Japan Tackle has the Alphas and Steez models up for preorder. I've never preordered from them before, any bad experiences? Otherwise they've been great to work with but just wanted to make sure before taking the plunge. I see the 8.1 are still not available for preorder. I have had many (very) good...

Looking at the internals, its no different than a Zillion or Tatula. Just speaking of the clutch mechanisms. You repair many more reels than I do. I have seen a number of youtube videos where Pros talk about the new reel from a sponsor and how the “internals are better”. In my limited experience, m...

The C6191 marine bronze I think is mainly a copper/aluminum alloy. Yep correct. C6191 is what's called aluminium bronze and alloy that is known for its corrosion resistance. No mention of gear manufacturing in its list of uses though. Bit used a lot in marine applications https://www.daiwa-france.c...

I have 0.12mm Sufix Matrix Pro on several BfS reels and really like it. I also have WFT Gliss on an Aldebaran w KTF spool, but dislike the line a little because it gets easily twisted when I use inline spinners (despite double barrel swivel). The matrix pro line is a cheaper version of the Sufix 832...

Thank you. Stacking / minor surgery is ok since stock spool is easily reinstalled (I guess)

Same with new gold 3601, see vid at 21:00
https://youtu.be/GKDQrmUJ2b8

No. At least not my two Morrum ZX (1601 and 360). I have the “old” blue versions, and they come with disengaging levelwinds in contrast to many of my other ambassadeurs that have non-disengaging lws.

Has anyone tried using their 17 Shimano Conquest BfS with one of the Avail spools and the aftermarket magnets? Are those magnets compatible with the stock spool?
...tempted here...

Wow, pretty combo and impressive numbers. I have mostly used my Daiwas for the past year or two. Perhaps I should do more with my Shimanos.

Impressive photos

My Daiwa SS Air on a Kuyinf Teton TTC-632UL rod, This was my first trout of the year https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BsauRJO0YR2DWf3oE3McjoiMcyr6gxMxqOZljsmGaJ4GivBsisGlE9bLDLK6gEutp23OM-fEjfLgyFHS4KGg8o2Tb5k5XnMRxDqG6uJcBEWSfAILUvKML3zrL1J1DDhMbfRJwjpv9OTgqAs3l7E77ZOi-Cu6WAFWUqaaNMbQORw4uAT-lD2Q...

I mainly use spinners for (sea run) brown trout - Mepps/Ilba/Mapso size 2 and 3 plus some Panther Martin size 4 and 6. All spinners weigh approximately 3 to 7 gram (1/8 to 1/4 oz). My biggest trout was 28.5” (8+ lbs I guess) and they get much bigger, which I hope to find using BFS/trout casting gear...

Craigthor, beautiful combos. I tried to get the Smith Be Sticky 5’7” from amazon.co.jp but for some reason they will not ship that rod.

Edwards, for some reason your image doesnt load (in my browser).

^ Ignore ? As my Wiha 261P PH0*50 and PH1*60 fit on next reel. Issue was with loctite and tight screws. Ended up swapping bushings for bearings on 2*ASC, 1 alphas air and PX68... Some screws have seen better days now, but all reels benefitted with regard to less play and overall deliciousness... New...

How do you guys remove the knob covers without damaging them? If you ever bought SLP Works knobs, they come with a wire tool. Basically, take a safety pin or other small wire and bend the tip (about 1/10in) to a 90 degree angle. Insert the bent part in the hole and pull the cap off Got myself two s...