. You may need a slight twist to get it off. Looking at the reel upside down may help.

[@kellypeterson5771]

Thank you, found it.

[@marcofaenzi3019]

Hi, I am a beginner of this technique. But is the reel you describe only bsf or bsf xg? I have looked at numerous sites and it seems that it is only in the xg version. But I believe there is also only bfs. If so, you can indicate the exact model and the link for the possible purchase. Thank you

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Most of the Aldebaran BFS are the XG. There is a non XG version with a slower gear ratio. This is the XG. I prefer to have speed when BFS fishing. If you live in the USA: baitfinesseempire.com/product/shimano-aldebaran-bfs-xg/ They are also available in various shops from Japan.

[@marcofaenzi3019]

Thanks for the information. unfortunately I don't live in the USA. I live in Italy in Rome. I practice spinning trout area and would like to try casting. I fish with a 3.5g spoon, and I can cast around 35 meters. Do you think that with casting equipment I would be able to have the same performances. And given your considerable experience and knowledge of the technique, what would be the best set up. I thank you for your patience

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@marcofaenzi3019 3.5 gram spoon will cast great with any BFS reel stick spool

[@marcofaenzi3019]

​Thanks, I really appreciate your advice. i think i will choose aldebaran, although i like all the ones you have reviewed! A greeting

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@marcofaenzi3019 You are welcome. I am glad I could help you.

[@GBCaster]

Do you have any ideas to put back the springs if we opened the magnet set housing?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I remember the springs being very small. Make sure you dont stretch them, as it will change the braking. A magnetic tipped small screwdriver will help a lot. There may be a small spot that holds the spring under the lever that holds the magnets.