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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 Nerve Handle MAH-80 with EVA Knobs
Maktub Nerve Handle MAH-80 with EVA Knobs
Custom Finesse Reel Handle from Japan for Your Baitcaster
If you've ever had a really good custom handle on your finesse Reel, you know what I mean. Every turn feels more substantial, the hook set is immediate, and when working lighter lures, you finally get the fine feel in your hand that the stock handle tends to absorb.
That's exactly what the Maktub MAH-80 is made for. Directly from Japan, CNC-machined by hand, with Maktub's signature standards: uncompromising workmanship, thoughtful engineering, and a look that makes a statement on your Reel.
Short Handle, Full Control
At 80 mm, the MAH-80 is a true finesse handle. A short handle turns faster, sits more compactly in your hand, and gives you the precision you need when fishing with light lures. If you're throwing heavy gliders for pike or large soft plastics for catfish, go for one of Maktub's longer handles. But if you're fishing for perch, trout, zander, or using BFS, you'll find exactly the right balance of directness and finesse here.
Why the MAH-80?
The stock handles fitted to Aldebaran, SLX BFS, Alphas, and similar reels from the factory are okay. No more than that. They flex slightly on the hook set, you can always feel a few millimeters of play when working a lure, and the original knobs often feel far from ideal in your hand.
The MAH-80 addresses all three issues:
- Uncompromising rigidity. The handle is machined from A7075 Super Duralumin, the material otherwise used in aircraft construction. In other words: no flex, no wobble—every movement is transferred 1:1 to the Spool, even on the lightest hook set.
- Fast, precise rotation. The 80 mm length keeps the rotation compact and agile, ideal when you want to work light lures with control and finesse.
- EVA knobs with genuine grip. 17 mm in diameter, slim and grippy, even with wet or cold hands. Perfect for precise finger control when finesse fishing.
Which Reel Is It Made For?
Simply choose the correct hole pattern and you're ready to go:
7x4 mm for Shimano: Aldebaran, Aldebaran BFS, SLX BFS, Curado, Metanium, Scorpion, Bantam, Chronarch, Calcutta Conquest BFS. If your Shimano baitcaster has a 7x4 hole pattern, it fits.
8x5 mm for Daiwa, Abu, Quantum: Alphas, Alphas SV TW, Steez, Tatula, Zillion TW, T3, SS Air, as well as Abu Garcia Revo and MGX and Quantum Smoke. If you have a Daiwa, this is usually the right version.
Where Does the MAH-80 Excel?
The MAH-80 is made for finesse fishing with light lures—where precision and sensitivity matter more than raw leverage.
- Perch with BFS combos. Work small crankbaits, spinners, and finesse jigs with control and a direct connection to the lure.
- Trout with hardbaits. The slim grip and short handle make quick, precise twitching easy.
- Zander with light soft plastics. When the bite is barely noticeable, the rigid handle gives you the feedback that gets lost with the stock handle.
- BFS and light casting in general. Anywhere you're working with less than 10 g and want to feel every turn clearly.
Not designed for heavy fishing with gliders, large swimbaits, or catfish soft plastics. An 80 mm handle simply doesn't provide enough leverage for that. For those applications, choose one of Maktub's longer handles.
What You Should Know Before Ordering
The swap is easy. Remove the stock handle by loosening the lock nut and pulling off the old handle, then fit and tighten the new one—done. The nut and retainer are included, so you don't need to reuse anything from your old handle. If you don't have a nut wrench, you'll find the right one in the Tools section.
As for the look: black with the Maktub logo, simple and elegant. It suits any Reel, whether black, silver, or brightly colored.
Maktub. Who's Behind It?
Maktub is a young Japanese brand specializing in custom handles for baitcasters. The motto: Stronger. Smoother. You can feel exactly that in every turn. Each handle is CNC-machined in small batches in Japan, with dimensions precise to the hundredth of a millimeter. Nothing is mass-produced.
In Germany, Maktub handles are still practically impossible to find elsewhere. We import them directly from Japan, stock them in Berlin, and ship the handle to you without customs hassles or weeks of waiting. You get the same product as an angler in Tokyo—just without the import stress.
The Key Specs at a Glance
- Length (PCD): 80 mm
- Material: A7075 Super Duralumin, CNC-machined (aircraft-grade aluminum)
- Axle: Φ5 mm, same material
- Knobs: EVA resin, 45 mm long, 17 mm maximum diameter
- Hole pattern: 7x4 mm (Shimano) or 8x5 mm (Daiwa, Abu, Quantum), selectable by variant
- Color: Black with engraved Maktub logo
- Packaging: Original packaging from Japan
Stronger. Smoother. Made in Japan.