Should a BEGINNER buy The Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S? A BFS Reel Review

Hey there! It’s a beautiful day for fishing, but I couldn’t wait to get outside and talk about one of my favorite bait finesse (BFS) reels—the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S. I own two of these reels, and they have been game-changers in my fishing journey. If you’re thinking about getting into BFS fishing on a budget, this reel might just be the perfect choice for you.

Why the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S?

When I started exploring bait finesse fishing, I wanted a reel that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered great performance. After trying out several reels priced under $250, the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S stood out. It competes with, and in many ways outperforms, more expensive reels.

Performance and Upgrades

I first heard about this reel from Paul Gaskell’s YouTube channel and blog, Fishing Discoveries. One thing that caught my attention was his note on it being under-braked. Since I’m not an expert caster and prone to backlashes, I decided to upgrade the magnets. It was a simple fix that cost me around $11-$17, including shipping. This minor adjustment transformed the reel’s performance, making it comparable to higher-end models like the Daiwa Alphas Air TW.

Edit: Current product Dark Wolf Ultra reels are not under-braked. This modification is no longer needed.

Key Features

• Lightweight and Comfortable: The reel is incredibly lightweight, which makes it comfortable for long fishing sessions.
• Smooth Operation: Even without upgrading the bearings, the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra is smooth and efficient. I’ve used it with budget braided line like Kingdom Micro Fly, and it casts very lightweight lures with ease.
• Cold Weather Friendly: Its composite body makes it more comfortable to handle in cold weather compared to metal-bodied reels like the Daiwa Alphas Air TW.
• Clicking Drag: One of my favorite features is the clicking drag. It lets me know when a fish is pulling the drag, which is crucial for successfully landing bigger catches.

Real-World Performance

This reel has become my go-to for budget bait finesse fishing. I caught my first BFS fish, my personal best rainbow trout, and my first golden rainbow with the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra. Every fishing trip with this reel has been successful, making it a reliable companion on the water.

Often the Soloking / Doviello Acura can be had for less, and it performs similarly. But there’s just something about the Dark Wolf Ultra that continues to make me choose it over other budget reels.

Comparing to Daiwa Alphas Air TW

In my experience, the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra outperforms the much more expensive Daiwa Alphas Air TW in several ways:

• Casting Distance and Smoothness: It casts smoother and feels better in hand, allowing for more accurate and effortless casts.
• Cold Weather Handling: The composite body is less affected by cold weather, making it more comfortable to use.
• Cost Efficiency: For less than $100, this reel offers incredible value. You can often find it for around $71 on AliExpress, though prices may vary depending on the seller and shipping options.

This has made the Alphas Air one of the most over-rated reels in my opinion. there are just so many better options – including other Daiwa Reels.

Durability Concerns

One potential downside is the uncertainty about the reel’s long-term durability. Will it still perform as well after a year of frequent use? Only time will tell. However, given its performance so far, I’m optimistic.

Update: two and a half years in, and the reel is performing great. I’ve run Daiwa J-Braid, Sunline Siglon ADV, and even Varivas Twitch Master Nylon with great success.

Conclusion

If you’re a beginner considering getting into bait finesse fishing and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra KF50S is a fantastic choice. It’s affordable, performs exceptionally well, and has features that make it user-friendly and efficient. I’ve enjoyed every moment with this reel and can’t recommend it enough.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether the Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra is worth it, my answer is a resounding yes. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself hooked on BFS fishing, just like I did.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time—probably on the water!

Tight lines,
Aaron