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Compatible Reels for 7x4 or 8x5 Baitcaster Cranks
Your baitcaster needs either 7×4 mm or 8×5 mm – depending on the model.
Search below for your reel or use "Search in page" to find it directly.
7×4 mm Bore
Shimano (7×4 mm)
- Aldebaran (BFS / MGL / Limited – depending on version)
- Antares (e.g. 16 DC, 18 DC MD)
- Bantam MGL
- Barchetta (CI4+, BB – depending on size)
- Bass One / Bass Rise
- Brennius
- Calcutta B
- Calcutta Conquest 100 / 200
- Calcutta Conquest BFS
- Cardiff 200 / 300 / 400
- Casitas MGL 100
- Chronarch MGL 150 / Chronarch CI4+ 150
- Citica 200
- Corvalus 200 / 300 / 400
- Curado BFS
- Curado 200K / 200E / 300E / 300EJ
- Curado DC / Curado K
- Engetsu (BB / CT / Premium – depending on version)
- Exsence DC (SS / XG)
- Genpu
- Grappler (CT / BB)
- Metanium (DC / MGL)
- Ocea Calcutta 200
- Ocea Conquest CT 200 / Limited 200
- Scorpion (BFS / DC / MGL / 70 / 200)
- SLX (DC / XT / MGL – e.g. 70/71)
- Stile
- Tranx 100 / 200
13 Fishing (7×4 mm)
- All Models
Okuma
- Komodo (Shimano-compatible – 7×4 mm)
8×5 mm Bore
Shimano (8×5 mm – larger models)
- Beastmaster
- Calcutta Conquest 300 / 400
- Calcutta Conquest Type J 300
- Curado 300K / 300DHSV
- Ocea Jigger
- TLD 5 / 10 / 15
- Tekota
- Torium
- Tranx 300 / 400 / 500
Daiwa (8×5 mm)
- Lexa (all)
- Air Stream Custom
- Catalina / Catalina BJ 100 / 200
- Coastal TW / SV TW
- Ryoga
- Saltiga / Saltiga BJ
- Saltist / Saltiga Star Drag
- Seaborg
- Seagate
- Sealine
- SS Air
- Steez (Limited / SV TW / 100H)
- Tatula Elite / Tatula SV TW
- Zillion (SV TW / TW)
- Daiwa Z 202
- Fuego CT
- Millionaire Series
- Spartan TW
- Tana Sensor
- Vadel Bay Jigging
Abu Garcia (8×5 mm)
- Ambassadeur 5500 / 6500
- Black Max
- Revo Series (SX / Rocket / Winch / Beast)
- Silver Max
- Zata
Lew's & Quantum (8×5 mm)
- All Models
Penn (8×5 mm)
- Fathom Low Profile 200 / 300
- Squall Lever Drag
- Squall Low Profile 200 / 300
Measure Baitcaster Crankshaft Yourself
FAQ: Which shaft bore (7×4 mm / 8×5 mm) do I need for my baitcaster reel handle?
Your reel is not on the compatibility list? No worries – just quickly measure the shaft yourself. The crucial factor is the shape/size of the crankshaft (shaft) onto which the handle is mounted. The common sizes are 7×4 mm and 8×5 mm.
Tip: Image shows the difference between 7×4 mm and 8×5 mm.
What you need
- Caliper (digital or analog). In a pinch, a ruler will do – but a caliper is much more accurate.
- Optional: a cloth to prevent small parts from rolling away (ball bearings love adventures).
How to measure correctly (in 60 seconds)
- Remove the handle: Remove the cap, loosen the locknut/screw, and pull off the handle.
- Important: Do not measure the nut/locknut, but the crankshaft (shaft) onto which the handle is mounted.
- Measure width (first number): Place the caliper at the widest point of the shaft (usually “flat to flat”) and read the value. This is usually 7 mm or 8 mm.
- Measure height/second side (second number): Rotate the caliper 90° and measure the narrower side. This is usually 4 mm or 5 mm.
-
Assign result:
≈ 7 mm & ≈ 4 mm → you need 7×4 mm
≈ 8 mm & ≈ 5 mm → you need 8×5 mm
Quick check if you’re unsure
- Measure 2–3 times (it’s easy to measure “crooked” once – happens to everyone).
- Values very close? Small deviations (e.g., 7.0–7.2) can be normal depending on the measuring point.
- If it’s not clearly 7×4 or 8×5: take a photo of the shaft + caliper display and contact us.
Quick reminder: You measure the shaft, not the nut – and you need two values at the end: width × height = 7×4 mm or 8×5 mm.
Guide: Which Baitcaster Reel Handle Suits You?
Which crank fits your setup?
Choosing the right baitcaster crank (handle) affects torque, speed, comfort, and control. Length, handle material, and knob size directly influence the fishing feel – especially during longer sessions or with lures that have a lot of resistance. This guide helps you understand the differences and find a suitable combination.
1. The right length – understanding leverage
The length of the crank determines the torque: the longer the crank, the more leverage.
70–85 mm – Compact & direct
Suitable for:
- BFS & Finesse
- Light lures
- Technical lure control (twitching, topwater)
Features:
- Quick response
- Direct feedback
- Ideal for smaller baitcaster reels
90–100 mm – The allround range
Suitable for:
- Jigging
- Crankbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Universal applications
Features:
- Good balance of power & speed
- Pleasant handling
- Fits most setups
105–120 mm – More leverage, more control
Suitable for:
- Big Baits
- Large hardbaits with strong action
- Pike setups
- 300 size reels and larger
Features:
- Higher torque
- Less effort when reeling in
- Noticeable relief with heavy lures
2. Handle material – weight & stability
Carbon Handle
- Very light
- High stiffness
- Supports a balanced balance
Ideal for weight-optimized or finesse-oriented setups.
Aluminum Handle
- Stable and durable
- Corrosion resistant
- Precisely CNC machined
Aluminum is the versatile standard in baitcaster tuning.
3. Knob size – The contact point to the reel
Knob size is usually given by the diameter at the thickest point.
18–22 mm – Small Knobs
- Very direct feel
- High control with light lures
- Ideal for smaller reels
22–27 mm – Medium Knobs
- Good mix of comfort & control
- For allround applications
- Comfortable for longer sessions
Over 27 mm – Large Knobs
- More grip area
- More control under strong resistance
- Relieves strain in big bait setups
4. Knob material – differences in grip feel
EVA
- Very light
- Non-slip
- Weather resistant
Rubber
- High grip
- Very controllable when wet
- Comfortable during the fight
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- Soft, pleasant surface
- Good damping
- High comfort
Cork
- Natural feeling
- Very light
- Warm in the hand
Wood
- Individual look
- Natural feeling
- Slightly firmer than EVA or TPE
Carbon
- Very light
- Modern design
- Direct, firm feedback
Aluminum
- Very robust
- Precisely manufactured
- Cool, direct grip feel
- Especially durable
5. Check compatibility
Before deciding on length or knobs, check the axle bore of your reel:
- Shimano → mostly 7×4 mm
- Daiwa & Abu Garcia → mostly 8×5 mm
If your reel is not listed, you can measure the axle bore yourself with a caliper.
Brief summary
| Use | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Finesse | 70–85 mm + 18–22 mm Knobs + Carbon |
| Allround | 90–100 mm + 22–27 mm Knobs + Aluminum |
| Big Baits | 105–120 mm + large Knobs |
| Save weight | Carbon Handle |
| Durability | Aluminum Handle + larger Knobs |
Maktub Axis Handle MAH-90 with 20 mm EVA Knobs
Maktub Axis Handle MAH-90 with 20 mm EVA Knobs
Maktub MAH-90: Custom Power Handle from Japan for your Baitcaster
If you’ve ever had a really good custom crank on your reel, you know what I mean. Every turn feels smoother, the hookset is immediate, and during the fight, the reel finally works with you instead of against you.
That’s exactly what the Maktub MAH-90 is for. Directly from Japan, CNC-machined by hand, with the typical Maktub standard: uncompromising craftsmanship, technically well thought out, visually a statement on your reel.
Why the MAH-90?
The standard cranks that come factory-installed on Curado, Tatula, or similar reels are okay. Nothing more. They bend slightly on the hookset, you always feel a bit of play during the fight, and the original knobs often feel more awkward than comfortable in your hand.
The MAH-90 solves exactly these three issues:
- Stiffness without compromise. The handle is machined from super-duralumin, the material used in aircraft construction. That means: nothing bends, nothing wobbles, every movement transfers 1:1 to the Spool.
- More leverage when cranking. 90 mm length gives you noticeably more power, especially when a big pike or catfish is fighting against you.
- EVA knobs with real grip. 20 mm thick, grippy even with wet or cold hands. No more slipping on the hookset.
Which reel is it made for?
Just choose the right bore size, and you’re good to go:
7x4 mm for Shimano: Curado, Curado DC, Metanium, SLX, Antares, Bantam, Scorpion, Chronarch. If your Shimano baitcaster has a 7x4 bore, it fits. The exception is the really big bodies like Calcutta Conquest 300/400 or Tranx, which need the Daiwa version.
8x5 mm for Daiwa, Abu, Quantum: Tatula, Steez, Zillion TW, Ryoga, T3, Alphas, but also Abu Garcia Revo, MGX, Toro, and Quantum Smoke. If you have a Daiwa, it’s usually this version.
Where will you notice the difference the most?
Honestly: If you’re casting light trout spinners with a BFS combo, you don’t need the MAH-90. But as soon as you’re working with serious pressure, it shines.
- Pike with gliders and swimbaits. When the lure is heavy and the hookset window is short, you want every millisecond of directness.
- Catfish combos with big soft plastics. When pumping from deep, every bit of stiffness pays off immediately.
- Zander in the current. When you’re jigging against the flow and the bite is barely noticeable, the handle gives you the feedback the original crank swallows.
- Perch with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Smooth cranking for hours without your hand getting tired.
- Trout with hardbaits (except BFS models). The grip makes all the difference during fast twitching.
What you should know before ordering
The swap is easy. Remove the original crank by loosening the locknut and pulling off the old crank, then put on the new crank and tighten it, done. You still need to use your reel’s original nut and retainer, so these are not included. If you don’t have a nut wrench, you can find the right one in the tools section.
Appearance: Black with Maktub logo, simple and elegant. Fits any reel, whether black, silver, or colorful. If you like it more colorful, you can add the Maktub Knob Accent Inserts. Small color rings in pink, blue, purple, gold, or green that click into the knob and give the handle your personal touch.
Maktub. Who’s behind it?
Maktub is a young brand from Japan, specialized in custom handles for baitcasters. The motto: Stronger. Smoother. That’s exactly what you feel in every turn. Each handle is CNC-machined in small batches in Japan, with measurements precise to the hundredth of a millimeter, nothing mass-produced.
In Germany, Maktub handles are practically nowhere to be found so far. We import them directly from Japan, store them in Berlin, and ship the crank to you without customs hassle and without weeks of waiting. You get the same product as an angler in Tokyo, just without import stress.
The key data at a glance
- Length: 90 mm
- Material: A7075 Super-Duralumin, CNC-machined (aircraft-grade aluminum)
- Axle: Φ5 mm, same material
- Knobs: EVA resin, 48 mm long, 20 mm diameter
- Bore: 7x4 mm (Shimano) or 8x5 mm (Daiwa, Abu, Quantum), selectable by version
- Color: Black with Maktub logo engraving
- Packaging: Original from Japan
Stronger. Smoother. Made in Japan.