Should a Beginner Buy the 22 Shimano Aldebaran? Long Term BFS Reel Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ค. 2022
- This review has been months in the making. I went from really not liking the reel to loving it. Spoiler alert - it might be the best reel under $500. I have to force myself not to grab it for almost every trip.
I go over why I struggled with the reel at first, and why it's my favorite now. And I discuss one little nagging thing that keeps it from being perfect in my eyes.
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**My gear: LINKS and Favorite Sources BELOW!!!
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My Reels:
‘22 Shimano Aldebaran BFS: amzn.to/3CCEdaZ
Daiwa Gekkabijin PE Special: amzn.to/3ivl043
‘22 Daiwa Silver Creek TW Custom: amzn.to/3ZB9ogG
Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A70CYL
Shimano Curado BFS: amzn.to/3CzZim4
Tsurinoya Genius: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBL...
Kingdom Micro Monster: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdN...
Kastking Valiant Eagle II: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBJ...
Magnets for Dark Wolf Ultra Upgrade: ebay.us/RVsHKZ
My Rods:
Shimano Expride BFS (eBay): ebay.us/zyDxmF
Majorcraft Finetail Glass FSG-B410UL (Shimreels - eBay): ebay.us/pGNBqF
Lemoren Windshadow: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AT85GR
Obsession MojoBass: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dlf...
Obsession Trout Sensation: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDB...
AceHawk Venom: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE6...
Mavllos Delicacy: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdZ...
Kuying Teton TTC662L: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9h8W15
Jenko Double Down BFS from Bait Finesse Empire: baitfinesseempire.com/product...
Favorite Lures:
Nikko Helgrammite: amzn.to/3OwumaV
Dynamic Lures HD Trout: amzn.to/3EJnIcL
Weedless Ned Heads: amzn.to/3MrLXig
Mule Fishing: www.mulefishing.com/
Nikko Fishing: nikko-fishing.myshopify.com/
Fishing Gear:
Waders Simms Tributary: amzn.to/3L8Id52
Dry Wading Boots: Simms Tributary: amzn.to/3k3p1tN
Wet Wading Boots: Simms Intruder (Discontinued): ebay.us/xPzJfB
Kingdom MicroFly Line: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AlP6b1
Video Gear:
Gopro Hero 8: amzn.to/3MotqTX
Insta360 X3: amzn.to/3CKELvi
Insta360 X3 Combo Kit (3 Batteries!): amzn.to/3kg4PIu
Deity V.Lav Mic for Gopro: amzn.to/3LcjcWO
gopro mic adapter: amzn.to/3vCrb8U
GoPro Cage: ebay.us/4Dt5qF
GoPro Harness (the newest version is so much better than cheaper ones!): amzn.to/3EDyvoM
Sony A7Riii: amzn.to/3k1j809
Deity D3 Pro Microphone: amzn.to/3xVub2O
Variable ND Filter: amzn.to/38dzpwb
Editing Software: Davinci Resolve (Free!): www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
#fishingvideo #fishing #bfs - กีฬา
Great review. I like how you mention that it is a combination of things and not just the reel. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the feedback.
I've caught a 20 pound buffalo on this reel with 4lb test and a UL 5ft trout rod.. Damn thing pulled way more drag and line far faster than I could reel. Fight took me about 15 min of tiring it out. I had to semi thumb it most of the time due to my line running out, trying to pull it towards me without pulling drag or breaking my light line. It was the funnest time I've had fishing ever. Love this reel.
OH and I've also had the same issue of the spool release button not engaging all the way when trying to reel in.
Thanks for the update on the thumb bar. But yes, this is an amazing reel. I'll throw any weight lure on it - no hesitation.
I have the Aldebaran BFS XG with a Dobyns 740 rod. I use 4lb. Sunline FC Sniper line and a 1/8 oz. Blakemore road runner and a small plastic swim bait trailer. I was fishing for bass at my local lake and hooked a 10lb. 4oz. channel cat. I landed the fish after a long fight and I am sold on this combo now!!
Wow, very nice! I think the alde can handle most of what anyone using it could throw at it! Congrats on that Channel cat!
Great review! I got the DWU because of the good reviews and after fishing with both the Aldebaran and DWU, there is no comparison. Shimano makes everything so smooth and it just feels like its made so much better.
Agreed - but it should be for the higher price. But I'll be really amazed if I find somethinh better in that price range. Glad you're enjoying yours too!
well done mate I just bought mine recently so your video really helpful keep doing it great video.
Appreciate it. Enjoy.
Appreciate the info. I just got into BFS and ordered one of your signature Kistlers. I really enjoy it. The light action and light lures completely change the release point on a cast, so I'm still working on that, I'm looking forward to fighting a larger fish on that rod.
As far as the reel. I modified a Kistler series 2 with the wiffle spool and a ceramic side plate bearing, and it casts most of my small lures pretty well. I'm considering trying an upgrade.
Awesome - thank you for the support. We are working on a Kistler BFS reel (hopefully done with testign and final design by the end of the year), but there are a lot of great options out there. And so far I think just about everyhting looks good on my Hunt BFS series rods. :P
Thank you Aaron for such a great vid. I went and got myself a 22 aldebaran. I own 2 steez ct sv tw’s. They were my 3rd and 4th baitcasters I ever owned. Shimano slx and Daiwa tatula elite were # 1&2. Was a spinning guy my WHOLE life. Fell in love with my steez’s. Put one on the steez ags 6’8” light and one on a megabass cliffhanger. Both set ups for small stream smallmouth. Steez for Ned head hellgrammite and cliffhanger for moving baits. More fun than you could imagine but the new aldebaran is insanely light and dare I say sensitive. I can feel the bottom thru the reel not the rod. The micro module gearing allows me to feel everything. Never experienced that even with the new exist. I am so impressed with the aldebaran. Casts better than steez with stock spool. All this rambling to say everyone should own an aldebaran. It will perform on any rod for any task and I’m a Daiwa guy say that. Lol. Thanks again Aaron. Great channel. Please keep up the good work.
Thanks. Yeah, I wasn't kidding when i said I could see myself having a whole stable full of Aldebarans. Still trying other reels, but it's my gold standard so far. The connenection I feel witht he water and the fish with good BFS gear has just brought a whole new level of joy to my fishing expereince. Appreciate all your comments and support on the channel.
Your videos are the best out there. Thanks!
Wow, thanks! Much appreciated!
Great review. I ordered two this week. I like you will throw lots of different size baits on it. My current Alderbarans I throw so many things. Lots of small swim baits and they perform amazing. What size braid did you end up using? I’m thinking 8-10lb because the breaking point is like 14-16lb. I’m a new subscriber. Where is home for you? Looks green and beautiful.
Home is Pittsburgh, PA area. I'm running Varivas 7 lb / 0.3 PE. Not sure what I'm putting on it next for the fall, but it will be a little heavier.
Maybe Diawa J-braid as I've been meaning to try it out. Enjoy the reels, and thanks for the sub!
I have 50 plus reels…..just ordered my 2nd aldebaran. My favorite
I can understand that completely. Awesome reel.
Hello buddy, thanks - an interesting review, I also ordered alde for myself, now I'm waiting for delivery, I subscribed ✍😁🤝
Thank you. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Aaron, Shimano put's a rubber O-ring on the tip end of the spool for their silent tune. That's what I've noticed with my Aldebaran BFS and my 22 Met.Shallow edition.
Thanks. It definitely makes a difference!
Nice review I only use mine for 0.5-4.5 gram. Seeing you use a whooper plooper 90 on this reel makes me think I should go up in size on my aldebaran 22 set up. 😀.
Thanks man. Appreciate the comment - it is a good all-arounder for me. BTW, I have a Gan-Craft Jointed Claw on the way due to your videos. ;P
@@AaronHuntFishing I won 🏆 a tournament off that little guy on a high pressure lake. And deleted the video because I thought I didn't place. It's a nice lure. Keep the reviews coming and tight lines!
Great Vid. Aaron! I also have the 22 Aldebaran and the Conquest BFS and to be honest, my Conquest sit's nicely in the box but I don't fish it. Don't get me wrong, it's the most refined BFS reel I've touch. The engineering is amazing and it's the smoothest I've felt along with a great drag but it's a TANK at 7.1oz. I'd hate to see you drop $500 and just do the same as I did but if you don't mind the weight, you'll love the engineering and performance.
Thanks for the info. I'l eventully try the CQ FS... we'll see how it goes.
@@AaronHuntFishing I got mine from Dig a few months ago for $325 but haven't seen them available recently. The reel is an engineering masterpiece!
@@philipfalco7304 yeah - the exchange rate is really favorable right now - would be $282 if it was in stock - back in March they were $352 or so. But worth it at either price!
I found that my Shimano XT was super finnicky as well. Id been throwing Kast Kings, 13 fishing, and Daiwa ($90) and can cast those with my eyes closed probably. But my XT was backlashing and overruning on even tiny casts. I didnt get it. I thought as we go up in price, things should just get easier! But after spending some time with it i was finally getting it. I had everything at full brakes and was just expecting the spool tension to fix everything. Turned down all the brakes to the midway point and man, the spool tension is SO FINE that it seems like a 1/32nd of a turn can give or take 5 yards off your cast. Something about some Shimano reels that just require more attention.
Well then my SLX MGL has been on the same stock settings since i bought it and that thing never gives me problems lol. Oh well.
Agree - the greater levels of control seem to need a little more attention to get dialed in. Same for my SLX BFS - I don;t think I've changed the braskles since I first used it!
Saw this pop up when im in the TH-cam hell.. Great review.. how do you compare it with the Aldebaran BFS XG model 16.. im about to get my first BFS reel at the end of the month.
Can't speak to comparison the the 16. but this is probably the best reel I've ever used. had it out again this week after spending the summer with other reels and just loved the fishing experience.
Great review. It also took me a bit longer to dialed in compare to modified 16 alde, DWU and the Gekabijjin but once its dialed in and paired the right rod its a great reel. I like it but i like the gekabijjin more. I tend to use it alot more than both of my aldebarans. I did paired my 22 alde to daiwa silver creek progressive 46 ul glass rod and my gekkabijin is paired to Abu Garcia Baitfinesse Eradicator slow taper 55 version, DWU with Kuying teton and my CQ bfs with TenRyu Rays spectra 51 for stream and rivers. If i may, i would like to recommend the abu garcia Baitfinesse eradicator slow taper special. This rod feels like a glass rod due to its slow taper blank. A very sensitive rod and light. I havent paired it with 22 alde yet. It is great not on riverswhere there is strong current but ponds and lakes where you use a jig. As far as gekkabijin reel, i would recommend getting that nxt bfore cqb bfs in my opinion.
Appreciate the thoughts and comment. I was actually considering the Dobyns Sierra rod as well. But I'll check out the Abu! Unfortunately I'm more of a moving water fisherman, but I even like my glass / flick rods in moving water, so it might suit me well!
@@AaronHuntFishing i have the dobyns rod Sierra.. Its a night and day difference. In my opinion the abu is way better in terms in sensitivity ,very light and its components. The lure weight is 0.8 -10 grams. The tip of this rod is just a bit bigger than a toothpick. It is a jdm rod so the warranty is hard. The only thing i like the dobyns rod are their warranty. In any case, i like your video. Thank you
Cap, What line do you run on your Gekka? Do you run P.E. and if so, what size. I recently purchased mine but don't have a Rod and haven't figured out what line to use. Thank's
@@philipfalco7304 Not Cap, but I'm planning on running the 0.5 PE Gekkabijin line on mine. Arriving soon!
@@AaronHuntFishing Thank's Aaron! I didn't know weather to go with the 0.5 or 0.6.
Very informative and enjoyable to watch! Question. Have you had any issues buying from Digitaka (sp?) Or any other Japanese company? Was the process streamline? Many thx.
No issues from Japan. Orders arrive faster than most US companies. I've literally ordered on Thursday and received it on Monday before. Every order from Japan companies have arrived faster than ANY order from Tackle Warehouse. ;P
@@AaronHuntFishing Hey thanks for the quick reply. I've wanted to purchase some things from Digitaka but have always been hesitant to "finish" the deal. Thx for the info.
Excellent review , I've been fishing BFS for some years now and still learning . For info , - someone has already mentioned the spool stiction, the Reel test guy advises removing the spool and replacing it - I think this breaks the stiction .
Re the brakes , Hobi wan channel guy finds same as you - once you find the brake setting for the lure you are casting , there is no need to change it for short range or pitching casts .
Constant angler channel guy has Alphas TW and Conquest BFS , he reckons the Alphas TW casts better then the conquest .
I was hovering between the Alphas TW and the 22 Alderbaran , Hobi Wan picks the 22 over the Alphas , so its the 22 for me .
Tight lines , gave you a sub .
Thanks. Yeah the 22 Alde is worlds better than the Alphas Air IMO. Appreciate the kind words - and the sub! I've been fishing with some otther stuff most of the summer, so I expect the Aldebaran to be back on the water soon.
@@AaronHuntFishingI’m a big fan of your videos, btw. I’m just wondering, do you agree with this other comment? Because this comment says that the alphas casts better than the conquest, but that the alde is better than both. This is confusing to me because you said in your BFS reel ranking video that the conquest was the absolute best bfs reel. Would you say the alde is better then?
@@avocato2829 I would not say the Alphas is better than the conquest. I might CAST better, but that doesn't make it a better reel. The Dark Wolf ultra with roro bearing will outcast the Alphas.
The AATW did have good distance. For me best reel is more than just max casting distance, which is why I sold the AATW, and why the Conquest is the best reel in my opinion. The Aldebaran probably does outcast the CQ BFS a bit. I'm working on series of head-to-head videos, casting distance being one of the things I'll be looking at.
It's worth every penny. Don't go buy anything cheaper just to find out later
Great advice. if it's in your budget, this reel is almost a no-brainer.
Just got mine , agree its not easy to set up , that spool is mega free running , so I went a bit old school and dialled in some spool tension . A beginner would need to use it on a fibreglass "liqourice stick^ rod IMHO if casting sub 3 grams , for a newbie , I'd advise the latest dark wolf and one of the short glass fibre rods fro Ali express .
It should be noted (IMO) , that BFS is designed for small trout , say 3 or 4 to the lb in mountain streams , We sometimes push the limits for our fishing , which in my case entails using braid and and flourocarbon leaders , sometimes fine wire as there are pike present , I agree with your findings , the reel is exceptional quality . Tight lines .
Same here. Braid to fluoro, although I'll experiement a bit more with mono this winter. But after the number of PB's I've caught this year, I'm starting to think of BFS as my "Big Fish System"! Not planning on intentionally targeting Catfish, Carp (well, maybe that would be fun...), Stripers or Muskie, but for almost everything else it's been up to the task! And this Aldebaran is one of the best I've tried.
You have to really push the spool side to side to feel any movement due to the rubber o rings on the bearings. Sometimes they create suction behind them so you think you have it but it’s still too loose. Does take a little getting used to but once you get it right it’s a phenomenal reel! I had the same issue with the thumb bar initially. Could be due to it being over/under greased from the factory. I’ve had mine a couple of months now and it’s stopped doing it. The Aldebaran performs better and feels better than the conquest bfs imo. I own both and no longer use the cqbfs.
Appreciate the info. I've looked at the Days - might try it eventually but probably not splitting this combo up!
@@AaronHuntFishing no not at all. Looks awesome and if it works well and feels right for you that’s all you need! Looks great too!!!
What are your thoughts on the lowest drag setting? It seems to be so much tighter than the 16 Aldebaran.
Not skilled enough to go to the lowest setting. :P BUt in general this is a very tight tolerance reel so that doesn't surprise me.
I couldn't agree with your review more, you are definitely right on with your analysis, I haven't experienced the issue with the thumb bar myself so can't comment. Once you get it tuned in, it's set and forget it except for different windy conditions. It definitely the best reel on the market at the moment. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to your future videos.
Thanks man. Appreciate your support.
I've actually experienced this thumb bar issue. It happens maybe every few hours or so after repetitive casts. I found it might be because my thumb is still putting too much pressure on the thumb bar after I cast that causes just the right amount of pressure to keep the anti-reverse disengaged.
Nice review. What's the max weight you throw with this reel?
I've thrown 3/4 ounce, but routinely thow the Whopper Plopper 75 and 90 which are 1/2 ounce. I think in general the rod is your limitation on weights. I've caught 5 pound fish.... don't think a fraction of an ounce on a lure will tip the scales.
@@AaronHuntFishing thanks a lot for the info and for your reactivity!
What version of expride are you using for your bfs setup?
This is the original 163ML-BFS. Kind of a Power BFS by most standards.
Great as always. Doc 1/5
Thank you very much. Appreciate the kind words.
thanks your video can i aske you one question? Which do you like better, 22 aldebaran or silver creek air
Well if I had to choose just one it would be the Aldebaran. But for trout and small creek fishing, the Silver Creek is the most accurate and controlled reel I've ever used. The Aldebaran can do a little lighter weight and will cast farther when needed, it's just not quite as accurate in my experience. Still great. But the Silver Creek is purpose built for small streams, and it does it well. Also has a better sounding drag clicker. :P
@@AaronHuntFishing thank you
I'm just getting into BFS. Something I noticed that most reels are left hand retrieve. Why Is that?
Actually, those of us who prefer left hand usually say the opposite! There are a handful of reels I've wanted to try and they aren;t made in left hand - especially older reels. Here's why I like left handed, and I just switched when I got into BFS: I cast with my right arm, so using a left handed reel means I'm ready to reel immediately. No switching hands. It's especially useful when fishing fast moving water, or on those ocaasions when a fish hits your lure immediately upon it hitting the water.
It was a bit of an adjustment, especially after nearly 50 years of using right handed spinning reels, but it now feels pretty natural.
What is the highest pound mono have you used on it?
no mono used. ;)
hi old man i love aldebaran bfs I want to use 3-6gram lure with 4lb braid. can you give the selection of the appropriate rod
The Expride BFS. 163. That would be my choice. It's a magical pairing. Or find somethign similar. Maybe the Daiwa Blazon (I know, Daiw x Shimano! How could I?) I haven't tried the Blazon myself, but it has good reviews and similar specs. It's on my short list.
@@AaronHuntFishing better pair with shimano aldebaran bfs.
@@hzporpo2652 I can't imagine anything being better than the Expride 163 BFS. It is the best feeling combo I've ever fished. Maybe when you m,ove up to the $500 rod/ reel ranges it improves?
Great review, it would want to perform A1 for the price .Be no fun CDM reviews and clips from now on ,you won't want to use anything else lol
I've been using the Aldebaran since March i think, so I'll still be doing the other stuff some as well! :P Appreciate the support.
Which rod did you pair that reel with?
It finally found a home on the Shimano Expride 163ML-BFS (1st gen). The combo is like magic for me.
Still diggin it Aaron? Im getting ready to retire and I want to get my first bfs rod
Yes indeed. I don't fish it as much just because it feel slike I'm always testing new reels, but this one is in my "permanent" rotation. Nothing has bumped it out of the top 5 for me.
NEW SUBSCRIBER
Seems like a great channel, I love crappie fishing and cast jigs with livescope, mostly targeting single suspended crappie, 1/32 or 1/16 is my mainstay , soft plastics or my own hand ties
Just picked up the Alderbaran 22 and starting to figure it out. Also I have a dark wolf and corodo on the way So far it is a big learning curve over my spinning reels
I am prostaff with Jenko and got 2 of their double down bfs rods very nice rods, desighned to cast 1/80 to 1/8
you may want to check them out
Thanks. Check out today's video! Just got the Double Down BFS rod.
@@AaronHuntFishing i saw that
i thought you were getting ready to have a "happy ending" when you first held the rod LOL
@@CHIPPOFISHING LOL - It did feel good!
The other day at the local Japanese tackle shop, I was introduced to the 22Aldebaran BFS. He related that it casts even farther then the Alphas Air. I was skeptical. Then started watching the YT videos and I'm blown away. The technology their putting into these reels is amazing.
I think the reel monkey will get yet me again-lol
Yeah, I didn't feel like the AATW was in the same league. The Gekkabijin - maybe - if you only fish braid. I plan on putting a lot of bass and trout on my best combos this year to really give them a workout. But the Aldebaran is borderline magical for me.
What’s the biggest fish you’ve landed on this set up.
Probably a 3-ish pound smallie. Or a tank of a Rainbow in May. It was probably pushing 4.... mean fish. I don't weigh my fish. But I plan on taking it Pike and Steelhead fishing - I have that much confidence in it.
@@AaronHuntFishing that’s so dope brotha. Love the set up. I just ordered mine yesterday. Gonna be so much fun. Need a good bfs rod. Any recommendations around 150-250$!?
@@AaronHuntFishing lightest I throw is a 1/8th Oz on a slx dc. Paired with a 6’8 medium mod. That spool is shallow enough. And the braking system is like cheating.
@@Fishingmissions827 If you can find an Expride BFS I'd do that in a heartbeat. The Dobyns Sierra has good reviews too, but I haven't tried it (yet). Old 18 is another I've been considering. Shorter and glass I love the Major Craft Finetail glass FSG series (but NOT the Benkei!).
I really want to try the alderbaran 22
Once you do you might be hooked!
I have an old alderman 50 I think it's a 2015
What's the specs on the X pride rod you're using
@@benruegge9100 It's the BFS 163 ML, 5-15g rating, 8-16# line. Incredible Rod.
@@AaronHuntFishing just received a Kistler helium med lite 1/16-3/8 for my alderbaran bfs a super combo paired together
Cant hear it because of the rubber orings
Yep. Awesome reel.
Which Expride? eBay links to 163, 164 and 165
That was the 163 ML....
@@AaronHuntFishing thanks!!
The Aldebaran is a nice real but for a beginner I would recommend the Daiwa Silver Creek Air Stream Custom22 the braking system is very forgiving and easier to Dial in especially for heavier baits!
I agree - Defintiely easier to dial in. But doesn't do lighter baits as well and gives up some distance. BUT, the SIlver Creek is still the most accurate reel I've ever used. The new CQ BFS might best it - time will tell.
Can you use this in saltwater?
Yep - should be safe for saltwater too.
Given its current price point, I would not recommend a beginner buy the the 22 Shimano Aldebaran *full stop* - same goes for everything else in life. Learn on cheap gear then graduate to more expensive gear if youre serious about it.
Get some experience with using baitcasters and light/ultra light gear before spending that money. Thats a lot of money down the drain if you as a newbie get it then decide you dont like it and the setup is not for you.
When i started fishing. My mentor back then started me out with a fishing pole. When i got good at that, I graduated to using traditional fixed reel setups. My mentor made me float fish with super light line and i hated it but i eventually graduated to heavier gear and fished for carp before quitting that and then started another journey spinning for perch and pike.
Build that foundation.
That's one way to look at it. i personally wouldn't want to hate fishing, but that's just me.... And honestly if you buy it from Japan and take care of it, it will likely have a better resale than the cheaper reels, so if you decide it's not for you you may actually lose less money by buying the nicer reel.
@@AaronHuntFishing Maybe it was bad technique on my part but dealing with super light lines for float fishing was the absolute bane of my existence back then and this was made 1000x worse as me at that age in time had severe ADHD. If you didnt shot it right it would tangle, If it didnt cast it right, it would tangle.
float fishing with my mentor made me absolutely furious as he was always catching non stop, but im proud of myself that i never snapped many rods and tossed them in the river with rage when i was that age.
Watching him pull out a net full of fish compared to me with probably 3 fish in my net taught me many many life lessons...
Discipline, patience and f**k this sh*t let me graduate to heavier gear real quick.
I havent tried float fishing with super light tackle since i was a kid but im not in a rush to go back and try it out. I did my time and i'll just stick to hunting big perch and pike 🤣