2025 Daiwa Alphas BF TW Unboxing: First Impressions

Hey there, fellow anglers! Aaron Hunt here from Aaron Hunt Fishing. Today, I’m excited to share my first impressions of the much-anticipated 2025 Daiwa Alphas BF TW. If you’ve been following my channel, you know I’m always on the lookout for the latest bait finesse (BFS) reels to add to my collection. So, how does this new reel stack up? Let’s dive in.

Unboxing the Alphas BF TW

Daiwa always does a solid job with their packaging, and the Alphas BF TW is no exception. The reel comes neatly wrapped in a protective bag—a touch nicer than what I remember from some of their earlier models. First impressions? Pretty solid! The matte black finish with red accents gives it a sleek, modern look. It’s a reel that’s going to look fantastic paired with one of my Hunt BFS rods.

Key Features and Specs

Here are some standout features of the Alphas BF TW:

• Aluminum Alloy Frame: Lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for finesse fishing.
• SS Magforce Braking System: A reliable upgrade designed for more consistent casting.
• Tournament Drag System: Co-designed with KTF, this drag system promises smoother performance.
• Larger Spool Diameter: At 30mm (compared to the usual 28mm), it’s built for versatility.
• Clicking Drag Star: A satisfying upgrade for precise adjustments.

With a gear ratio of 8.5:1, the Alphas BF TW feels fast and responsive. Everything about this reel—from the drag clicker to the thumb bar engagement—screams quality.

Comparing to Other Daiwa Reels

Naturally, I had to compare the Alphas BF TW to some of my other favorite BFS reels:

• Gekkabijin: While the Gekkabijin boasts a shinier finish and some beautiful accents, the Alphas BF TW’s matte black look has its own charm. The Gekkabijin is one of my longest-casting reels, so I’m curious to see how the Alphas measures up.
• Silver Creek: The braking system on the Silver Creek is designed for consistency, and the Alphas BF TW seems to follow that same philosophy. The fixed rotor design is a big change, and I’m eager to see if it enhances casting accuracy.

Performance Expectations

One major upgrade with the Alphas BF TW is the braking system. Unlike previous models, this reel’s brake design is harder to adjust—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Accidental adjustments while fishing can be frustrating, so a more secure system is a welcome change.

The spool tension adjustment is another area where Daiwa has made some tweaks. While it’s a bit harder to access, the reel is reportedly pre-adjusted from the factory. This might save me some setup time, but I’ll know for sure once I’ve tested it on the water.

It does come with a special wrench in case you need or want to adjust the spool tension.

Weight and Handling

At 166 grams, the Alphas BF TW is slightly heavier than some other BFS reels in my arsenal, like the Silver Feather and Flight Feather. However, the weight adds a feeling of sturdiness that I appreciate. The reel feels incredibly solid in hand, with no unnecessary play in the drive system or handle.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Daiwa Alphas BF TW has already earned a spot on my Hunt BFS rod lineup. It’s not perfect—the drag clicker has a sharper, more metallic sound compared to the Silver Creek, and the spool tension adjustment could be easier—but overall, it’s an impressive reel. For $243 (on sale from Digitaka), it’s a solid investment for any BFS enthusiast.

I’ll be putting this reel through its paces this spring, so stay tuned for a full performance review. If you’re considering adding the Alphas BF TW to your collection, I’d say it’s worth a look. Until then, tight lines and happy fishing!

Looking for more gear reviews and fishing tips? Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Aaron Hunt Fishing, and join me on my BFS adventures. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you’ve tried the Alphas BF TW or have questions about it. Let’s talk fishing!