First things you would change/modify on a new reel?

[kinniyoubi]

Hi yall,

I will be getting a 16 Aldebaran BFS middle of next month and was wondering what you guys would generally swap out or modify right after you get the reel.

Reason why I am asking this is because I would prefer to have all the parts required of the modification here when the reel arrives. Would I need new bearings or is the ones Shimano provide good enough. Also, should I re-apply the bearing lube? If so, what lube would you recommend?

Thank you!

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

Bearings are pretty good in the Aldebaran BFS. I have 2 of them. The 16 is my favourite BFS reel I've used. Smooth, casts great (windy or not), handles wide range of baits, so on. Is very small as well, noticeably smaller than my Alphas Air. The clicking drag is sweet too.

[kinniyoubi]

Bearings are pretty good in the Aldebaran BFS. I have 2 of them. The 16 is my favourite BFS reel I've used. Smooth, casts great (windy or not), handles wide range of baits, so on. Is very small as well, noticeably smaller than my Alphas Air. The clicking drag is sweet too.

Did you swap anything out or do you think it's find stock. Also, did you perform any "supertuning" procedures on it like polishing different parts?

Thank you!

[Dalleinf]

On most reels, the first - and often only - thing I change is the spool. I also swap bearings and drag system from time to time, but IMO a spool change/upgrade has much more impact. Shimano, Daiwa and ABU use very nice bearings, and newer reels have very good drag systems.

On a 16 Shimano Ald BFS, I would not change a thing...

[Teal101]

Some reels like the tdz and pixy are known to have sub par drags stock so thats an obvious change. On a reel like the Alde that is well known with no outstanding obvious issues, the best bet is to fish it and see what you feel it needs. Some reels dont need a thing, other than maybe some bling.

[-Boris-]

In most cases I change the handle to a longer version (90-100mm), because I don't like the tiny ones (80-85mm).

Also I prefer open bearings like the Hedgehog ZR, because they are easier to clean and lube.

In some cases I have changed the spool - but this won't be necessary at the Aldebaran BFS.

[kinniyoubi]

Thank you so much for all the reply! Guess I wont need to change anything.

What are some bearing oil that you would recommend? Or is the stock oil good enough?

[Dalleinf]

I like TSI 321 and Corrosion X / Reel X.
Use the search function and check out the many threads on oil/lubricants.

[kinniyoubi]

I like TSI 321 and Corrosion X / Reel X.
Use the search function and check out the many threads on oil/lubricants.

Should have done that before I asked haha

Thank you very much. Will check em out!

[Dalleinf]

I like TSI 321 and Corrosion X / Reel X.
Use the search function and check out the many threads on oil/lubricants.

Should have done that before I asked haha

Thank you very much. Will check em out!

It is always good to talk/write about fishing tackle. But when it comes to oil and grease, I believe there are many great threads on TT. A search for "tsi" gets you far

[jtgibso1]

i like to switch handles out to something longer as well. not sure what size the alde has stock though. i prefer them 90+ for my monkey hands!

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

i like to switch handles out to something longer as well. not sure what size the alde has stock though. i prefer them 90+ for my monkey hands!

I think it's a 90mm.

[ss30378]

This reel is fantastic right out of the box. I was backyard testing some crème micro crank baits yesterday for distance. They weigh in at 1.51g on my scale and I measured 54-58 feet on average with a full cast in a light variable wind. 6'4" light power Jackson stc and 6lb co-polymer. Brakes were set at 5.5 out of 6. Reel was just how it came from the factory.

[kinniyoubi]

This reel is fantastic right out of the box. I was backyard testing some crème micro crank baits yesterday for distance. They weigh in at 1.51g on my scale and I measured 54-58 feet on average with a full cast in a light variable wind. 6'4" light power Jackson stc and 6lb co-polymer. Brakes were set at 5.5 out of 6. Reel was just how it came from the factory.

Really awesome to hear! Any idea what the stock bearings for the spool is, no idea where to find this information.

Do you think it will benefit from full ceramics? Honestly the only reason why I would want to change is because they can be ran dry

[ss30378]

3x7x3mm I may try the new HH air bfs bearings they just released but I don't know if or how much they will improve casting.