Major Craft First Cast (2026): Every Model and Which Beginner Rod to Buy
minagiman
Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Abu Garcia Zenon Core BF7 and HS8: A 164 g All-Round Baitcaster With MAGTRAX III
minagiman
Abu Garcia has added two models to its all-round baitcaster, the Zenon Core: the BF7 and the HS8. It uses lots of carbon parts to stay light while being strong and durable, and an ergonomic design makes it easier to hold and operate.
What is the Zenon Core?
The Zenon Core is the standard model of Abu Garcia’s Zenon series, carrying over technology from the higher models. It weighs just 164 g with a 32 mm spool, and has an aluminium frame, so it is tough enough for saltwater.
- BF7: 8 lb–100 m capacity, 7.5:1. For shallow water and saltwater bait finesse
- HS8: 14 lb–100 m, 8.3:1, a deep-spool high-gear model for flipping cover and mid-weight swimbaits
Key features
- Ergonomic design: much better palming, and asymmetric side plates that prevent accidental clutch-bar presses
- Pinion support structure: better winding efficiency and gear feel
- Carbon Matrix drag washers with a clicker, so you can hear how fast line is going out
- MAGTRAX III brake: helps prevent backlash
- Hollow paddle knobs: small hollow knobs on the BF7 for delicate winding, large ones on the HS8 for fighting big fish
Specs
| Model | Weight | Gear ratio | Retrieve per turn | Max drag | Bearings | Line capacity | Price in Japan (ex. tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenon Core HS8 / HS8-L | 164 g | 8.3:1 | 83 cm | 7 kg | 7+1 | 14 lb (0.310 mm)-100 m / PE 3-90 m | ¥39,800 |
| Zenon Core BF7 / BF7-L | 164 g | 7.5:1 | 75 cm | 7 kg | 7+1 | 8 lb (0.235 mm)-100 m / PE 1-150 m | ¥39,800 |
“-L” models are left-hand.
Which one?
- BF7: light lures, shallow water, and saltwater bait finesse such as rockfish and light game
- HS8: heavier line, cover fishing, and mid-weight swimbaits where fast pick-up matters
My take
Durability and low weight matter, but so does how a reel feels in your hand. With an ergonomic design and well-thought-out knobs, the Zenon Core makes it easier to feel and use the reel’s performance. If you want one versatile baitcaster, it is worth a look.
Read next
ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
