Aldebaran BFS 2022 Handle

[DirtyD64]

Is the handle from the 2022 Aldebaran BFS replaceable? I want to use either a Curado MGL 150 90mm handle or a 90mm handle from the Curado MGL 70. The 70 is black and the 150 is a closer matching silver to the stock Aldebaran BFS handle. I know it seems crazy to change a handle for just 10mm difference, but it has always been a bother to me. I also planned to buy the accompanying plastic nut cap that comes with the Curado handle. Thanks for any help.

Side question, can this reel use 8lb and under fluorocarbon or is it braid suggested only?

[Craiger12]

Unfortunately, I am of no help. However, I will say that you are certainly not crazy for wanting to change the handle out. Every reel that I have ever fished that came stock with an 80mm handle got changed to 90mm. It's just so much more comfortable and I feel the slight increase in torque is a small added bonus.

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

I used 4lb mono, 7lb FC and 10lb braid with the 22 Aldebaran BFS. No issues

[DirtyD64]

I used 4lb mono, 7lb FC and 10lb braid with the 22 Aldebaran BFS. No issues

I have gone back and watched all your videos on the reel, I really just enjoy trying different stuff. That being said, if you say the Gekkabijin or Alphas AIR are better reels and more worth it, I would take your advice. Just never had a TRUE BFS reel, and was overly impressed by the Millionaire CT SV. I would almost be tempted to buy another of them but want something new. Gonna be hard to get over that brake dial.

Unfortunately, I am of no help. However, I will say that you are certainly not crazy for wanting to change the handle out. Every reel that I have ever fished that came stock with an 80mm handle got changed to 90mm. It's just so much more comfortable and I feel the slight increase in torque is a small added bonus.

Thanks for the input, will definitely be changing the handle if I get that reel, would do the same with either Alphas variant. I would assume they swap fine. Handles are normally the same thickness and use the same nut, so as long as you buy the matching nut cover it should seat right up with the handle.

[Mike son]

Yes, you can replace the handle with any handle made for Shimanos without issue. I replaced both handles on my Ald BFS reels with 90mm rays studio carbon handles. It's a sweet reel, I use 8lb Sniper and 8lb Shooter on each reel. I've put one through the ringer fishing river smallmouth this summer and I was so impressed I ordered the second one a month ago or so.

[DirtyD64]

Yes, you can replace the handle with any handle made for Shimanos without issue. I replaced both handles on my Ald BFS reels with 90mm rays studio carbon handles. It's a sweet reel, I use 8lb Sniper and 8lb Shooter on each reel. I've put one through the ringer fishing river smallmouth this summer and I was so impressed I ordered the second one a month ago or so.

River smallmouth will be one of my biggest challenges. That and maybe a stray dang drum or striper. The 3rd fish I caught on my Conquest was a huge drum, luckily that reel handled it like a bream. I was hesitant of the new 2022 model's aluminum micro module gears, but I also haven't heard anything bad. Are both of your models the older 2016 version?

[Mike son]

....Are both of your models the older 2016 version?

Both '22.

[DirtyD64]

....Are both of your models the older 2016 version?

Both '22.

Nice, my only concerns were the aluminum micro gears, the exposed brake dial, and line capacity. You answered the gears issue, I figure I can deal with the dial, just wonder if I bomb a 3/16oz dropshot will I spool myself? How much 7lb Sniper does it actually hold???