Tsurinoya Genius BFS Reel Review: 6 Month Review

Hey there, fellow anglers! Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the Tsurinoya Genius BFS reel, a budget-friendly option that’s been making waves in the fishing community.

My perspective on the TSU Genius Reel is influenced by owning dozens of BFS reels over the last few years. Does it hold up against the best reels money can buy like the Shimano Aldebaran or the Daiwa Gekkabijin? No. But it’s a fraction of the cost. So if you’re looking for an affordable reel with impressive features, keep reading!

Why I Chose the Tsurinoya Genius BFS Reel

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the Tsurinoya Genius is because it’s a clone of the Dark Wolf Ultra. The Dark Wolf Ultra is pretty much the “OG” of budget BFS reels from China in my opinion. The genius includes an updated mag-trax style version of the brakes and an 8.1:1 gear ratio, which is perfect for my trout fishing adventures in shallow streams. I love fast ratios for quickly navigating through water and enticing fish that prefer fast-moving baits.

Opinion after 6 months

After using the Tsurinoya Genius for six months, I can say it has its pros and cons. The reel’s performance has been somewhat inconsistent, which is a common issue with many budget reels from AliExpress. Variations in manufacturing tolerances can lead to differences in how each reel feels and performs. My Genius doesn’t feel as smooth as some higher-end models, like my Kingdom Micro Monster, despite sharing many of the same components.

Performance Insights

When it comes to casting accuracy, I’ve noticed some inconsistency. It is particularly evident when trout fishing, where precise casts are crucial. Occasionally, the Tsurinoya Genius would cast several feet longer or shorter than intended, which can be frustrating and potentially ruin a good fishing spot.

On a positive note, the reel has held up well under pressure. It successfully handled my largest fish of the year, a decent-sized carp, demonstrating its capability to perform when it counts. The clicking drag and spool tension adjustment are nice features, although the reel doesn’t cast as far as consistently as I would like.

Aesthetic and Build Quality

The Tsurinoya Genius BFS Reel comes in a subtle blue finish. While it’s not as flashy as the metallic flake finishes of some premium reels, it’s still visually appealing. But, in many ways I appreciate the slightly understated looks of the darker blue finish.

The build quality feels solid, and the reel includes a nicely ported spool. However, it lacks the option for a deeper spool, which is a slight drawback. But honestly, how often are you swapping out spools anyways? For me, the answer is “almost never.” For most folks it’s a cool selling feature that they rarely use. Kind of like a lot of the lures we buy…

Price and Value

The Genius is often priced around $70 on AliExpress, but it often goes on sale during things like the 11-11 sale, or the Summer Sale. It offers great value for money on sale. It’s an excellent entry point for those new to bait finesse systems.

While it doesn’t match the performance of $200+ reels, it bridges the gap between budget and high-end options, making it a worthwhile consideration. But, if it’s proceed above 70, maybe something like the Doviello Acura is a better choice.

Here’s my video review from while back.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly reel, the Tsurinoya Genius BFS reel is a strong contender. It’s ideal as an entry-level or backup reel and perfect for those who want to experiment with different products without breaking the bank. While it has its quirks, it offers solid performance for its price.

I’m looking forward to trying more products from Tsurinoya, including their rods, to see how they stack up. For now, the Genius remains a fun and functional option for any budget BFS fishing gear lineup.

To see the combos that I’m currently fishing, check out this blog post.

Thanks for reading, and tight lines!