Hello!
This is Kamimura from Hitotoki Works.
I usually use a Calcutta Conquest BFS reel for mountain stream lure fishing.
Personally, I prefer round reels!!
I definitely prefer using round reels even if they are heavy! (^^)!
Introducing Isuzu Industry's BC421SSS!!
We have finally introduced the Isuzu BC421SSS, which has been hard to come by recently!
Actually, I have owned one in the past, so I would like to explain about it, including my past experience of using it.
Isuzu Kogyo is Japan's oldest traditional reel manufacturer.
This is a long-established reel manufacturer founded in 1949, and they release traditional made-in-Japan reels that are similar to the Ambassador and are designed to suit Japanese tastes.
In recent years, as mountain stream lure fishing has shifted from spinning to bait, the demand for traditional reels has increased and they have become difficult to obtain.
Isuzu reels that are perfect for mountain stream lure fishing
The 420 (right-handed) and 421 (left-handed) series are the smallest models in Isuzu's reels, weighing just 230g, making them the perfect size for mountain streams.
The drag force is only 2kg, so it is not suitable for large fish, but it is no problem if you are fishing in mountain streams targeting fish of about 30cm.
The gear ratio is 5.1:1, which is a fairly low gear.
Personally, I would like it to be around 7, but that is the fate of traditional reels, so I have no choice but to be patient...
It is also essential to replace the spool with an Avail micro spool!
With a normal spool, it is impossible to cast a lightweight lure.
I think it comes down to a question of whether to prioritize functionality or design.
ANTIQUE 2 TONE
The color is an antique two-tone that is perfectly suited to my trendy taste.
The frame, star drag, handle knob, and handle nut cover are black parts, and the rest is silver.
The contrast between black and silver is cool!
BRH BLUE GRAY
I'm introducing two at once.
I fell in love at first sight with the calm, cool blue-grey color.
This color appears to be a reverse-imported model, and is quite expensive at 60,000 yen (excluding tax) compared to the regular model's 48,500 yen (excluding tax).
The frame and handle knobs are the only black parts, giving the bike a calm look despite the blue-gray color being prominent.
Equipped with Avail Microcast Spool BC4227R2
Since spool replacement is necessary, it costs extra...
Bought black and gunmetal.
The [27] at the end of 4227 indicates that the spool groove depth is 2.7 mm.
There is also a shallow spool called 4215 with a spool groove depth of 1.5mm, which has a line capacity of 35m at 4lb.
However, it is extremely light at only 8.6g, so it looks like it will be easy to cast such a lightweight lure!
I was considering the 4215, but I was worried about having to change the line more frequently and how it would work when targeting larger fish.
The 4227 has a line capacity of 6lb and is 55m long, and its weight is fairly light at 9.3g, so I chose the safe option that I could use with confidence.
When actually measured, it weighed 9.2g, and although there may be some product error, it felt quite light when I held it!
That's to be expected.
The original spool is quite heavy at 22.7g.
The spool alone is 13.5g lighter!
[ANTIQUE 2 TONE] comes with a black spool.
[BRH Blue Gray] is equipped with a gunmetal spool.
Isuzu's blue-gray and Avail's gunmetal were almost the same color!
Now you can cast lightweight lures without stress.
Because it is designed to be lightweight rather than strong, there is a risk that the spool may become deformed if you put too much strain on it by holding down and pulling it when it gets snagged on a rock.
Differences from Calcutta Conquest BFS
Although it may not be right to compare them, there is a big difference in functionality between cutting-edge round reels and round reels that have remained almost unchanged since the company's founding.
It would be endless to list all the details, so I will only introduce the major differences.
Part 1: Gear ratio is important for mountain stream lures
High-speed gear specifications are preferred for mountain stream lure fishing.
This is a special type of fishing that involves fishing in fast currents, so a reel that can reel in at a speed that can keep up with the current is easy to use.
The Conquest BFS has a gear ratio of 6.8 and the winding length per turn of the handle is 68 cm.
In contrast, the Isuzu BC421 has a gear ratio of 5.1, so the winding length per rotation is probably less than 60 cm.
I'd like to think that the gear ratio could be at least 6, but I guess that would be difficult with a design that doesn't have a dedicated gear house.
Number 2: The stopper is a cam stopper
There is a grooved gear-like plate next to the main gear, and a cam-type stopper mechanism on top of it that catches and stops the rotation when it is reversed.
This is an old-fashioned stopper, but its disadvantage is that it has a large amount of play.
The Conquest BFS has a one-way clutch mechanism, which is now standard, so there is no play, and it may feel stressful if you are not used to it.
You need to have the positivity and peace of mind to see this "play" as a good thing.
3. The clutch is on the frame
Since the clutch is located on the frame so that it cannot be pushed with just the right hand, you will need help from your left hand when casting.
I think this is something that can be solved by getting used to it.
It may feel stressful at first, but as you use it, you will probably find it less stressful.
Sometimes, if I use the latest reel, I feel stressed again, so I need the courage to not use the latest reel.
Part 4: Handle length
The Calcutta Conquest has a long handle design with a center-to-center distance of 84 cm.
On the other hand, Isuzu BC421 has a center distance of 65 centimeters.
Since I'm used to 84cm, it feels a little short.
I'm thinking about replacing the handlebars, but I'm on a budget.
Part 5: Lowepro design
I have ended up writing only about the bad parts of the Isuzushi reel, but the only part that it has in common with the latest reels is the body height.
Compared to Ambassador's classic reels, the reel foot is located as close as possible to the spool, making it a very low-profile design.
The Conquest BFS is also a very limited design, but it has a similar low body and is a reel with good tackle balance even without the use of a heavy offset handle.
Brake settings
Only two of the micro cast spool brakes were turned on.
I cast a 3g lure in the garden and adjusted it, and it seems to be fine as is.
It may be possible to use it with only one turned on, but I think it may be prone to backlash when casting long distances.
Although it is inferior in most respects in terms of functionality, I think it has a unique coolness that makes up for that.
I believe this reel is a product of Japan's proud technology and excellent design that should be preserved.
Recently, the manufacturer has had to transfer its business due to deteriorating management, but it is still a wonderful manufacturer that should never be lost from the fishing industry.
Although Hitotoki Works has no dealings with this manufacturer, as a regular user I would like to continue spreading the word about the quality of Isuzushi Kogyo reels.