Seigler BFN Fly Reel Review
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The BFN (Big Fly Narrow) fly reel from Seigler is the latest iteration of the BF (Big Fly) reel, which has been a popular big-game offering from Seigler over the past year. The BFN combines the BF’s large arbor design with a narrower spool width, resulting in extremely quick line pickup. Additionally, Seigler’s lever drag system is a unique alternative to traditional drag knobs, which many anglers will find easier to use. Overall, this is a compelling USA-made package, primarily designed for saltwater flats anglers. Read on to learn more about the Seigler BFN in our full review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High performance! Powerful drag and quick line pickup.
- Excellent ergonomics. Unique lever-drag and a big, wide handle
- Overall a unique design and very high on the “cool factor”
Cons
- Expensive at $1,500!
- The incoming sound is silent, and the outgoing sound is underwhelming
- Heavy. If you need a lightweight reel, there are lighter options.
- Changing spools is not an easy task, and is probably best done the night before
Who It’s For
The Seigler BFN is a high-performance big-game reel for anglers who need lots of drag and quick line pickup. It features excellent ergonomics for those who prioritize details like a user-friendly drag knob (or, in this case, a lever), and a big reel handle.
There are better options than this reel for anglers who need to make quick spool changes on the water. Removing the spool takes more than simply pushing a release button, making it a cumbersome chore. Also, the BFN’s drag isn’t advertised as being completely sealed, so anglers who are undisciplined about rinsing their reels may want to choose a reel with a sealed drag.
Weight
Although the Seigler BFN isn’t quite as heavy as a Mako, it's a heavyweight in the big-game category at 10.2 ounces. If choosing a lightweight reel is important to you, consider looking elsewhere.
Drag
The BFN features Seigler’s distinctive lever-drag system, making it one of the most unique drags on the market. We estimate this drag to have at least 10 pounds of stopping power at the maximum setting, which is more than enough to slow down any big-game species in fresh or saltwater. The lever turns about 1/3 of a revolution from minimum to maximum drag; this may not seem significant, but it makes it very easy to dial in the desired amount of pressure. The drag isn’t advertised as being completely sealed, so you’ll want to make sure you thoroughly rinse it after every use in saltwater.
Sound
The incoming sound on the BFN is nonexistent, which we don’t love but some anglers may prefer. The outgoing, however, produces a decently audible click, although not as loud as the XBF. We prefer louder drags and the BFN left a lot to be desired, but drag sound is subjective and you may prefer a quiet drag.
Spool & Cage Design
Seigler has created a very clever spool for the BFN, featuring a ‘stepped’ arbor that allows for increased backing capacity without sacrificing line pickup. We measured a maximum diameter of 4.2 inches, a width of 0.9 inches, the smaller stepped arbor at 2.2 inches, and the larger stepped arbor at 2.95 inches. These specs result in about 12 inches of line pickup per turn, which is fantastic for saltwater fishing applications. Although the steps make calculating backing capacity a little tricky, we estimate about 300 yards of 40lb PowerPro braid with an 11wt line. The only downside, however, is these spools are quite difficult to remove. Therefore, any spool changes would likely need to be done off the water.
The BFN features a full-frame cage with large porting. This is a durable cage that will withstand years of abuse, and we appreciate the full frame which is less common for saltwater reels.
Looks & Ergonomics
Seigler reels are immediately recognizable because of their lever drag, and we like their overall aesthetic. Available in black or silver with optional accent colors, the BFN is fully machined and anodized, so it will continue to look and perform well for many years.
Ergonomically, the BFN is one of our favorite big game reels on the market today. The drag lever is large and incredibly intuitive, and the reel handle is wide and easy to grip. Finally, a reel handle that is big enough for saltwater flats fishing!
Warranty
Value
Price: $1,500.00
The Seigler BFN is a USA-made premium big game reel, so it's no surprise that it costs well over $1,000. That being said, is it worth the high price tag? That all depends on what you find important in a big game reel. On one hand, the BFN delivers incredible line pickup and drag performance, with excellent ergonomics. On the other hand, it’s not a featherweight and its drag isn’t completely sealed. We believe the benefits of the BFN outweigh its drawbacks. Additionally, we appreciate supporting a small USA-based business that offers a great product with a lifetime warranty as of 2024.
Conclusion
Overall, the Seigler BFN is a high-performance beast with clever design elements and made in the USA. We appreciate the spool’s narrow width and large arbor, which result in blistering quick line retrieval. Additionally, the BFN’s lever drag system is powerful and ergonomically functional. And while there are a few things about the BFN we don’t love, like the spool release and the sound, we still think it's a great big game reel for anglers in the market for a premium large arbor reel.
If you have questions about the Seigler BFN, give us a call at 888-413-5211, or shoot us an email at [email protected], and our team will be happy to help you decide if this is the right reel for you.
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