STATIC or DYNAMIC brakes??? Tsurinoya DARK WOLF ULTRA V2 Casting Comparison

Hey guys,
Which is better static or dynamic brakes? In this video, I will be doing a quick casting comparison between the newest Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra with static brakes and the newest Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra with modified dynamic brakes. This Version 2 has brake shoes that are fixed in place making the brake system a static design. However, they have increased the magnet strength. Due to these changes, I wanted to see if the new static configuration or if modified dynamic brake shoes casts further. This is not a comprehensive comparison, by any means, but hopefully this video will help you decide whether or not you want to modify your brakes back to dynamic brakes. Thanks for watching! Cheers!
Edit: the Shimano Curado Brake Shoe springs cost roughly $10USD for two and will not be available until ETA: 2023/02/25.
#tsurinoya #darkwolfultra #bfsfishing #baitfinessesystem #budgetbfsfishing

[@jayludvigh6958]

Please note that I am posting this with good intentions and not as a criticism. I think there was something significantly amiss with this test. I thought the casting weight you used was really cool and ordered a set since I did not have any below 1/4 oz. I weighed the3.5 and 5 gram plugs and they were reasonably close to spec, weighting 3.2 and 4.9 G.respectively. I then did 5 casts with each weight on my accurately measured back yard range each using my early model DWU with an L rated Kyorim 6'6" Carza ll and 10 lb. braid. My casts averaged 91 feet with the 5 G. weight and 72 feet with the 3.2G weight. The reel is completely stock other than cleaning and lubing the stock bearings. The difference from your results is pronounced and suggests some sort of issue in the test you did. Again, not a criticism just an observation. I have a late model DWU that I have not put in service yet, but when I do I will compare its performance. I have informally compared the early and late models of the BK2 using lures and my results agreed with those of Bass N' Bonsai ( excelent channel ) that there was no obvious difference in performance. I feel that your conclusion that there is minimal difference between the dynamic and fixed FTB style brakes is correct, but think that DWU owners could get better distance than you observed in this test.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hi Jay! First off, I really value and appreciate your comments positive, negative or otherwise! Shows that there is some vested interest in what I’m doing with these videos. I really do hope you get good value out of the practice lures that I used and I did also find that the weights are a tad off. I will probably do a really really quick video on these practice lures as you know… practice makes perfect. To touch on your casting distances, that mainly is in the rod. You mentioned that you’re using a 6’6” rod which makes a big difference is distance. The rod I was using is 4’8” and is mainly for stream trout fishing but I plan to use it as an all around BFS rod. This is where the huge casting distance discrepancy is playing a factor. To kind of alleviate this, I plan on using the rod for most, if not all, of my casting comparison videos in the future. I would like to standardize my “methods” as much as possible and should probably mention what you found in a future video. That being said, I do appreciate you mentioning this and I don’t think I would’ve thought of this without your help so thank you! Anywho, awesome to see that you’re doing some testing and practice casting of your own! Let me know what you think or if you have any other ideas Jay! Cheers!

[@zankyou101]

Nice casting comparison. Sounds like you are moving on from the DWU and will be mainly using the Acura. Looking forward to seeing your new reel when it arrives.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hi Eric! Yes, there isn’t much need to have two virtually identical reels and my friend wanted a BFS specific reel so I offered the DWU to him. I feel like the Acura is a better value overall with the two different spools and I’m hoping that the completely static brake system won’t be a huge hindrance to performance. In any case, once this crazy heat wave is over I’ll be getting out and doing some more casting comparisons for sure! Cheers!

[@zankyou101]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL Is that rod the JDM FISHMAN Beams blancsierra 4.8UL that costs US$300+? If it is, you are really stepping up your gear.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@zankyou101 hey Eric! Yes it is and I do plan on making a video about it in the near future! Don’t worry I’ll be making videos on budget options as well and might have good news for budget bfs equipment! Cheers!

[@BassManStrikes]

I think the static version casts pretty darn good for things like Ned rigs, I couldn't tell any difference between a DWU and a Shimano SLX BFS and I like the DWU more than the Shimano

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hey there! I agree with you that the static version casts pretty darn well. That being said, I was curious to see if there was any difference between the static version and my modified back to dynamic version. In my limited testing I did find that there was a difference in that the dynamic seemed to cast a bit further and felt easier to cast. The differences arent significant though and so if you dont want to do the mod theres not much need to. There are some people who like to eek out the best performance possible and in a budget reel like the DWU there might not be too much harm in doing so. Anyhow, thanks for your input and feedback! Your insight is greatly appreciated and cheers!

[@chihirokanai5879]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL I personally feel it will depend on application. If you want easier time distance casting in open area. Dynamic is the king. But if you want easier time casting light lures in tight space with accuracy and consistency. You want static. I prefer dynamic for fishing bass from shore, but prefer static for creek fishing (though there are exceptions).

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@chihirokanai5879 hi chihiro! Thank you for sharing your opinion and experience! To be completely honest though all magnetic/lenz law based braking systems are “dynamic” to some degree as the magnetic braking force generated is directly correlated to the speed of the spool. Ftb just adds another degree of dynamicity(?) lol. Not even sure that that’s a word haha. In any case, actually in this particular reel, a LH, converting the brake system back to dynamics makes them just a weaker static brake. What I mean is that because the OEM failed to correctly mirror the brake shoe orientation from the RH design the brake shoes are actually pushed inwards to the spool shaft as the spool pays line out. As the shoes move inwards they are prevented from moving inwards more by the channel they are in and so just act as weaker static brakes. I made a community post to Paul Gaskell’s video explaining the phenomenon behind this. I should update this video description to add a link but I just forgot. This would somewhat explain the small increase in distance between the static and dynamic versions of the reel in this video. It could be argued that due to the weaker brake setting that I was able to cast ever so slightly farther in the “dynamic” setup. I know it’s might be a bit confusing but please go check out Paul’s video. We discussed this finding at great length prior to his video being released. Thanks again for sharing and would love to discuss more if you’d like! Cheers!

[@chihirokanai5879]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL Yes, I did watch his video and read the blog. Very interesting read and watch. My comment was more directed at "There are some people who like to eek out the best performance possible". I just was commenting that "Best" will depend on application. With static break applying breaking force relatively consistently, I find it easier to manage lure trajectory in short distance cast and prefer it to longer cast distance typically achieved by FTB style breaking (Edit: when fishing creeks). By the way, thanks for in-depth video. Your video on Soloking Acura convinced me to pull the trigger on the purchase 😃

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@chihirokanai5879 hi again! Yes, I do agree with you that “static” or magtrax style setups seem to be more consistent in their casting performance. I can’t really say why but I do agree with you on that. It might be the way that Tsurinoyas OEM made/designed their “ftb” setup or maybe not? It’s hard to say… Also, my pleasure on the Acura review! I still love my Soloking Acura. With the roro bfs bearings it really shines. Quite possibly the best of the DWU variants, imho.

[@davidcloyd1296]

Cool, thanks

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Cheers!

[@chepachii]

Hi RnR, nice vid love your work. I have both the B K 2 with dynamic and also the DWU non dynamic,both great casters,the BK has the edge but I have swapped out the stock ceramics to some better quality ones. On another note you are in the US? I am Australian and those eucalyptus trees in your vid are native to where I live and it makes that park look like one here at home . Cheers.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hey James! Much appreciated as always! Yes, I have a slight bias(unperceived or not) towards favoring the dynamic brakes. Not really sure why but I feel that they perform better and are easier to cast. To answer your question about being in the US, yes! I’m from Southern California and eucalyptus trees are used in various areas but also Northern California uses them quite a bit. Thanks again and cheers to you as well!

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

The whole big deal about this reel is once the brake mod is done it could outcast the Daiwa alphas air tw and also cast down to 1 gram . Appreciate your videos on the newer brakes and how you worked around it . I also got the crappy newer reel . I only bought the Dark Wolf Ultra so i could do the brake mod and see what all the fuss was about . Im sitting with magents that are useless . But come on dude !!! 5 grams ??? You seriously done this video with 5 grams ? How low will each cast and how easily ? Thats what we really want to know . Not many people bought this reel for 5 grams . Plenty of reels can cast 5 grams .

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hey there! Haha fair enough! The main issue I find with casting comparisons is that there are so many variables involved… rod used, casting technique, reel condition(was it cleaned vs not, what bearings, etc), is the caster thumbing the spool and when, how much line, is there wind blowing, etc… the list is very long. For those reasons I’ve sort of put a hold on casting tests. If I can find a way of measuring things in a fixed and reproducible method I will do more casting tests. That being said, the newer version of the DWU is actually fine. It is no longer dynamic but because it is now fixed the braking profile is more linear and predictable. Also, which version reel do you have? The reason that Tsurinoya went to a fixed design is because the dynamic LH reel design doesn’t work at all… they should have mirrored the design from the RH version but they did not and the brake shoes actually move inwards towards the spool shaft on the LH dynamic models. So… by making the brakes static they “fixed” the LH reels.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

The other things is that for this particular test the rod I used was not rated for 1g. The lure rating is 2-7g and that might not reflect casting distances correctly. I understand that this isn’t what you were looking for but I now know that you are interested in 1g casting tests. Again, if I can find a good test that can control for other variables but can consistently provide lure weight casting measurements I will definitely do that. The main reason I want something that is controlled and reproducible is because so many people say things like “oh I can cast a trout magnet a mile with that setup”. There is often no proof behind this and it’s simply the persons subjective experience and opinion that is backing up their claim. You might see how that isn’t something that I want to do on this channel. Finally, I will say from my subjective experience the new DWU will cast down to 1g. How far depends on the rod you use, the amount and type of line you add, your casting and thumbing techniques, wind, etc. I hope that helps explain a bit behind my thought processes and why I’ve somewhat stopped casting comparisons for the time being. Let me know if you have any other questions as I’m always open and willing to help folks if I can! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and opinions and cheers!

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL I was just venting dude . Unfortunately i got to your channel when it come out . However i will say 5 grams was not why many went out and bought this reel . This reel is a funny one . I mean they changed the braking system because the Left hand version didnt work . Yet its the left handed version everyones doing the brake mod on and somehow its working ??? Take Fishing Discoveries for example . He had the left handed model , he done the brake mod on it , he cast a trout magnet with the reel ??? Yet the left handed models braking system doesnt work ??? How is that meant to make any sense ??? Is it marketing ??? Im guessing it could be and they are all payed .

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

It’s all good and I understand your frustration. It’s exactly why I started my channel because I wanted to show people issues and how to fix them. I’m not offended in any way so there’s no need to apologize! In fact, your frustration just tells me you are passionate about the products you purchase. Anyhow, to touch on the issue of the LH not working and Paul(I am good friends with him and was going to suggest the video you mentioned but forgot haha 😆) the reality is is that the difference in performance from the static to broken dynamic brakes we typically see is so small that it “doesn’t matter”. I actually found something similar in this video where I had no idea that my modified dynamic brakes were not functioning as intended but I was able to cast the tiniest bit further than the static braked version. A bit odd but there’s so many variables involved it could’ve been anything… the bottom line is is that your reel is a perfectly good reel regardless of the type of brake you have on it in the current form you have. Tsurinoya did increase the magnet strength on the newer versions so even if you were to have modified a LH version back to dynamic it’ll still work great. Also, if you wanna put them back to static you can just do what I did and shove some toothpick tips under the brake shoes to keep them from moving. Either way the reel will work for you. I think I should add that the static and dynamic version of the fake ftb both still induce a magnetic field and so both brake the spool it’s just that the way Shimano designed the system the original ftb system is meant to introduce a stronger braking effect at higher spool speeds. Imho, static brakes systems are actually more predictable and easier to cast with than dynamic systems. You might get slightly further distances with dynamic systems but I find them to be a bit fussier. At least for the ftb system in my experience. Anywho, sorry that you’re frustrated but the good news is your reel will still work and work well! Lmk if you’ve got any other questions and cheers!

[@richarddeboer8934]

Stop With the Ultra you don't have any issues ! Even trow 1 gram the Aldebaran can't and even now order second one ! So much better than the Aldebaran Bfs Xg I had

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hey Richard! I hear you. This video was made quite a while back and when the DWU first had its brakes changed from a dynamic ftb clone to a static ftb clone. The video was made to see whether the static version or the dynamic version was better but even then this video was flawed. The reason why is because the reel is a LH model and even with dynamic brakes they were designed incorrectly and didn’t act as they needed to. The DWU is a great reel by all rights but there are so many more reels that have been introduced that are better and cheaper than it. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting and cheers my friend!

[@mauricezaoui9195]

I wonder how you manage to throw with such strength with your brake at 2 and little sts play. With my Genius, no sts, throwing with such movement leads to immediate bird nest below 3.2 brake x) I still have a looong way to go :/

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hey Maurice! Once you start getting a feel for what the limits of the reel are you can start pushing your casting speed. There are a lot of factors at play but when you boil it all down to one thing it’s just finding where your setup will start to overrun and staying under that. Keep practicing! Don’t be afraid to start lowering your brakes and to slowly cast a bit harder. You’d be surprised at how hard you can actually cast. Cheers my friend!

[@mauricezaoui9195]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL I'm fishing only with my bfs setup since the fishing opening in France. I really don't feel like using something else for now, all my other setups feel so boring right now... I'm practicing and still playing with brake and my casts so still getting some backlashes when I get a little too optimistic with my skills. 😂 Thanks for your kind response cheers ! :)

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@mauricezaoui9195 hey Maurice! That’s exactly how I am too haha. I only fish with bfs for the most part. Everything else isn’t as exciting to me now… bfs has ruined all other types of fishing for me haha. One tip I will suggest is how much you accelerate your cast. There’s a certain feel as to how much change in acceleration you can have and once you find that “zone” and stay within it then you will also have casts that look very fast I think. Just stay on it and don’t get discouraged! Don’t be afraid to change settings and explore what certain things do. Knowing and being familiar with your gear is also a part of fishing =). Cheers my friend!

[@mauricezaoui9195]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL I totally understand, I am glad to have jumped into BFS as I really feel it makes me fish "better", technically speaking, casting with more accuracy, trying more things etc... And even when no catch, playing with th reel is cool :)

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@mauricezaoui9195 I completely agree with you haha. Even when not catching fish casting is entertaining as there’s so many different techniques you can use and it’s a skill that you can work on improving. Cheers Maurice!

[@staryi5119]

I replaced the Dark Wolf Ultra magnets and she started casting much further. For example, 4 grams can be thrown up to 40 meters, and 1 gram up to 20. The magnets in the brake pads are strongly glued, I had to remove it with a soldering iron: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p53VlWtnhdmWmbc Valiant Eagle II can't throw that far.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Very cool! Is your DWU a newer version with the stronger magnets and static brake shoes?

[@staryi5119]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL No, this is from the first batches. There is still the correct FTB.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@staryi5119 ah I see. Another way to go about increasing the magnet strength is to add some 0.5mm thick magnets but sometimes you run into clearance issues with the spool. Alternatively, you can also see if Tsurinoya will sell you a set of the new brake shoes but they have the pegs that turn them into static shoes. Are you using a LH or RH ooc?

[@staryi5119]

@@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL I am using R.H.

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@staryi5119 I would keep the dynamic brakes then as RH works properly. Sadly the LH doesn’t not work as intended =\

[@kernlkajun1]

Not worth 3 ft IMHO. II seems just fine out of the box with a little Lew’s oil..

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

Hi west! Yes it can be argued that the distance gained is negligible. However, the difference between LH and RH DWU is big. If you do the dynamic mod to a static RH DWU you should theoretically see larger gains. Unfortunately, I don’t have a RH DWU to test this out on. The reason for the potential larger gains is that the fake ftb system on the RH DWU works correctly whereas the LH DWU does not have the ftb system correctly mirrored. Instead, the LH ftb system kept the orientation the same as the RH. This causes the brake shoes of the LH system to move inwards towards the spool which isn’t working as the system was designed to do. The brakes work but they’re not at the “strength” they are on the RH. I hope that makes sense? At the end of the day it’s not really worth it to mod a static LH DWU. Cheers!

[@kernlkajun1]

Thanks for the heads up. I have heard there can be performance differences between RH & LH reels so it would be interesting to pursue. With that said, I haven’t seen a conversion back to the dynamic brake system, have you?

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

@@kernlkajun1 hey! I made a video about this a while back! While I didn’t show the actual process I talk about what is needed and the parts as well. I left an updated description describing why LH reels are slightly handicapped by the lack of design foresight to mirror the ftb design on the LH reels.

[@patrickhartman6818]

Lol so you sold it.