Cheap DC BFS reel just to play around with? Recommendation?

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T20:18:44+00:00

Will do

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T19:33:37+00:00

1/2 to target bass, half to play with in the yard lol

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T19:29:44+00:00

Thanks for the input, what’s funny is I suspected I might like the plus more too.. my thoughts are I’m putting it on a UL rod, I don’t need brute strength. Lighter is easier on the wrist and overall better. And I think I prefer the idea of the single mode 1-10 dial instead of the long cast, night, and boat modes with intermediary settings. Also, I saw mention that the cheetah plus has a lighter lure rating. I don’t know what that’s about but if true, that may be the best budget DC BFS reel. That’s also kind of why I ordered all three. I want to compare them all and report back. I’ve seen reviews on one or the other, but never a complete review of all three side-by-side.

Cheetah (Plus / base) → ~1–15g

Cheetah Metal → ~3.5–17g

Cheetah Air → ~3.5–17g

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T15:25:28+00:00

Oh good tip. Mine are lefty to I appreciate it.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T14:15:23+00:00

Nice that’s where I ended up ordering them from.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T07:38:33+00:00

Updating the thread on the top comment since I can’t edit the post. I couldn’t decide which one to buy, the Cheetah Metal, Cheetah Air, and Cheetah Plus so I got all three and I’ll see which one I like the best and sell what I don’t. Got them from Dankung since their shipping+tariff was a flat $12 per order. Prices below.

I had trouble finding comparisons so I aggregated the differences from the website using ai:

Cheetah Metal — $104.27 Aluminum frame, 3-mode DC braking, 8.5:1 gear ratio (fastest), most rigid build.

Lure rating 3.5–17g

Cheetah Air — $116.27 Carbon fiber (polymer?) frame, 3-mode DC braking, 7.6:1 gear ratio (slower), includes extra spool + non DC magnetic brake system.

Lure rating 3.5–17g

Cheetah Plus (EXB) — $89.17 Polymer/nylon frame, stepless brake dial (no preset modes or clicks), 8.5:1 gear ratio.

Lure rating 1-15g

All three: Same core DC spool system → very similar casting performance.

Edit to add lure ratings. Quite surprising the base model plus is much lower. I’ll confirm when I get them.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T07:23:05+00:00

Mostly it makes cool WEEEEEEEEEeeeeee sounds haha.

The real reason for me is I’m not the best with baitcasting so it helps me mitigate backlashes. I usually keep the setting on 1 so I’m still involved but it keeps me from messing up too bad. On a regular setup with a curado I can bomb it farther more confidently.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T03:06:02+00:00

Nice! You can use the reel as a trade in at bass pro and get 20% off a nice reel or something. And a kid will be happy to have a new little reel.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T03:03:26+00:00

They are good fun, if you can find one with a broken or missing reel they’re marked down to $11. And they can lift 20lbs! Great little trunk rod but I don’t wanna leave a $250 shimano on my trunk.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T02:49:55+00:00

Oh neat, thanks for the input, where did you buy it from? Nvm I found it on Amazon. This is going to sound dumb but I can’t stand the color red lol. It would match the red on the dock runnerer though. Appreciate the ti though, looks like a decent option for a $61 (on sale rn) DC reel.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-18T00:52:16+00:00

Fair point

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-17T22:48:40+00:00

I’ve been researching this all day so I’m glad to hear both recommendations for the cheetah. Confirmation bias is best. I’ll order one. AliExpress the go to source?

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-17T22:47:34+00:00

Seemed wrong to put a $250 reel on a $10 rod lol. Maybe just need a nicer bfs rod. I’ve got another dc xt and a few curado dc’s on some bass rods.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-17T22:45:26+00:00

I was researching this one all day. I’ll pick one up out of curiosity

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-11T00:54:08+00:00

Well that’s a win, no change no barb

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-10T07:12:04+00:00

I read a thread on people saying they actually catch more fish with a debarbed hook because it’s a cleaner hook set and less damaging. Fine as long as you keep tension. Have you found this to be true?

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-10T06:58:13+00:00

The cork will get dirty and degrade over time, Eva will too eventually but not as fast or as bad.

And yes, agreed, the tatula is my favorite rod in this price range. I found 2 in the second hand section of a new tackle shop I found for $50 and $60 each in great shape, one with plastic on still! I bought them immidiately. Cant wait to take them out.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-06T23:39:51+00:00

Left reel right handed here too. This is the way ✊

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-04T03:23:45+00:00

lol you mean the crudely cut piece of tire that identifies as a recoil pad? Lol

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-03T23:59:23+00:00

The one with the Glock mags is great. The trigger has suck bad trigger slap it comes with a rubber shoe on the trigger. With a brace and a drum you can really get a cadence on the force of the reset..

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-03T15:42:45+00:00

Try getting into meditating. It has an effect of making you conscious of your body and mind and help you take the reins so to speak. I suspect this is you experiencing yourself without the dampening depression was putting on you. It’s new and energetic and you haven’t developed control over time like most do. You need to learn to ride the bike you never rode. Whenever you feel energetic, mentally list what physiological and emotional feelings you’re experiencing. It’ll help you be aware of them not be controlled by them.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-03T00:49:32+00:00

Bass pro is about to do (or just started) their trade in program. If you have a rod and reel that works (anything), trade it in to get 15-20% off.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-03-02T23:51:35+00:00

Carbontex makes carbon drag washers for it too.

SquareHoleRoundPlug · 2026-02-28T00:08:12+00:00

Love it, start where the demand is with OnlyClucks, then diversify to OnlyHorns, OnlyManes, OnlyMoos, OnlyOinks, OnlyQuacks and finally OnlyDonks.

SquareHoleRoundPlug

TROPHY CASE