This reel is magnificent on several features (spool weight, easiness of use, handling, drag sound, dimension and weight). It easy throws ultra light lures. The worst aspect is that brakes are not strong enough. The dynamic system is really very effective, but the magnets are quite weak. It's required to use thumb and to cast in a very soft way.
The control lever (to adjust the magnetic brake force) is quite hard to rotate. You should use nails, hence it cannot be straightforward if you wear gloves. Apart from this and sometime not so accurate workmanship, I'm extremely satisfied.
I love XF50, for several reasons. It's been my first Bfs reel: previously, as a total beginner, I was trying Bfs with a definitely not Bfs reel, with frustrating results (to be honest, now my skill has improved, and with that non Bfs reel I can now cast quite accurately 4 grams).
With XF50 I immediately noted better results and, thanks to this, I didn't give up with casting.
Brakes are really strong in my opinion, very rarely I exceeded half of the brake scale. The spool is not definitely light, but it doesn't seem to prevent from throwing light lures, even below 3 grams. It's advisable to load the spool at half (or only a little bit more) of its capacity, and results get even better. There is no sound on drag and the reel is not light weight, but they are not so big troubles. Nowadays better reels are available in terms of construction, weights, castability... but XF50 remains something special, considering its price too. I love it
I pre-ordered it from DANKUNG before it's released officially. It's a companion reel of DWU.
The different finish and braking system, diffrent gear ratios( DWU is 7, this reel is 6 or 8).
I have waited the budget 8 gear ratio BFS reel for a long time, there is a JDM 8 gear ratio I love too, but the price is 3-time of this one.
High gear ratio is very important for my water current( i fish upstream). Its glossy finish is what I love. If you like DIY, you will find changing bearings easier than DWU.
Simply outstanding! I very much appreciate the moderate-fast action, which protects thin (BFS) lines and leaders whilst having enough “give” to keep fish pinned even when using braided line. The rod is very responsive, however, and tip recovery is quick and without the prolonged bouncing so many of the budget rods with solid carbon fiber tips suffer from.
Build quality and finish are top-notch, the contoured cork grip feels great in the hand and as far as looks are concerned, well, you be the judge. In my opinion, the design pairs equally well with classic round as well as modern baitcasters (see photos – ABU Ambassadeur 2500C and Daiwa Gekkabijin Air TW PE Special).
According to the website, the rod “works very well for long distance casting of BFS lures…” – a claim I can only confirm after doing my own tests with various weights and the aforementioned (super-tuned) ABU 2500C:
3.7g -- 36m / 118 ft
3.0g -- 31m / 102 ft
2.0g -- 21m / 70 ft
Of course, how far you can cast shouldn’t be the determining factor when it comes to BFS equipment – but it’s nice to know that you can get out there if needed.
Because the rod loads up so nicely, casting lower-weight lures shouldn’t be a problem. I never went below 1.5g though and the choice of the reel is going to be the determining factor when it comes to the lower end. I usually stick with 2g on up (since I prefer using my 2500C), with an upper end of 4.5-5g – this is a BFS UL rod, after all. In my opinion, 3-3.5g is the sweet spot.
I really like this rod and applaud NS for creating a moderate-fast action and really responsive BFS rod.
Finally got the Superlite Ajing SAS762S in my hands, the finishing are what i expecte from Kuying wich are Very Good actually all of Kuying's rod finishing are Very Good but i do puzzled about the fishing line rating on the rod 2-6lb for monofilament i can totally understand and i feel it suit the rod very wall but in PE rating, Max is 0.8 so in 4 strand = 10lb but than if the PE are 8 strand = 23lb..WTF..this rod can handle 23lb PE..i am very puzzld.
Matched this Glassfin rod with my Calcutta Conquest BFS, and this rod is a serious tool for me now on the water.
CASTING:
I am finding it very easy to adjust my timing to get more accurate. I have casted everything from a 1.2 gram spoon with no hook (for practice) to 4.5 gram minnow lures on the water and the action of the rod is just slow enough that I can time my release accurately, but fast enough for speedy recovery of the rod tip to rest. I really like how this rod casts. It is a joy to use on the water.
ACCURACY
The fast recovery of the rod tip makes the Glassfin rod SIGNIFICANTLY, like miles better than the Aioushi I had and loved. The rod tip recovery is VERY GOOD. Performance wise, the Aioushi is a mere toy compared to this. This is a serious rod and casts like a serious rod...I am finding that I am getting increasingly accurate with this rod and the action and recovery no doubt contributes a large part to this.
DISTANCE
For me distance is useless without accuracy with a tool like this and the bulk of my use case for this rod is for close quarters work within 40 feet. WIth a 4.5 gram lure I am now able to hit a targeted pocket some 50-60 ft away almost consistently with a sidearm cast, this I believe to be helped in large part by the nicely dialed in action of the rod, and the fast recovery of the rod tip. Close in casting is effortless to get accuracy. The softer tip of the Aioushi made under hand casting easier to time (but that rod was also FAR FAR less predictable, sometimes it would buckle), but I think with practice I will be able to gain similar proficiency and with better distance for low trajectory underhanded casts with the Glassfin.
AESTHETICS
CAVEAT: Aesthetics are a VERY VERY personal thing and do not affect the performance of the rod AT ALL. Cork work is super clean and the hardware too is clean and simple, but I would have preferred higher quality cork on this (what they used isn't poor quality either so this is a minor quibble). The metal hardware is spartan and well produced, very clean and easy to handle, but I would have preferred heavier metal and a shinier finish on them. I would have personally preferred more muted colors for the wraps for a more subtle look but that's personal taste. The reel seat could be more refined but here again - Personal taste. The spigot ferrules are well made and VERY well fitted - high quality work, with the minor minor issue of the yellow epoxy showing thru the translucent white rod blank - Does NOT affect performance or fit in any way.
SUMMARY
Well made rod with serious performance, accuracy and feel. Makes me wonder why anyone needs to spend any more money for a big dollar stream BFS rod. I am really enjoying this rod. Nicely done DANKUNG Davis....First impressions are very good! I caught 12 smallmouth bass on my first outing with this outfit with the biggest one measuring 12" and bring it in was easy. I get the feeling the rod can handle bigger fish.
Thanks for all the listening to feedback, and all your hard work on getting this rod out to market! I would recommend this to anyone who is picking this genre of fishing up looking for a rod not just as a beginner set up, but as a rod someone can grow into as they get more skilled. This is NOT a toy.
I think this is the best budget reel, I ordered it as gift to my classmate. He is a newbie to BFS, the DWU would be a good way to get the feet wet first.
Rod: DANKUNG BIOW Rod
reel: tshurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra (DWU)
line: ultra tough 5lb
leader: asuka gv 12lb
beyond my expectation! So far, I've casted 1.5g, 1.8g, and 2.5g lures in small pond here,
and it's so nice. It felt really good to cast. It's hard to describe the subtile casting experience, it's very satisfying.
Thank DANKUNG for showing the objective & negtive info at product descripion, by far, those are not big issue for me.
DanKung staff, Davis, assured me that unlike my AliExpress modified MingYang reel that came with a lot of deep scratches (the Ali vendor expects their customers to accept this and even charges a higher price), their modified MingYang reels would NOT come with scratches. Based on that I ordered a red one. DanKung was true to their word—the reel came without scratches and works well! I paired it with their Glassfin rod.
Nice rod with more backbone than the softer glass rods (Lemoren & Aioushi) offered on AliEx. Finishing is not bad except for some yellowing in the first joint—think it's the epoxy. But it's internal and not external. I bought this for fishing Peacock Bass (we don't have trout or streams here), and I caught a 2.5 pounder on first use. The cork handle I chose was a different one with three rings. Payed a little more for it. Paired the rod with a red modified MingYang also from DanKung, and I think the setup looks great. Hope to catch lots more with this setup :)
Finally hit one of my usual creek here in Malaysia with my new setup- Silver Creek rod and Kestrel reel!
I'm blown away with the reel, I have so much of an easier time casting the light stuff with it versus my Curado bfs.
I read product description above, and hesitated...now I think I've made a very good decision. Overbraked is easy to fix by adding some grease.
Just to let you know Kuying Battle Song BSS632L had landed in my hand and this time the package did not damage at all, when i toke the rod out of the bag i am very very surprised it feel high class and high quility because i thought Kuying Teton TTS-662L are very nice already, Battle Song BSS632L are even better but to be honest i can't tell any more both rod are very very nice my money are very well spent, i am very happy for sure once New Zealand fishing season comes i will surely give those rod a good try.
Here is some basic info about the fish i am targeting..
Kahawai a.k.a Mini Kingfish
Avg 40 - 50cm long Females can grow up to 60cm long
Avg 1 - 2kg can grow up to 3kg
Just to let you know the fishing rod "TTS-662L" had landed New Zealand and in my hand, its a very nice looking and feel fishing rod for sure but during the long shipping the package had some damage, but luckly the fishing rod survived without damage or broke in half. As New Zealand are at mid winter at the moment its not that i can't test the rod but going fishing in cold weather and raining at the same time is not something i want to do at all. I will surely give the fishing rod a good work out at comming summer with some of our best light tackle sport fish call "Kawaii" aka mini kingfish, Snapper one of our best eatting fish and Trevally very good for sashimi, they are salt water fish all are Fast, Strong and Hard Fighting Fish i'll surely have fun for sure.
I just received it, was well packed and waiting time was very short. Many thanks to seller for the good communication and consideration. The rod is very well made for the money and it performs exactly I was expecting.
Added on July 22:
I start my review on the Glassfin rod that I purchased, by saying that I'm more than satisfied with this product. It is exactly what I was expecting the blank is right as described moderat fast and it loads 2 gr lure with ease. I haven't got the chance to try it in trout fishing, I will next month, but I did tried it on short street fishing around my home and I managed to catch some perch and small zander. I also shared my thoughts on it with my friends and on the Facebook group called BFS BUDGET FINESSE FISHING, which is growing every day, more bfs users joining daily.
Thank you very much for this rod, keep up the good work.
Very good communication with the seller. Shipping and receiving is fast. The fishing rod was very well packed (see photo)
The fishing rod is very well made. I am very happy with my purchase. It propels fishing lures very well and has a good reserve of power for a fibreglass fishing rod. This will allow me to control the beautiful fish of my river.
Everything is perfect. Very good seller. Thanks to you and your team
I mainly fish creeks and streams. Main target is trout but also enjoy catching panfish too. I have not had much time on the water with the rod yet fully give an deep opinion. The times that I have used it has been a pleasure. Flip casting with the rod seems easier and smoother. You guys are right about the rod, that a rod needs some back bone to flip cast more precise. I fully enjoy the rods that I have purchased. Craftsmanship and quality is top notch. Components are good for the price of the rods. One of the best bang for your money for this particular fishing style. I highly recommend the product and company. Thank you
I love this rod. It's just a good rod and several bucks cheap for my usual budget,
It is very light and comfy in hand (I have a little smaller hands than averaged size) , very sensitive for the length, and very nice to cast.
What I love it the most is the slight curve on the handle, so comfortable. I couldn't help gripping it casually even when I was at home.
This reel is magnificent on several features (spool weight, easiness of use, handling, drag sound, dimension and weight). It easy throws ultra light lures. The worst aspect is that brakes are not strong enough. The dynamic system is really very effective, but the magnets are quite weak. It's required to use thumb and to cast in a very soft way.
The control lever (to adjust the magnetic brake force) is quite hard to rotate. You should use nails, hence it cannot be straightforward if you wear gloves. Apart from this and sometime not so accurate workmanship, I'm extremely satisfied.
I love XF50, for several reasons. It's been my first Bfs reel: previously, as a total beginner, I was trying Bfs with a definitely not Bfs reel, with frustrating results (to be honest, now my skill has improved, and with that non Bfs reel I can now cast quite accurately 4 grams).
With XF50 I immediately noted better results and, thanks to this, I didn't give up with casting.
Brakes are really strong in my opinion, very rarely I exceeded half of the brake scale. The spool is not definitely light, but it doesn't seem to prevent from throwing light lures, even below 3 grams. It's advisable to load the spool at half (or only a little bit more) of its capacity, and results get even better. There is no sound on drag and the reel is not light weight, but they are not so big troubles. Nowadays better reels are available in terms of construction, weights, castability... but XF50 remains something special, considering its price too. I love it
I pre-ordered it from DANKUNG before it's released officially. It's a companion reel of DWU.
The different finish and braking system, diffrent gear ratios( DWU is 7, this reel is 6 or 8).
I have waited the budget 8 gear ratio BFS reel for a long time, there is a JDM 8 gear ratio I love too, but the price is 3-time of this one.
High gear ratio is very important for my water current( i fish upstream). Its glossy finish is what I love. If you like DIY, you will find changing bearings easier than DWU.
Simply outstanding! I very much appreciate the moderate-fast action, which protects thin (BFS) lines and leaders whilst having enough “give” to keep fish pinned even when using braided line. The rod is very responsive, however, and tip recovery is quick and without the prolonged bouncing so many of the budget rods with solid carbon fiber tips suffer from.
Build quality and finish are top-notch, the contoured cork grip feels great in the hand and as far as looks are concerned, well, you be the judge. In my opinion, the design pairs equally well with classic round as well as modern baitcasters (see photos – ABU Ambassadeur 2500C and Daiwa Gekkabijin Air TW PE Special).
According to the website, the rod “works very well for long distance casting of BFS lures…” – a claim I can only confirm after doing my own tests with various weights and the aforementioned (super-tuned) ABU 2500C:
3.7g -- 36m / 118 ft
3.0g -- 31m / 102 ft
2.0g -- 21m / 70 ft
Of course, how far you can cast shouldn’t be the determining factor when it comes to BFS equipment – but it’s nice to know that you can get out there if needed.
Because the rod loads up so nicely, casting lower-weight lures shouldn’t be a problem. I never went below 1.5g though and the choice of the reel is going to be the determining factor when it comes to the lower end. I usually stick with 2g on up (since I prefer using my 2500C), with an upper end of 4.5-5g – this is a BFS UL rod, after all. In my opinion, 3-3.5g is the sweet spot.
I really like this rod and applaud NS for creating a moderate-fast action and really responsive BFS rod.
Finally got the Superlite Ajing SAS762S in my hands, the finishing are what i expecte from Kuying wich are Very Good actually all of Kuying's rod finishing are Very Good but i do puzzled about the fishing line rating on the rod 2-6lb for monofilament i can totally understand and i feel it suit the rod very wall but in PE rating, Max is 0.8 so in 4 strand = 10lb but than if the PE are 8 strand = 23lb..WTF..this rod can handle 23lb PE..i am very puzzld.
Matched this Glassfin rod with my Calcutta Conquest BFS, and this rod is a serious tool for me now on the water.
CASTING:
I am finding it very easy to adjust my timing to get more accurate. I have casted everything from a 1.2 gram spoon with no hook (for practice) to 4.5 gram minnow lures on the water and the action of the rod is just slow enough that I can time my release accurately, but fast enough for speedy recovery of the rod tip to rest. I really like how this rod casts. It is a joy to use on the water.
ACCURACY
The fast recovery of the rod tip makes the Glassfin rod SIGNIFICANTLY, like miles better than the Aioushi I had and loved. The rod tip recovery is VERY GOOD. Performance wise, the Aioushi is a mere toy compared to this. This is a serious rod and casts like a serious rod...I am finding that I am getting increasingly accurate with this rod and the action and recovery no doubt contributes a large part to this.
DISTANCE
For me distance is useless without accuracy with a tool like this and the bulk of my use case for this rod is for close quarters work within 40 feet. WIth a 4.5 gram lure I am now able to hit a targeted pocket some 50-60 ft away almost consistently with a sidearm cast, this I believe to be helped in large part by the nicely dialed in action of the rod, and the fast recovery of the rod tip. Close in casting is effortless to get accuracy. The softer tip of the Aioushi made under hand casting easier to time (but that rod was also FAR FAR less predictable, sometimes it would buckle), but I think with practice I will be able to gain similar proficiency and with better distance for low trajectory underhanded casts with the Glassfin.
AESTHETICS
CAVEAT: Aesthetics are a VERY VERY personal thing and do not affect the performance of the rod AT ALL. Cork work is super clean and the hardware too is clean and simple, but I would have preferred higher quality cork on this (what they used isn't poor quality either so this is a minor quibble). The metal hardware is spartan and well produced, very clean and easy to handle, but I would have preferred heavier metal and a shinier finish on them. I would have personally preferred more muted colors for the wraps for a more subtle look but that's personal taste. The reel seat could be more refined but here again - Personal taste. The spigot ferrules are well made and VERY well fitted - high quality work, with the minor minor issue of the yellow epoxy showing thru the translucent white rod blank - Does NOT affect performance or fit in any way.
SUMMARY
Well made rod with serious performance, accuracy and feel. Makes me wonder why anyone needs to spend any more money for a big dollar stream BFS rod. I am really enjoying this rod. Nicely done DANKUNG Davis....First impressions are very good! I caught 12 smallmouth bass on my first outing with this outfit with the biggest one measuring 12" and bring it in was easy. I get the feeling the rod can handle bigger fish.
Thanks for all the listening to feedback, and all your hard work on getting this rod out to market! I would recommend this to anyone who is picking this genre of fishing up looking for a rod not just as a beginner set up, but as a rod someone can grow into as they get more skilled. This is NOT a toy.
I think this is the best budget reel, I ordered it as gift to my classmate. He is a newbie to BFS, the DWU would be a good way to get the feet wet first.
Rod: DANKUNG BIOW Rod
reel: tshurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra (DWU)
line: ultra tough 5lb
leader: asuka gv 12lb
beyond my expectation! So far, I've casted 1.5g, 1.8g, and 2.5g lures in small pond here,
and it's so nice. It felt really good to cast. It's hard to describe the subtile casting experience, it's very satisfying.
Thank DANKUNG for showing the objective & negtive info at product descripion, by far, those are not big issue for me.
DanKung staff, Davis, assured me that unlike my AliExpress modified MingYang reel that came with a lot of deep scratches (the Ali vendor expects their customers to accept this and even charges a higher price), their modified MingYang reels would NOT come with scratches. Based on that I ordered a red one. DanKung was true to their word—the reel came without scratches and works well! I paired it with their Glassfin rod.
Nice rod with more backbone than the softer glass rods (Lemoren & Aioushi) offered on AliEx. Finishing is not bad except for some yellowing in the first joint—think it's the epoxy. But it's internal and not external. I bought this for fishing Peacock Bass (we don't have trout or streams here), and I caught a 2.5 pounder on first use. The cork handle I chose was a different one with three rings. Payed a little more for it. Paired the rod with a red modified MingYang also from DanKung, and I think the setup looks great. Hope to catch lots more with this setup :)
Finally hit one of my usual creek here in Malaysia with my new setup- Silver Creek rod and Kestrel reel!
I'm blown away with the reel, I have so much of an easier time casting the light stuff with it versus my Curado bfs.
I read product description above, and hesitated...now I think I've made a very good decision. Overbraked is easy to fix by adding some grease.
SHESHOU guru flatband 1mm is one of the best. Salutations PK
Just to let you know Kuying Battle Song BSS632L had landed in my hand and this time the package did not damage at all, when i toke the rod out of the bag i am very very surprised it feel high class and high quility because i thought Kuying Teton TTS-662L are very nice already, Battle Song BSS632L are even better but to be honest i can't tell any more both rod are very very nice my money are very well spent, i am very happy for sure once New Zealand fishing season comes i will surely give those rod a good try.
Here is some basic info about the fish i am targeting..
Kahawai a.k.a Mini Kingfish
Avg 40 - 50cm long Females can grow up to 60cm long
Avg 1 - 2kg can grow up to 3kg
Just to let you know the fishing rod "TTS-662L" had landed New Zealand and in my hand, its a very nice looking and feel fishing rod for sure but during the long shipping the package had some damage, but luckly the fishing rod survived without damage or broke in half. As New Zealand are at mid winter at the moment its not that i can't test the rod but going fishing in cold weather and raining at the same time is not something i want to do at all. I will surely give the fishing rod a good work out at comming summer with some of our best light tackle sport fish call "Kawaii" aka mini kingfish, Snapper one of our best eatting fish and Trevally very good for sashimi, they are salt water fish all are Fast, Strong and Hard Fighting Fish i'll surely have fun for sure.
I just received it, was well packed and waiting time was very short. Many thanks to seller for the good communication and consideration. The rod is very well made for the money and it performs exactly I was expecting.
Added on July 22:
I start my review on the Glassfin rod that I purchased, by saying that I'm more than satisfied with this product. It is exactly what I was expecting the blank is right as described moderat fast and it loads 2 gr lure with ease. I haven't got the chance to try it in trout fishing, I will next month, but I did tried it on short street fishing around my home and I managed to catch some perch and small zander. I also shared my thoughts on it with my friends and on the Facebook group called BFS BUDGET FINESSE FISHING, which is growing every day, more bfs users joining daily.
Thank you very much for this rod, keep up the good work.
Very good communication with the seller. Shipping and receiving is fast. The fishing rod was very well packed (see photo)
The fishing rod is very well made. I am very happy with my purchase. It propels fishing lures very well and has a good reserve of power for a fibreglass fishing rod. This will allow me to control the beautiful fish of my river.
Everything is perfect. Very good seller. Thanks to you and your team
I have gone through so many rods in the last few weeks, but I think this Finesse Flick casting rod is the the best match for the conquest bfs.
I mainly fish creeks and streams. Main target is trout but also enjoy catching panfish too. I have not had much time on the water with the rod yet fully give an deep opinion. The times that I have used it has been a pleasure. Flip casting with the rod seems easier and smoother. You guys are right about the rod, that a rod needs some back bone to flip cast more precise. I fully enjoy the rods that I have purchased. Craftsmanship and quality is top notch. Components are good for the price of the rods. One of the best bang for your money for this particular fishing style. I highly recommend the product and company. Thank you
I love this rod. It's just a good rod and several bucks cheap for my usual budget,
It is very light and comfy in hand (I have a little smaller hands than averaged size) , very sensitive for the length, and very nice to cast.
What I love it the most is the slight curve on the handle, so comfortable. I couldn't help gripping it casually even when I was at home.
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