Avail Spools

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I need a BFS reel to dabble and use to R&D bfs rods. I have a couple never used scorpions and thinking of putting a spool in one of them. The only readily available option I’ve seen is the Avail Aldebaran/chronarch50e/core mg7 spool. For those initiated in bfs, is this a good option? Would I be better off in the long run to pick up a current Curado or Tatula bfs model? 

[bulldog1935]

I don't know enough about Shimano to answer the question, but Jun Sonada does.  

https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/shimano.html

If he rates a spool capable of casting 1.5 g, you can take it to the bank.  

 

Avail doesn't make Daiwa spools, and Jun stocks and rates Roro-X spools to match with Daiwa.   https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/daiwa.html 

 

The other spools that are worth looking at for Daiwa are from AMO Store on Express website, and Ray's Studio SV spools from the ebay Thailand supplier (where Ray's Studio is made).  

The Ray's spools keep the moving SV inductor function, and are very versatile for casting wide weight range.  Gomexus also makes a very light BFS spool for Tatula 80.  

 

The Roro X30 spool that sent me first to Steez is no longer made, but this is a 2-g-capable reel, and is my light-end distance champ.  The Steez 145-g weight, made 15 g lighter yet by spool and handle swap, matches perfectly on my long Yamaga Blanks shore-casting finesse rod (8'2", 73 g rod weight), and 34-mm spool is a distance advantage.  

 

 

Likewise, the AMO 34-mm spool that I have matched with Silver Wolf will cast extreme light to extreme distance.  The extreme-BFS spools for Daiwa are 2-3-mm deep, 4-5 g spool weight, and fixed inductor.  Not many Tatula spools are below 7 g, because of the full-width spindle, and that's a good target for a Tatula spool.  

[ghost]

Hi DVT, I hope I can help answer your question.

 

I have a few regular baitcast reels that I have bought shallow BFS spools for. Most current one I converted to BFS is a Shimano Curado 51E with an Avail shallow spool. 10lb braid is spooled on the Avail spool.

 

Other reels that I've converted for BFS from being a regular/standard reel are:

 

Daiwa Tatula CT, Abu Garcia Revo X 4th gen, Shimano Curado 71HG, Daiwa Coastal SV TW 150 (left hand), and Daiwa Zillion(s) and Daiwa Fuego(OG models).

 

Now having shallow spools for these reels, they are now convertible; that I can switch spools to what I want to use that reel for what type of fishing I want to do.

 

The main difference IMO about getting an aftermarket spool for a regular/standard baitcast reel is the weight of the regular or standard reel. Also, most older reels do not have a drag clicker.

 

Actual BFS reels are much lighter and smaller frames and can cast 1g or less. And most BFS reels have a drag clicker.  The rated drag pressure on BFS reels hover mostly 8lbs of drag, while regular/standard baitcast reels are 11lb on up.

 

I think what you plan to do with the Scorpion reel and converting to shallow BFS spool is a good idea. Not sure if Avail includes the VBS brake blocks. If not included, you can I guess use VBS brake blocks from other Shimano baitcast reels with VBS brake blocks. 

 

Also keep in mind that the Scorpion reel will weigh more than a BFS reel by 2-3 oz more. So it might balance better on the rod you are building. I'm hearing talk that lighter BFS reels are all that but at times, the BFS reel can be too light in weight that it throws off the whole setup. I can understand this when I have my Curado 51E on a specific BFS rod, the 51E feels heavy in static weight.

[Robin]

I have converted several of the Shimano Aldebaran/Curado/ Scorpion 50 size reels to BFS using the Avail spools and have been very pleased with the results. These spools have a 4 pin braking system instead of the 6 pin found on the stock spools. You do have to use your own brake blocks, but I have accumulated more spares than I can keep up with. I normally run the Avail spools with 1 brake on and 3 off. Modern BFS reels can certainly cast lighter lures (1 gram), but once you start getting into the 3-4 gram plus range I find that the modified older Shimanos actually cast a bit further than the modern BFS reels. I have also added some Roro BFS spool bearings to one of my reels and saw an improvement on the light stuff. These bearings normally run around $20 per pair.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

15 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

I don't know enough about Shimano to answer the question, but Jun Sonada does.  

https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/shimano.html

If he rates a spool capable of casting 1.5 g, you can take it to the bank.  

 

Avail doesn't make Daiwa spools, and Jun stocks and rates Roro-X spools to match with Daiwa.   https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/daiwa.html 

 

The other spools that are worth looking at for Daiwa are from AMO Store on Express website, and Ray's Studio SV spools from the ebay Thailand supplier (where Ray's Studio is made).  

The Ray's spools keep the moving SV inductor function, and are very versatile for casting wide weight range.  Gomexus also makes a very light BFS spool for Tatula 80.  

 

The Roro X30 spool that sent me first to Steez is no longer made, but this is a 2-g-capable reel, and is my light-end distance champ.  The Steez 130-g weight, made 15 g lighter yet by spool and handle swap, matches perfectly on my long Yamaga Blanks shore-casting finesse rod (8'2", 73 g rod weight), and 34-mm spool is a distance advantage.  

 

 

Likewise, the AMO 34-mm spool that I have matched with Silver Wolf will cast extreme light to extreme distance.  The extreme-BFS spools for Daiwa are 2-3-mm deep, 4-5 g spool weight, and fixed inductor.  Not many Tatula spools are below 7 g, because of the full-width spindle, and that's a good target for a Tatula spool.  

Thank you. Japan tackle would likely be my source for a spool if I go that way. 

8 hours ago, Robin said:

I have converted several of the Shimano Aldebaran/Curado/ Scorpion 50 size reels to BFS using the Avail spools and have been very pleased with the results. These spools have a 4 pin braking system instead of the 6 pin found on the stock spools. You do have to use your own brake blocks, but I have accumulated more spares than I can keep up with. I normally run the Avail spools with 1 brake on and 3 off. Modern BFS reels can certainly cast lighter lures (1 gram), but once you start getting into the 3-4 gram plus range I find that the modified older Shimanos actually cast a bit further than the modern BFS reels. I have also added some Roro BFS spool bearings to one of my reels and saw an improvement on the light stuff. These bearings normally run around $20 per pair.

Thank you for sharing your experience. 

14 hours ago, ghost said:

Hi DVT, I hope I can help answer your question.

 

I have a few regular baitcast reels that I have bought shallow BFS spools for. Most current one I converted to BFS is a Shimano Curado 51E with an Avail shallow spool. 10lb braid is spooled on the Avail spool.

 

Other reels that I've converted for BFS from being a regular/standard reel are:

 

Daiwa Tatula CT, Abu Garcia Revo X 4th gen, Shimano Curado 71HG, Daiwa Coastal SV TW 150 (left hand), and Daiwa Zillion(s) and Daiwa Fuego(OG models).

 

Now having shallow spools for these reels, they are now convertible; that I can switch spools to what I want to use that reel for what type of fishing I want to do.

 

The main difference IMO about getting an aftermarket spool for a regular/standard baitcast reel is the weight of the regular or standard reel. Also, most older reels do not have a drag clicker.

 

Actual BFS reels are much lighter and smaller frames and can cast 1g or less. And most BFS reels have a drag clicker.  The rated drag pressure on BFS reels hover mostly 8lbs of drag, while regular/standard baitcast reels are 11lb on up.

 

I think what you plan to do with the Scorpion reel and converting to shallow BFS spool is a good idea. Not sure if Avail includes the VBS brake blocks. If not included, you can I guess use VBS brake blocks from other Shimano baitcast reels with VBS brake blocks. 

 

Also keep in mind that the Scorpion reel will weigh more than a BFS reel by 2-3 oz more. So it might balance better on the rod you are building. I'm hearing talk that lighter BFS reels are all that but at times, the BFS reel can be too light in weight that it throws off the whole setup. I can understand this when I have my Curado 51E on a specific BFS rod, the 51E feels heavy in static weight.

Then you for your reply and sharing your experience. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thanks for all the help. I know new bfs reels come with mag brakes for logical reasons. I prefer centrifugal brakes as a rule. In your opinion, can I get by converting my existing reel as a jumping off point? I just need something I can build around (testing blanks, seats etc.). How much smaller profile are the BFS models compared to a 50 size shimano?

[bulldog1935]

I'm not a fan of Daiwa's stock spools, even their BFS spools - aftermarket spools really improve their Air and PE Special reels.  

If you prefer centrifugal and can set up a Shimano the way you want with Avail spool, I'd try that route first.  

My small frame reels are Ambassadeur and Isuzu.  I targeted 34-mm Daiwa for my salt finesse niches, and delighted with my results using aftermarket spools.  

Had my Steez on the bench today - heading back to my favorite finesse shore fishing next weekend.  

 

[ghost]

In regards to centrifugal braking, I was hesitant at first. Then after getting the Avail spool for the Curado 51E, it is just as efficient in braking as mag braking. 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thanks again guys. 

[Bigbox99]

I have a scorpion 1000xt with a yumeya spool in it.  It casts light baits but I don't use it as much as my other due to the centrifugal brakes.  

[Kev-mo]

On 3/2/2024 at 1:43 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Thanks for all the help. I know new bfs reels come with mag brakes for logical reasons. I prefer centrifugal brakes as a rule. In your opinion, can I get by converting my existing reel as a jumping off point? I just need something I can build around (testing blanks, seats etc.). How much smaller profile are the BFS models compared to a 50 size shimano?

 

To answer your question, I have a  Shimano 1001XT and a Daiwa 19 Alphas CT SV70 SHL. The Alpha is noticeably smaller. With that said... as you know the 50 size reels are still a nice small platform!

 

Couple questions for you. Did you pull the trigger on the Avail spool yet? Have been thinking about getting one for myself. Also in reading the specs on that spool... it will hold 55 yards of 20-25 pound test braid (based on mm sizing). So I could maybe get 80 or so yards of 10 pound test braid correct?

[bulldog1935]

@Kev-mo

The best line capacity calculator, starting with given capacity:  

https://www.pattayafishing.net/fishing-reel-line-capacity-estimator/

[FishTank]

If it was me trying to build a rod, I wouldn't take an ordinary reel and add an after market spool to it. For starters, the weight would be off, most BFS reels are lighter. Next, with that type of spool you might limit yourself to braid.  Also, for me, the more specialized the reel is the more specialized the rod needs to be. 

 

I would look at a popular BFS reel like the Shimano SLX BFS or one of the KastKing offerings. This would give you a better base line to start from.

 

The reel and the line, to me, seem to change the characteristics of the rod more so with BFS. 

[bulldog1935]

While I prefer fishing braid, I always set up my mag brakes casting bulk mono, or more often, 6-lb YZH, which is thick line (and IGFA-rated 11.9-lb breaking strength).  

Though they may list it lower, a 2-mm-deep spool even on compact frame will give you working capacity with 5-lb Ultragreen mono.  This reel, 30-mm dia, 2-mm deep, was casting 2 g to 100' w/ 5-lb UG - that was on a 5'4" rod -  and couldn't see bottom.  

 

 

5-mm-deep spools will let you fish 12-lb mono/fluoro.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

7 hours ago, Kev-mo said:

 

To answer your question, I have a  Shimano 1001XT and a Daiwa 19 Alphas CT SV70 SHL. The Alpha is noticeably smaller. With that said... as you know the 50 size reels are still a nice small platform!

 

Couple questions for you. Did you pull the trigger on the Avail spool yet? Have been thinking about getting one for myself. Also in reading the specs on that spool... it will hold 55 yards of 20-25 pound test braid (based on mm sizing). So I could maybe get 80 or so yards of 10 pound test braid correct?

I haven’t done anything yet 

[redmeansdistortion]

On 3/2/2024 at 2:43 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

How much smaller profile are the BFS models compared to a 50 size shimano?

There will be very little to no difference in size.  Shimano uses existing platforms for their BFS reels.  The current production Scorpion BFS/Curado BFS/SLX BFS is built on the 70 size frame.  The '12 and '16 Aldebaran BFS were both based on the Aldebaran 50.  In terms of the Calcutta Conquest, the BFS variants are based on the 100 size reels.  Where weight differences usually come into play are in the materials.  The BFS uses an aluminum driveshaft and in the case of the new '23 model, an aluminum drive gear.  Drag is weaker on the BFS reels because they come with a clicking drag, which means a smaller diameter drag washer and thus, lower max drag capacity.

In the case of Daiwa, their BFS reels too are built on existing platforms.  The current production Alphas Air TW, Gekkabijin, and Silver Creek Air TW are also the same platform as the Alphas SV TW 800.  The Japanese made Alphas, produced from '03 to '19 was a 100 size reel with many BFS variants; the '05 Pixy, '06 Presso, '11 Alphas Finesse Custom, '12 PX68 SPR, '16 Alphas Air, and '17 Alphas Air Stream Custom.  I really can't think of any production BFS reels that weren't built on an already existing platform.  I feel it would cost too much in R&D for a market as niche as BFS.  It's far cheaper to tune the braking, drag, and spool diameter on something already being manufactured.  

[JN94]

On 3/2/2024 at 5:25 AM, Robin said:

I have converted several of the Shimano Aldebaran/Curado/ Scorpion 50 size reels to BFS using the Avail spools and have been very pleased with the results. These spools have a 4 pin braking system instead of the 6 pin found on the stock spools. You do have to use your own brake blocks, but I have accumulated more spares than I can keep up with. I normally run the Avail spools with 1 brake on and 3 off. Modern BFS reels can certainly cast lighter lures (1 gram), but once you start getting into the 3-4 gram plus range I find that the modified older Shimanos actually cast a bit further than the modern BFS reels. I have also added some Roro BFS spool bearings to one of my reels and saw an improvement on the light stuff. These bearings normally run around $20 per pair.

I just so happened to be looking at Avail spools for an SLX 70 today and stumble upon this 😂.  I've got some questions if you can help out! I found this spool on Hedgehog's website:

 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/5036

 

First off - will this work in a USDM SLX? Or only a JDM one? Second - it appears to say in the description that the Avail spool is 10g and the stock Shimano spool is 10.5g. I wouldn't think there would be any noticeable difference in casting with that small of a change. Do you know if that's the case or if I'm misunderstanding their description? Does the Avail spool offer any other benefits that help with casting lighter stuff? 

[redmeansdistortion]

1 hour ago, JN94 said:

I just so happened to be looking at Avail spools for an SLX 70 today and stumble upon this 😂.  I've got some questions if you can help out! I found this spool on Hedgehog's website:

 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/5036

 

First off - will this work in a USDM SLX? Or only a JDM one? Second - it appears to say in the description that the Avail spool is 10g and the stock Shimano spool is 10.5g. I wouldn't think there would be any noticeable difference in casting with that small of a change. Do you know if that's the case or if I'm misunderstanding their description? Does the Avail spool offer any other benefits that help with casting lighter stuff? 

Assuming you have a USDM SLX 70 MGL, it'll work.  This spool holds less line than the MGL spool, making it lighter at full capacity.

[JN94]

10 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Assuming you have a USDM SLX 70 MGL, it'll work.  This spool holds less line than the MGL spool, making it lighter at full capacity.

Good point. If I were to fill up the stock spool though with the same amount of line that the Avail spool can hold, I wouldn't see much of a difference between the two I assume? Do you have this spool/any experience with it?

[new2BC4bass]

On 3/2/2024 at 3:07 PM, ghost said:

In regards to centrifugal braking, I was hesitant at first. Then after getting the Avail spool for the Curado 51E, it is just as efficient in braking as mag braking. 

 

 

How light of a lure can you cast with that reel/spool combo?  Might want to try that spool in my DVT tuned and upgraded Curado 51E.  I'm looking to put together a couple rods for playing around with light weights.  ATM I am not expecting to go below 1/16 oz. (1.77g).

 

Currently have aftermarket spools for a Pixy and a Steez.  However, I won't be using lures that light very often, and would like to keep my Steez more versatile given its cost.

[ghost]

Hi new2BC4bass, I casted 1/8oz lures in spoons, inline spinners and crankbaits. I reckon it can cast 1/16oz, I didn't throw that low, but I think I will this weekend. 1/8oz and up lures casted great and used 1 brake block on and 3 off.

[redmeansdistortion]

9 hours ago, JN94 said:

Good point. If I were to fill up the stock spool though with the same amount of line that the Avail spool can hold, I wouldn't see much of a difference between the two I assume? Do you have this spool/any experience with it?

You will see differences, whether those differences are beneficial is up to you.  First and foremost, your retrieve rate will nosedive since the spool isn't filled to capacity.  By filling with less line, you're effectively reducing the circumference which equates to less line being picked up per turn of the handle.  Second, your casting distance may be reduced since the spool being filled less has to rotate more to let out the same amount of line as a full spool.  Lastly, having less line on the spool will require braking adjustments to compensate for the increase in spool speed.  Many can and do what you describe, but it would be much more optimal to purchase the right spool.

[JN94]

41 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

You will see differences, whether those differences are beneficial is up to you.  First and foremost, your retrieve rate will nosedive since the spool isn't filled to capacity.  By filling with less line, you're effectively reducing the circumference which equates to less line being picked up per turn of the handle.  Second, your casting distance may be reduced since the spool being filled less has to rotate more to let out the same amount of line as a full spool.  Lastly, having less line on the spool will require braking adjustments to compensate for the increase in spool speed.  Many can and do what you describe, but it would be much more optimal to purchase the right spool.

Gotcha. Makes sense

[RAM3139]

On 3/2/2024 at 3:07 PM, ghost said:

In regards to centrifugal braking, I was hesitant at first. Then after getting the Avail spool for the Curado 51E, it is just as efficient in braking as mag braking. 

 

 

Which spool did you get for the 51E? I haven't looked in a bit, but when I did there was nothing new, and the used prices were very high.

 

I have a 51E on my light-but-not-BFS setup that I love, but wouldn't mind trying out a proper BFS spool with it.

[ghost]

I got the Avail spool for Core 50/51 which works on the Curado 50/51E.

 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/674