Should a BEGINNER buy The Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S? A BFS Reel Review.

[@swissfish]

Dude, this is nice! It's not just the content, everything about this video is good. The video and sound quality is amazing! And I enjoy the tone of your voice. Keep doing what you do!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Hey, thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it - it means a lot.

[@FishingDiscoveries]

Great rundown Aaron and thank you for the shout-out. How cool that you're adopting the full time fishing life - just about to sub now so I can follow your journey. Paul.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

My Pleasure. Appreciate everything you share! My journey is a novice's journey - for sure. :P

[@christopherlee4613]

Yes, it's one of my favourite reel. Actually my go to reel most of the time. The Magnet upgrade is definitely a plus. I told Paul that, he's an absolute genius coming up with the extra magnets. I have also done the same thing to the Kyorim Black Knight 2. Added the magnets and it worked wonders... Tight Lines always buddy 🎣👌🏼😁

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thank you. I probably have Paul to thank (blame) for my BFS addiction!

[@snekheadfishing]

I have watched countless reel reviews and I gotta say this is by far my fav format. No need to do a deep dive on specs that are readily available on google or have seen on the side of the box. its the actual usage on the water and opinion on value. comparisons to others in the market and the quality of life features like a clicker drag or built quality when you put the reel down on the ground which literally everyone does. love the content. tsurinoya better make you an affiliate cause you just sold me on this reel. I'm in the market for my first bfs reel and am very hesitant on spending big bucks on a curado bfs/steez/air for just bfs instead of your usual all rounder reel like a tatula.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Wow, thanks for the kind words. Nice to hear my slightly different take on things helps out sometimes. The downside is I don;t get my official "review" out very quickly after the unboxing, but I do share the videos along the way. While not a TSU affiliate, if you use my link below to buy the reel it does help the channel. :) Enjoy your BFS purchase - note that the newer Dark Wolf Ultra has a different braking system, but if you check out @Bass n' Bonsai channel, he has a nice comparison and stillr ecommends the DWU.

[@kevincampbell5357]

Same here Ive been looking and hesitant but after watching this I think I'm sold to I'm going to check out the link right now thanks

[@davehugill8565]

Very good review, I have just bought the Dark Wolf ultra and the Elf tsurinoya rod and reel for £160.00 I am a very experienced angler, but I have never tried Bfs I will be checking your KZbin channel out in the future for hints and tips.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Great - sounds like a great combo to start out on your BFS journey.

[@daliks]

curious to hear your experience with the gear!

[@davehugill8565]

@@daliks The Dark Wolf Ultra reel is a great entry reel into BFS fishing, I learned a lot in how to cast and set up a Casting reel. It is a cheap way into finding if this is really for you and if it is not then you can always sell the reel and not loose to much money were as if you bought a Shimano Aldebaran then it can get costly, i have 3 BFS reels i have the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf and the Shimano SLX BFS also the Shimano Aldebaran BFS both in XG (faster retrieve) you can feel and see the Quality in the Shimano reels but that comes with the price, The Dark Wolf Ultra reel is a very good starter reel for cutting your teeth into BFS fishing.

[@daliks]

@@davehugill8565 thank you!! I ordered one, paired with a Dragon. Dont know if im going full ultralicht but going light at the least.

[@rpl4eva29]

I clicked on the link but didn’t see a video on how to install the magnets. Great video as always

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thanks. It's in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6nVoaZumpVrkKc

[@tommcmahon9383]

Hey Aaron - I really appreciate your videos - great content and clear delivery - keep up the great work. I'm new to BFS fishing. For the past few months I've used a Kastking Zephyr and a Doviello HICC 50 both spooled with 8# braid on a 7'3" light action Tsurinoya Fox Hunting long casting rod to throw a light jig to catch fluke (aka summer flounder) up to 22" in the NJ surf and its been a blast - a lot more fun than my normal spinning gear. Now I'm starting to try BFS in fresh water too. I bought the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF 50S which just arrived today and I'm planning to spool it up with a decent 6lb fluorocarbon and try it on a Handing Magic L. Can you tell me how to check this reel to see if I should add the magnets to correct the weak braking you described? I did pick up some of the magnets but I'm wondering if I need to add them or if this one has already been upgraded by TSU to correct the braking. Suggestions?

[@jaquesdaniels2964]

Have the same reel , not done any mods , it performs great ; I confess I have ordered an Alderbaran 22 , probably because I'm a bit of a sucker for quality gear , but I'll be getting at least 1more Dark Wolf , coupled with the BFS rods I have from China , ( and now lures from China) its makes BFS very affordable compared to my other types of fishing . Tight lines .

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I still haven;t done the bearing mod, but it's coming soon. This is kinda my "beater" trout reel now. :P But it's a great reel. And I have a backup as well. Note that the brake design is different - and fixed - in the current run, but I hear it solved the underbraking issue.

[@chrisrobinson9332]

Great video. ive been looking at the kastking zephyr but after watching your video I think the dark wolf is the reel for me. Thanks again

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Great to hear Chris! As i try more ali-express reels - and JDM too - this reel continues to hold it's own in my lineup.

[@pauls3616]

Great video. I am getting back into fishing since retiring and I have only fished with spinning gear. I want to try BFS and will definitely get this reel. I appreciate your honest feedback and look forward to hearing what you think after using it for a longer period of time. Thanks for the video.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Congrats on the retirement! Glad the info was helpful, and would be interested in hearing how you like it once you try it out. BFS has made fishing so much fun. Just caught a HUGE largemouth yesterday - look for that in an upcoming video. :)

[@darrellsomsanith3713]

I did the same with my xf50 and so far I am loving it. Can't wait to watch more videos and your reviews. I am trying to decide on an upgraded bfs reel, daiwa gekkabijin or the Shimano aldaberan since they are the newest.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I have the Aldebaran. Enjoying it so far. Not as effortless with it yet as I am with the DWU or the Daiwa Silver Creek. The adjustments on the Alde seem much more precise and touchy. Getting the Gekka in June - mainly as a larger water / bigger species setup. Pike and Steelhead are in my plans with it, but maybe some saltwater trips too. Kinda hard to really go wrong... I've been puting a lot of time in with the Alphas Air trying to connect with it, but now it's time for the Alde to step up. If the shimano performs well on the AATWs's rod, I'm Probably only keeping the AATW until I get the Gekka for a comparison.

[@darrellsomsanith3713]

@@AaronHuntFishing looking forward to the full reviews. It's probably going to swing my decision quite a bit.

[@robperez3433]

Thanks for the info

[@AaronHuntFishing]

My pleasure! Appreciate the comment!

[@TailDancer_55]

Great review! 😁

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thank you - and for your consistent support! It's really appreciated!

[@zankyou101]

I have the Daiwa Alphas Air TW which I enjoy. Lack of clicker not a big factor for me. Partly from watching your videos, I ordered a DWU and recently received it from Aliexpress. I did the magnet modification. Wow, what a great casting reel! I was tempted to buy the newest and latest when the Aldebaran 22 came out. I'm sure it is a great reel but for my skill level, I had to ask myself is the Aldebaran 22 worth almost 5 times the price of a DWU. For me the answer is no. Now I'm planning to order another DWU. Always enjoy your videos.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Nice to hear. I really enjoy the Alderbaran at this point to - but it's not 5 times better! Just got bearings in to upgrade one of my DWU's - so we'll see how that goes.

[@zankyou101]

@@AaronHuntFishing Looking forward to your upgraded bearings results.

[@richarddeboer8934]

Ultra works great cast 1 gram, where my Aldebaran Bfs Xg really stays behind because XG spool is heavyer

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Agree - it's been a great little reel that has help up well.

[@remoravictim]

Thank you for the review

[@AaronHuntFishing]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@remoravictim]

@@AaronHuntFishing my first BFS reel was the Fishband GH100. That's the reel that got me hooked on BFS. Since then I got the Lurestar c9 air and just recently a Curado BFS. All of them are great reels. Tight lines to all the BFS addicts

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I currently own 5 reels - all bought this year! And one more on the way in june. So far... There are worse things to spend your money on.

[@timdoll6718]

That is a great review on a Dark Wolf reel. No nonsense just information that is relevant to a potential buyer that they need to know . I don’t have this Ultra model yet but ordered it from Aliexpress . However I do have the Dark Wolf DW50 because they had that model in stock. I have been buying baitcast reels of all models, brands and prices for over 50 years . The DW 50 is the most impressive reel by far I’ve ever purchased for the money. Unbelievably smooth and casts a small bait like no other reel I’ve ever used. I ordered the Ultra from Aliexpress but as you stated it’s a long wait . My reel is supposed to ship early May for whatever that’s worth. I’m curious about the magnet upgrade, is this just needed for throwing heavier baits ? Thank You for the Excellent Review

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Appreciate the comments and kind words. I think the magnet mod is probably most beneficial for light baits. And almost essential if considering a spool bearing upgrade. Agree - it is one of the smoothest reels I've ever used.

[@BassManStrikes]

The DWU is great for bass fishing right out of the box 🙂

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Completely Agree! Does great for trout too.

[@joe69trump69]

I agree with both of you. It’s also great for crappie fishing right out of the box 😁

[@IronMikeyT]

hmmm. the fact the reel dont feel like a ice block in winter might convince me to try this out. performs better than alphas air tw? pretty insane for such a bargain.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Agreed. Amazing what you can get for under $80 these days. There's still better performance at higher prices too, but hard to beat the value here.

[@todddickinson3262]

Thanks for the great review Aaron! Quick question… Would you mind sharing what rod you are pairing your DWU with please? I’m brand new to the BFS scene, and although I am reasonably accomplished with regular baitcasting set-ups, I know nothing about what I should be looking for in the BFS world. Thanks in advance, and I look forward to checking out your previous videos as well as your future content.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Todd, I have 2 DWU's. I use one on a Lemoren Windshadow - lightwieght fiberglass "flick" rod. And I have the other on the Obsession mojobass and I really like that combo.

[@todddickinson3262]

@@AaronHuntFishing Great! Thank you so much for not only responding, but doing so in such a timely manner, and in such detail. I find myself getting more and more excited about learning to fish in such a different way, and being able to seek advice from people like yourself is such a blessing. Thanks again for your time, and I look forward to learning more from you as I go back and watch all of your videos. One more thing… If you have a minute, would you mind sharing the length and action of the Mojobass rod? That is my last question I promise. 😬😏

[@bogdanrotaru3338]

Very nice video👏.Will you be able to tell me what line are you using for this reel please?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Yes - I used the Kingdom Microfly braid. Also available from Aliexpress. s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AlP6b1 But in my experience, it must be used with a leader. It's knot strength isn;t great tied directly to the lure. I just started using Daiwa J-braid on a couple reels - it seems to be a good performing line. Premium line like Varivas is awesome if you want to spend the money. And thanks for the compliment.

[@mikeroll9868]

Thank you, thank you. I bought two of these reels because I am cheap. One right and one left,. What pound test braid are you using? I have wanted to find a video about upgrades and was thinking about doing spool bearings but will now consider the magnet upgrade first.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Check your reels - likely the magnet upgrades aren't needed with the updated version! I'm running 6-9 pound test on pretty much all my BFS set-ups. This is still my favorite of the budget BFS reels!

[@seanfrompittsburgh]

do you happen to know what handle replacement parts fit this reel? ali or amazon? thanks for the content. maybe I'll see you at the test lake one day!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

8x5 handles - so most things aimed at Daiwa. Gomexus is a popular brand. If you see me, say hello for sure! :)

[@johnhamel8525]

Great video, I currently own two of these reels as well and fish them a lot, I did the same magnet fix on mine as well. If you would like to see the same reel in a different color with the high speed bearings, I also own the black knight 2 which requires the same magnet fix. I find that the spool moves faster but I have to fish with more brake so I don't gain a lot in distance. Let me know if you would like to try it out.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I've definitely considered tryig that one as I understand they're similar. Shoot me an email (on my contact page) and we can discuss. Thanks for watching.

[@bryanpatrick8006]

Hi any video for changing the magnets?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@bryanpatrick8006 It's really simple. @bass n Bonsai has a decent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJW0g2uPmaZ4hZI . But I used (2) 0.5mm magnets linked below on the first spot, and 1 on the second iinstead of the one one the first 3 he shows. And Paul over at fishing discoveries has just a quick clip on how easy it is in this video around the 25 second mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6nVoaZumpVrkKc. Super easy - easiest reel mod ever. Easier than spooling line in my opinion.

[@johnhamel8525]

@@bryanpatrick8006 there are a couple of videos on KZbin if you do a search. It's a very easy fix. If you can't find them I can find a link for you.

[@bryanpatrick8006]

@@johnhamel8525 hi , appreciate if you could help me with the link . Thanks!

[@prodigalscoundrel]

Is the magnet upgrade still necessary for the new batch of DWU's? I have 2 coming in and don't know whether I should be doing this or no.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

My understanding is no - they underbraking has been resolved.

[@fachrizallea]

darimana bisa tahu Itu DWU yang batch baru atau lama? apakah bisa dilihat dari box nya?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@fachrizallea The main difference is the magnet bars are spring loaded on version 1, and fixed on version 2. I'm not aware of any box changes, but likely all the currently availble reels are version 2.

[@MrEastside619Fishing]

Might get one...was thinking do I have to upgrade bearings to throw 1 gram.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Probably - depends on your rod and technique, but the 2nd gen likely needs bearings to consitely throw 1g.

[@Cjmm007]

I’m trying to decide between Dark wolf ultra or Kingdom micro monster or Acura Soloking. Man this is hard. Which would you choose?? Btw I’ll be throwing “heavier” bfs lures. 6 grams and up

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Haven't used the Acura. No issues witht he Micro Monster, but I've only thrown "Micro" baits on it so far. It's supposed to be a Dark Wolf Clone, but I haven't opened it up to compare yet. So, I'd still stick with the DWU. I had it out on the same set-up i was using the YLT tank recently, throwing Whopper Plopper and some other baits and had zero issues other than a few backlashes while getting it dialed in from fishing trout spinners previously. :) And I hear the new models have fixed the "underbraked" condition so they are better right out of the box. I just looked into the Acura - Also like the DWU with a different braking system. So If you like the aesthetics of that one, it willl probably work out well. @Rnr4Roo has done some recent videos on it and compares it to the DWU. I think either way you'll enjoy your choice.

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Thanks for the review. I was looking for another bfs reel to add to my my arsenal. I already got a Zephyr. What’s a good Reid to pair with it? What brand and length? I will most likely order both at the same time from Aliexpress.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I'd recommend the Kuying Teton 662L for a good all around rod. If you want a lightweight fiberglass rod, the Lemoren Windshadow is great. Both are linked in the video description. A lot of people also like the Ace Hawk CU double, although I haven't tried it personally.

[@noobpyrotech9991]

@@AaronHuntFishing Thanks for the reply. So you would go with a light power vs the ultralight?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@noobpyrotech9991 The light is pretty light - depends on what you're targeting. I've been enjoying even the Medium Light Shimano I've been using, but the Teton Light felt lighter than the Benkei Ultralight if that makes sense.

[@noobpyrotech9991]

@@AaronHuntFishing Haven’t used any of those rods. But it’s okay. I have been able to catch most panfish, small bass, and small catch fish on an ultralight. I mainly try to have a good quality mono or braid that can hold on, and don’t mind the fight.

[@df42388]

Hola amigo consulta usted sabe cuál son los rodamientos que usa la bobina

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I don't know the brand, but if you want to know the size to replace them it takes two 8mm x 3mm x 4mm bearings. I have a set from Hedgehog that I need to install and test soon.

[@jordanalexander436]

What about vs the genius?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Review coming soon. It has a higher gear ratio. I kinda like to Micro Monster better = virtually the same reel, but MM just seems to perform better for me, especially with lighter weights. Hoenstly for me the genius was just kinda "meh". I haven't watched the review footage yet, but I feel like that tone will be in the video as well.

[@captainrylenaviation29]

Great video. Im thinking getting one. Any link to where you can get the magnet/ Thanks

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Yep - here it is. ebay.us/RVsHKZ I'll add the link in the description tonight.

[@captainrylenaviation29]

@@AaronHuntFishing thank you. I just pulled the trigger on this reel. I cant eait to try this reel. Great video. Thanks

[@zankyou101]

For the added magnets, did you add one 4mm x 1mm along with one 4mm x 0.5mm or did you go with three 4mm x 0.5mm magnets? I understand people use either setup.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I did the (3) 0.5 mm magnets, but I did 2 on the first spot, and 1 on the second. And, they are N52 magnets. The stacked 0.5 are weaker than a single 1mm, but the N52 is stronger the the N48... it's what I could get easily - and it works. Great question!

[@zankyou101]

@@AaronHuntFishing Thanks Aaron. Appreciate your information. Very helpful.

[@d.xchannel5122]

Did u buy 3 magnets that cost $12 a piece or just 1 magnets? Because 3 magenta cost about $40 already. J/w

[@zankyou101]

@@d.xchannel5122 Yesterday I place a order for the 4mm x 0.5mm from the seller link listed by Aaron in the description. On the seller page from the first box that says Counts, you need to pick the number of magnets you want to buy, 50pcs, 100pcs, 500pcs or 1000pcs. Then the lower box showing the prices will indicate the price for the quantity you picked. I bought 50pcs for the price now of $12.50 for each unit of 50 magnets. I just placed the order so I have not received the magnets. I hope I ordered it correctly.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Yep -that's what I did as well.

[@bseti1151]

Hey what’s the heaviest lure this reel can throw? I’m looking to use .25 oz

[@AaronHuntFishing]

1/4 ounce, no problem. I've thrown around 5/8 with no issues on the right rod. Whopper Plopper 75 & 90's.

[@Brian-xi3kz]

Is this the same as the soloking acura?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

This is the OG. It's what the Soloking was based upon. But the Soloking has 2 spools and an improved braking system.

[@greenmachine3696]

It's 2023 now, what's the verdict on durability mate?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

You know what - Im just mentioned that in a recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWHElqpta8qnhKs. I have had zero issues with this reel. I have two, and one I just beat up all through trout season. Laying in the water, falling in mud, catching some PBs and burning drag. No issues - still highly reccomended. The underbraking has been resolved as well on the current production.

[@greenmachine3696]

@@AaronHuntFishing that's awesome news mate, yeah I had read the braking issue has been resolved. Keen to try one out against the older custom alphas' I don't know what Daiwa did but I feel like they went backward in the alphas range when they went from the 103 to the TW versions 😬

[@greenmachine3696]

@@AaronHuntFishing I'll be sure to watch some more of your videos in the morning mate 👌

[@rahimhim2703]

Bc can use salt water?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

It's not listed in the spcs, but @The Hunter Fisher and @The Constant Angler both use this reel for saltwater. Maybe their content will help you anwer that question better? It has a composite body and stainless bearings. I don't fish saltwater, so I can't 100% tell you yes or no.

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

Buyers beware !!! Braking system has changed and magnet upgrade doesnt work !!!!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Magnet upgrade isn't required on the new system. Works great right out of the box.

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

@@AaronHuntFishing Well its definitely not outcasting my Daiwa alphas air tws and its certainly not casting trout magnets . That was the big sell of this reel and the mods with all the youtube videos .

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Well sounds like the AATW is for you then. I think to cast trout magnets ( i don't use them, but probably should at times) you do need the right rod, and for some rods a bearing upgrade. I still haven't done the bearing upgrade, but I have been gradually adding rods that load well down to 0.6 grams. What rod do you have the DWU paired with?

[@morichiba4534]

@@AaronHuntFishing Does all the DWU reels have the new braking system? Was thinking of buying it off of Bait Finesse Empire, however not sure if it has the new braking system or not?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@morichiba4534 Yeah - should have the new fixed brakes from BFE for sure.

[@theoneandonlybumpus2862]

Zero interest. If I have to upgrade parts before using, I’ll simply pass.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

So the new version you do not need to upgrade. Just an FYI -this video goes back a ways. thanks for the comment.

[@okish02]

Overated reel . I bought 2 brand new . One is noisy as hell . The other ok but casting is not all that . I had zephyr which I think is a better reel . Not even close to my Shimano slx but that s a JDM reel so you can’t compare. But everyone thinks this reel matches JDM reels . I don’t think so . Lightest spool doesn’t matter if rest of the reel is cheap.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I think that's the potential downfall of all the cheaper reels - consistent quality. But Kastking has the worst reputation of any of the "brand" CDM reels IMO. Just too much of a gamble. There is a reason most people praise the DWU and why there are so many "clones" - for the price, it really is that good. No Kastking clones that I know of....

[@okish02]

I had 2 zephyrs . I sold them to be replaced by the dark wolfs . I feel I made a mistake . The zephyr is a more durable reel. I fought hard fighting river smallie s for 2 solid seasons with no issuses. The dark wolf yes has a lighter spool but if rest of reel is weak it doesn’t matter . That being said I ordered the roro bearing for one of the dark wolf . Maybe it will help . I will sell the other .