Inside the Curado BFS, SLX BFS and Scorpion BFS (BFS Fishing)

#bfsfishing #curadobfs
Hobie-Wan Kenobi compares the Curado BFS XG, SLX BFS XG and Scorpion BFS XG to see what is the same and what is different. All three reel perform great and you can see my review videos of the Curado BFS and SLX BFS on KZbin as well.
The SLX BFS is a finesse baitcasting reel designed to cast lighter lures such as NED Rigs, shakeyheads and other lightweight bass lures. The Curado BFS XG, Scorpion BFS XG and SLX BFS XG can also cast mid-weight panfish jigs as well.
A benefit of having a BFS reel is to have the ability to fish light lures with 7-10lb fluorocarbon line without having to deal with line twists and other issues spinning reels can have with fluorocarbon. The ability to engage the spool instantly and control line during the cast like with a normal baitcasting reel while using light lures allows a softer presentation and, more precise lure placement.
The Exciting Drag Sound (reel clicks when line is pulled out via drag) sounds similar to a spinning reel sound and allows the angler to know how fast a fish is running. I personally think it sound more fun than it is functional. The sound of a big bluegill ripping drag and hearing the reel go "buzzzzzzzz" is a real joy to fish.
Outside of finesse fishing, the Curado BFS XG, Scorpion BFS and SLX BFS XGcan be used for casting and pitching Texas Rigs and other mid-weight bass lures. The lightweight, shallow spool allows the minimum line required to fish and keeps the total weight of the spool low. That will allow effortless pitching which allows low trajectory and better accuracy. Keep in mind, the reel has a capacity of 8lb/50yds so long casting with 12lb fluorocarbon will not happen.
I do a lot of BFS fishing and have many videos going over BFS fishing techniques, BFS reels, rods and everything else.

[@AgneyaKulkarni]

it is because of people like you that BFS enthusiasts like us are able to fulfill our curiosity on whatever questions and ideas we may have about fishing. We are all very grateful for your content, keep it up!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I appreciate your kind words. Too often, content creators are too worried about getting famous instead of focusing on making meaningful content.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

Hey this guy actually takes reels apart, doesn't just read the box! And doesn't tell you crazy conspiracies at the start of every video! Worth a subscription and like.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. Everybody has their own way how they do videos.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

@@HobieWanKenobi lol I had to man. I've been pushing you for a while. Getting ready to have my first child really makes me not hold back on what I consider "bad" people. Would much rather my kids watch one of your fishing videos than others'.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@logicalrationalfishing7481 That's good to hear. Glad you trust me to virtually babysit your kids

[@andreashollander4648]

LOL....Yes agreed . My problem is getting RBI ( repetitive brain injury ) from that continuous background house music loop playing .

[@MrLapin-LL]

@Hobie-Wan Kenobi I’m shopping for my first BFS-ish reel. Mainly for light bass lures and for perches (no crazy light 1g lures). I’m debating between these Shimano’s OR a Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800S (Alphas Air is getting too expansive for my wallet). What is your take on that? Alphas is a bit more expensive, but I’m a Daiwa fan, but I’m really open to give Shimano a second try (sold my SLX because I liked my Daiwa Fuego better!) I really really like their ease of use, set and forget approach on the brake of the Daiwa’s (I own a bunch of Tatula’s and one Fuego).

[@Benjamin-S]

2:40 I've done that mistake on a Curado 201i. Accidentally tightening the nut to much. That's why there were metal shavings when you took the nut off. I think it should be fine as long as nothing gets wiggly. It's a BFS reel after all, so you won't put a lot of stress on the handle. Great video too, I really enjoy teardowns.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank You. This was my first time taking this reel apart so, I am not sure what happened but, it is fine now.

[@arnemueller2112]

Great content…will view once again for sure when maintaining my reels in the winter. Thanks for your efforts!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you liked the video. I reference back to my own videos once in a while for tips I forget too.

[@makeorwellfictionagain3553]

Was looking to pick up the curado bfs up but there was no stock in the uk. Took the plunge and bought the aldebaran bfs xg. After your videos I thought it would be a good choice and I’m not disappointed! Beautiful reel. Many thanks from over the pond!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem. The Aldebaran is a nice reel. Mine still gets used, even with all the newer reels I have gotten since the Aldebaran.

[@makeorwellfictionagain3553]

@@HobieWanKenobi it’s my first jdm reel, only been fishing bfs since Christmas with a Chinese imitation. Worlds apart.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I do find the Chinese reels to be getting better but, still fall behind the JDM offerings for BFS.

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Great review, These get better every time you do one. I'm looking forward to future reviews... 🍺🎣🍺🎣🍺🎣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

More to come!

[@ShaneJMcNair]

@@HobieWanKenobi which will be equal as good and informative 👍...

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. I have another reel I am doing a review on that is outside my typical equipment. Been surprising so far

[@ivanradi4275]

Excellent video, my Curado BFS is on the way and you gain another subscriber.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Welcome aboard! I am glad you were able to see inside it before getting it.

[@alanfulker1152]

Great review👍, Also you can add 2 bearings for each knob, It makes the reel more smoother.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Most times, I like to fish the reels stock before making adjustments to get a true feeling if the reel's performance.

[@alanfulker1152]

@@HobieWanKenobiI agree too.

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

Good to see a breakdown.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. The reels performed too close for me not to tear them apart to see any differences.

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

@@HobieWanKenobi I appreciate it saved me the trouble and I really like the curado bfs now was very sceptical about it.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Curado BFS is what the people needed. Great real at a decent price

[@jpap967]

Ahh yes, lefthand retrieve reels. I can see that you're a man of culture too

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I prefer left handed reels for stream fishing. I use LH and RH to reduce wrist wear 😂.

[@InfinityFishing]

Great News from roro!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It truly is, I am excited too

[@Mynameiskevink]

Nice breakdown of all the reels! I actually swapped in a set of micromodule gears into my scorpion bfs from the JDM engetsu which uses the same frame from the curado 70. Similar to your scorpion bfs, my gears were a little rough, but the engetsu gears were super smooth and also came with the clicker. I am curious if the new Curado MGL uses the same micromodule gears from the enegtsu..

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That's good to know. Maybe the micro modular gears are the way I will go.

[@SURICATCH]

Nice vid. I love my Curado BFS.👌

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you love it. It is a great reel

[@eugenejohnson8635]

Like you said the Curado bfs XG I really dig the green and gold I have the Curado 150 XG I like it

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Curado BFS looks sweet. Even the spool looks nice.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

The scorpion reel does it have a magnesium body or aluminum body

[@eugenejohnson8635]

The same with the Curado bfs too

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@eugenejohnson8635 Aluminum

[@JanoyCresva]

Thanks for all the work. Makes my neck hurt just looking at this lol. Are all Curados BFS?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I only have one Curado and it is a BFS.

[@jpap967]

Check out the Reel Ruscue Kit from Category 5 bearings. Nice set of reel tools including a nice wrench that makes taking the nuts off easier!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I been liking the Roro wrenches myself.

[@TheSargeOnTheWater]

Some have excessive grease on the drag washer but i keep mine all the same. Wipe down and just damp it. I clean mine every 6, since i fish daily

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for sharing. I need to clean a few reels before spring for sure

[@TheSargeOnTheWater]

@@HobieWanKenobi same here. Just been busy moving. Hopefully I get to clean them all and make baits / swimbaits by the end of Jan

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@TheSargeOnTheWater Lucky for me, winter is long up where I live.

[@送仁意]

Great video.I need this.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pytzpayathonzu6112]

Good video from thailand

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching.

[@016812329]

Nice mann, may I know whats your experience regarding the drag on the Curado bfs compared to the other 2 reel? Because I felt that the Curado bfs has like a "rapid drag" am I wrong? I do have the curado k, dc, 71HG, all of them seem to have a smoother and longer turns to tighten the drag compared to the curado bfs. Is there something wrong with mine? Or I'm not aware of?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

All of these reels drags are pretty much the same. I do not pay too much attention to drag fine details.

[@016812329]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks Man, keep up the great videos👍🏼

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@016812329 Thanks. Been kinda busy on other projects but, jumping back to the grind soon.

[@kosby5963]

Good job, thanks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully it helped you out.

[@kosby5963]

@@HobieWanKenobi Yes,sure! I like look west bloggers which say about baitcasting fishing, because i'm from Russia and in my country biggest part fishermen chooses the spinning reels. I have the curado 201 hg, curado bfs, and i looking first time inside curado bfs .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@kosby5963 Good to hear about fishing from around the world. Gives more perspective.

[@willtraveltofish]

So after a year or so, what are your conclusion’s on each reel? Reels work great outta the box but what I want to know is how have they held up over time. Thanks.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I can't say there is a big difference between any of them after all this time. A slight buzz to the gears but, that's because they been worked hard and I wasn't too diligent on maintenance, as I wanted to see the lifespan of the reels.

[@azizulhaqqim8855]

Hi. How to oiling bfs reel? Like aldebaran bfs, slx bfs, curado bfs. In the box, 2 oil given. Shimano bantam oil ( blue cap ) and bfs oil ( green cap ) . Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

BFS Oil is for spool bearings. The other oil is for parts like handle knob bearings, worm gear and such.

[@andersriksson100]

Interesting breake down. How about spool weight on these, preferably in gram? How would you "rate" the FTB-brake to Daiwas Magforce Air Brake? When it comes to reels just above BFS, I use Daiwa with Magforce 3D, Boost and SV spools. Havn't tried the SVS Infinity that is said to be more "free" but also, my guess, more sensitive and delicate to set right with various baits and winds... Does that, if true, apply with BFS brakes (Daiwa/Shimano) as well?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SVS is more free to me but, requires a lot more adjusting to the brakes when changing lures, going from pitching to casting and such. SV brakes are pretty much set and forget. For the BFS braking, The FTB is pretty close to the AIR system Daiwa uses. There is the adjusting from pitching to casting like the SVS system but, not as much adjusting. I find the brakes when set to "casting mode" in streams with the FTB is nice but, are too restrictive when attempting to pitch a lure. Requires adjusting versus the Daiwa AIR system is less finicky.

[@andersriksson100]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks for the fast and clarifying answer - happy fishin'!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem. Good fishing to you as well.

[@azizulhaqqim8855]

Nice! Hi, Want to ask. If i want to downgrade gear ratio curado bfs xg, can i use gear from scorpion bfs? I means from ratio 8 ( curado ) to ratio 6 ( scorpion )

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes you can. You can also use the gears from the SLX BFS as well.

[@sebastianwidjaja6912]

Been considering those three reels. What about Shimano Stile SS be used as bfs to cast light lures? Any spool and bearings upgrade needed (if there's any)?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

On my 2016 Stile XG (looks like Aldebaran), it had some weird bushings instead of bearings for the spool. I had to swap them out. It is meant for saltwater jigging.

[@okish02]

I took my slx apart and now my drag clicker doesn’t click .I took it apart again and still doesn’t work . Any tips on what is wrong?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

There is a small spring loaded pin that rests inside the metal drag washer that sits on top of the main gear. Check there if you are talking about when line is peeling out sound

[@ryangoh7812]

u have my like ! good information there with all 3 bfs reel breakdown. i do know that the slx cost more than the curado with slx less 1 bearing. Do u know wheres that 1 bearing at? is the slx lighter than curado?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX is saltwater safe so, makes sense to have less bearings in the handle knobs. The two reels weight pretty much the same. Tiny difference

[@ryangoh7812]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank u !!

[@Slazmoservicing4209]

Curado BFS main gear looks paladin coated - not sure why they would over say the clear Anodised of other aluminium main gears in spin and bait ast though? Maybe they've cracked the buzzy gear issue, thicker metal material behind the gear teeth themselves and paladin?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I am not sure what it is. I remember reading about it on the TackleTour forums.

[@G__Mason]

I’m debating between the SLX and the Aldebaran, think it’s worth another $120 or nah?

[@Amso4]

Also curious if Scorpion/SLX/Curado BFS spool will fit the alde BFS?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The fit is very close but, will not work. Shimano has a way of making spools almost fit. Daiwa spools are a lot more flexible with fitting each other. TackleTour forums is a great way to find that type of information.

[@vire559]

Alde BFS has spool bearing and thinner shaft, if you put Scorpion BFS into Alde BFS then only 1 shaft hold into the sideplate bearing

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That is a good point about the bearing

[@rawrfishing]

i needz a lighter spool for the curadooooooooo

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Roro is making one. No timeline for the spool yet. I been wanting one too. It is great as is but, it will be insane with a lighter spool

[@lorenzoborseti1227]

Ciao amico non conosco la lingua, quali differenze ci sono tra i 3 mulinelli? Quale consigli? Lo scorpion è il migliore?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

All 3 reels performed very similar. All are the same size and frame shape.

[@ForYeshua1]

thanks for the video. What grease do you use, I'm looking for a good grease for my Steez?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I am not super picky on grease. I have Cal's Universal Reel Grease. I am sure there are better options out there.

[@ForYeshua1]

@@HobieWanKenobi This is what I use also. Never had any problems with it. Just seeing what other people use also.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I want to try some of the BFS specific grease but, I am not sure if it makes any difference or not.

[@antareslonghorn6943]

Hello sir, may i ask? main gear curado bfs its not brass right... But aluminum? Is that safe to go 15gr lure? And fight 2kg of hampala in stream river? Thanks before

[@jberry1979]

Is the scorpion bfs a 2021 reel based 9n the 2021 scorpion DC?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It came out in 2018 or 2017. Based kinda on the Curado/Scorpion 70

[@carolkrieg9073]

Hey I really need some help putting the magnets into my bfs I’m stumped how to get those tiny springs and what do they do

[@HobieWanKenobi]

What springs? Also, the brake magnets are easiest to put in with a small screwdriver.

[@kaonieoh]

I'm trying to upgrade my spool bearings for curado bfs. What is the bearing size, I've seen different sizes? I went to BFE buy the are sold out. BFE say 733. Some site says 1034 Some says 1054 Thanks.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Bearings size is definitely 733 for the spool bearings. The other sites may have the Curado 200 and such a bearing size listed

[@kaonieoh]

@@HobieWanKenobi at Spool Hi Speed Bearing. They have 3x7x3, is that the same and should i get 2? It says for Calcutta 50.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@kaonieoh That size bearing will fit. You will need two bearings.

[@kaonieoh]

@@HobieWanKenobi , thanks alot bro.

[@benahmed327]

Do they have the same frame and side plates? Looking to get a wrap for my curado bfs only can find for the slx

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. You looking into getting Wanees wraps? They will work

[@benahmed327]

@@HobieWanKenobi yeah iv got one ordered they look so sweet

[@NashFishingChannel]

Should i get the curado bfs or slx bfs? Curado is cheaper. Do they have many difference?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX is less expensive. All 3 of these reels are almost the same reel. The differences are very minor.

[@blackbass-xy4vr]

hi i wanted to ask if you know of what material is made the gear ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It's is Shimano's type of brass. Kinda an odd material but, it works 😂.

[@blackbass-xy4vr]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks !!

[@Amso4]

Curious if the Scorpion/SLX/Curado BFS gears will fit the Alde BFS? Do you know?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They will not fit. Shimano spools have the spool shaft extended versus the Daiwa spools for the most part have shorter shafts.

[@Amso4]

@@HobieWanKenobi Curious about the gears?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I replied to your other comment about the gears

[@ScuffedEngineer]

If you want brass gears the Conquest BFS fit in the Alde

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@ScuffedEngineer True. Sagisi Customs posted that on the TackleTour forums. Sweet hack for sure

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

Just got my slx BFS and I cant get the side plate off, any tips!?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Have you found a solution yet? The lever is under the sideplate and shold be switched away from "Lock". The sideplate then needs to be twisted clockwise.

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

@@HobieWanKenobi yeah I figured it out I was trying to pull it straight off like my regular slx instead of twisting it 😂

[@Virtue_Signaling_Land_Whale]

Are you cerakoting any of them or are they not worthy😎

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They look nice they way they are. I do not plan on doing all my reels with custom paint.

[@sal20000]

Would i be able to use a regular shimano curado spool in my shimano curado bfs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No. Braking systems are way different

[@sal20000]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank you, it would be cool if it was possible

[@vladd5291]

Love your videos! Can you use SLX BFS paired with a UL rod to fish for both trout and bass?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

If casting under 3.5gr, the Roro CB26 spool will help you quite a bit.

[@vladd5291]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks! I should consider that since the Majorcraft rod im using is rated for 1-8g

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@vladd5291 I'd add some micro bearings in there too. That's gonna help quite a bit.

[@vladd5291]

@@HobieWanKenobi can you recommend some? It’s kinda funny because I chose SLX based on price. And with all these upgrades, it’s not much cheaper than Conquest (though I assume it’ll perform just fine stock as long as I don’t go too low on lures? I use Iprimi XUL for super small stuff)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You will have two spools to fish a wider range with the reel. Roro has the best bang for your buck bearings for sure.

[@azizulhaqqim8855]

Hi. If i want to downgrade gear ratio curado bfs xg ( 8.1 ) to ratio 6, is that any reels can be use due to curado bfs xg has only 1 ratio ( XG )... aldebaran or what model? Thankyou

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You can get SLX BFS or Scorpion BFS gears and they will swap.

[@azizulhaqqim8855]

@@HobieWanKenobi thankyou, finally dont have to spent to other reel just buy a brass gear ratio only.. Scorpion bfs have ratio 6 ? Or slx bfs? Looking for ratio6 replacing my curado bfs xg ( ratio 8 ).

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The SLX BFS and Scorpion BFS both have a 6.3 ratio.

[@azizulhaqqim8855]

Thankyou! Greeting from Malaysia

[@yifarnlim4355]

Hi. Are those 3 reels' star drag and thumb bar@clutch interchangeable or compatible with each other?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Star drags would require a handle change or drilling the hole for the star clicker. SLX has a weird washer under the handle. Clutch seems to be compatible across the board

[@yifarnlim4355]

Thanks for the reply. So meaning the curado bfs and scorpion bfs star drags are interchangeable without needing to change the handle or drilling a hole. Is that correct?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@yifarnlim4355 I have not tried it but, they look identical

[@michaelgough9256]

Great review. What’s the name of the aftermarket spools?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I am not sure what Roro will be calling the spool but, Roro is the company that is going to make the spools.

[@JTOutdoors934]

Where do you get the shimano slx bfs

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I got mine from Plat. It is a Japanese web store

[@dickiehoskins9835]

I do a lot of bass fishing would you take the slx bfs or curado? I’m debating

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Honestly, they perform the same. Color is the biggest difference...for real. SLX can be had for less money right now. www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/SLX+BFS

[@dickiehoskins9835]

I saw that I was considering the slx for the price

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@dickiehoskins9835 Id say at 168, I would jump on it

[@dickiehoskins9835]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank you again for answering my questions sir and I enjoy your videos thank you

[@dickiehoskins9835]

@@HobieWanKenobi I order it thank you again

[@mona-vdB]

I am looking for the bearing size. I saw that they are micro bearings but I would like to replace them to full ceramic. anyone have an idea.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

733 x 733 for the spool bearings

[@elzamani5137]

For salt water bfs when is better..??

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX BFS

[@longpointfishmaster947]

u forgot bearing count slx is 5+1 scorp and curado are 7+1

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Although I tend to focus on information that cannot be read from the box (like some other channels just make long videos reading off info the viewer can just read for themselves), I very well could have forgot to mention bearing count.

[@sugabwjkzno]

same material drive gears?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. Gears are exactly the same.

[@บุญเลิศฟิสชิ่ง]

มาชมครับผม+1ครับ

[@Charlie-cc3jl]

Which would you recommend for uk style saltwater fishing with lures 3-15 grams

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The SLX BFS is able to be used in saltwater according to Shimano.