Are Kastking Reels Any Good

KastKing is typically mentioned in many a Kastking reels review while talking about budget fishing reels and has earned a spot among the most well-known manufacturers in the sector.

Reels from the Kastking are budget reels since they have features found on more expensive brands but cost less out of the box. While there are differing views on the durability and quality of Kastking reels, many anglers use them as part of their fishing tackle box for several seasons.

Maybe you have heard of the brand, such as when they speak of the KastKing Speed Demon, which is marketed as “the world’s fastest baitcaster,” out of the box. However, is this claim true, and is Kastking a good brand to purchase? After all, you can’t fish reliably on a claim of being the best; you need good reels that won’t disappoint you.

Join us in our guide, you can learn more about Kastking and what they offer anglers out of the box. By the end, you’ll know whether your purchasing decision can lead you toward a Kastking reel and also which is the best Kastking reel for your needs. (Read What Does Fish Poop Look Like)

Are Kastking Fishing Reels Worth It?

For several reasons, KastKing reels are among the best on the market. For starters, they are less expensive than other brands, yet made of premium materials and include many handy functions such as the spool tension knob, which can increase your casting distance when set loose.

In an honest opinion, the premium ball bearings used in KastKing reels are among the best in the industry to deliver smoothness and agility. You’ll find lots of news, offers, and styles that match professionals and beginners out of the box. The reels are simple to use, and if there are any issues, you have a hassle-free warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, you may not use this as the body of a great reel is shielded from the water by the KastKing Intrusion Shield System. Alas, the most frequent criticism of KastKing reels is their lack of durability, yet if this is correct is highly debatable.

Some consumers claim minor mechanical troubles, yet they can be a simple fix; others believe the price is too good to be true and are unsure of the longevity of the reels. In reviewing Kast King reels, you can see they are a worthwhile investment.

Considering the price, they function well and do all you need from a good reel. If you have issues, you have lifetime customer support, so there isn’t too much to say bad about these reels. One of the biggest things is the type of reel you go for. Do you choose from the range of bait casters, or do you need a reel strictly for closer freshwater fishing?

KastKing Fishing Reels Summary

KastKing offers four types of reels:

• Spinning reels.
• Casting reels.
• Spin-cast reels.
• Baitcasting reels.

Here’s a quick summary of each:

1. Spinning Reels

Spinning reels for spinning rods are made by KastKing, which are less likely to tangle, and are excellent for novices. However, the tiny spool only functions across a limited distance.

The Speed Demon Elite and the Sharky III are two of KastKing’s spinning reels, and while they can be used for saltwater fishing, they are more suited for freshwater fishing.

2. Casting Reels

Casting reels strive to make accurate long-distance throws. They choose casting rods because they require a strong drag and an extensive line capacity. Also, unlike spinning reels, most casting reels have a trigger.

The Bassinator Elite and the Speed Demon 9.3:1 are two examples of KastKing’s low-profile baitcasting reels.

Note: You must ensure your rod is suitable for this reel.

3. Spincast Reels

Spin-cast reels are similar to spinning reels, except that they have a spool positioned parallel to the rod axis. Since these reels don’t revolve, the line automatically unspools.

Because they’re simple to operate, spin-cast reels are suitable for beginners. They have a button to unspool the line, and as the line is housed in plastic, they are tangle-free.

The Cadet and Brutus spin-cast reels from KastKing are the only spin-cast rods that the firm manufactures. (Read Fishing Swivel Size Chart)

4. Round Baitcasting Reels

Casting reels are either rounded or low-profile. For handling huge fish species, round baitcasting reels are excellent.

Thanks to their significantly more reliable drag, you can fish large without experiencing too much torque. In addition, they have a wider casting range than low-profile reels.

Only two round baitcasting reels are made by KastKing: the Rover and the ReKon Line Counter Trolling reel.

Best KastKing Fishing Reels Reviewed

Of all the fishing reels that KastKing produces, there are a few praise-worthy reels. Here’s a review of some of the noteworthy KastKing fishing reels.

1. KastKing Brutus Spinning Reel

• Max Drag: 12, 13, 17.5 lbs.
• Gear ratio: 5.0:1 (21.3”, 22.4”, 23.6” per turn)
• Line capacity: 8/300; 8/370; 10/350
• Bearings: 4 + 1 roller bearing
• Weight: 7.6, 9.2, 9.5 oz.

There are three sizes in the Brutus series: 2000, 3000, and 4000.

The smallest spinning reel weighs 7.6 ounces and has a maximum drag of 12 pounds, an 8-pound test capacity of 300 yards, and a high weight overall.

The gear ratio stays at 5.0:1 as you move up; however, the bigger spools can hold more line and retrieve more on every turn.

The drag knob is on the end of the spool, as you might expect, and it works well for a cheap reel.

If you can’t handle a baitcasting reel, the highest settings are ideal because they let you go bass fishing with spinning gear.

It isn’t a true casting reel, and long casts will deteriorate when using heavier lines, although this isn’t the fault of the KastKing reel.

The gears are made of zinc alloy rather than brass to save money, but they are still a vast improvement over plastic.

The crank and bail are smooth for the price, and if you have reasonable expectations for such a cheap reel, you’ll be more than satisfied with the Brutus lineup.

Does it match something like a Penn? It is a way off, but you can purchase several KastKing reels at the same price point. (Read What Is The Best Fishfinder For The Money)

2. KastKing Speed Demon – Baitcasting Reel

• Drag: 13.2 lbs. maximum
• Gear ratio: 9.3:1 (35.2” per turn)
• Line capacity: 12/160, 14/140
• Bearings: 12 + 1 roller bearing
• Weight: 6.5 oz

The retrieval rate of this reel is a point of pride for the organization, where the gear ratio of 9.3:1 puts comparable alternatives to shame.

Not to mention the drag system’s carbon fiber construction provides essential durability.

KastKing reduces spool size to save weight without employing costly materials. Unfortunately, as a result, their reels fall short when put up against the most reputable brands in the industry.

But with the Speed Demon Elite, this is not the case.

The Speed Demon Pro recovers at a rate that rivals the top name brands thanks to strong manganese brass gears with a 9.3:1 ratio and a normal-sized spool.

As you might expect, the drag system on this reel uses carbon fiber disks to provide a maximum grip of 13.2 pounds.

You’ll see that KastKing’s premium drag components are top-notch. So, expect a constant, smooth release, even in light settings.

This reel has a superior spool that can handle a lot more line than conventional KastKing’s. You can load a ton of thin-diameter braid onto 140 yards of 14-pound monofilament without worrying about running out of spool space.

For your skill level and lure weight, the Speed Demon Pro uses a high-quality magnetic brake that is simple to dial.
For all-day comfort, casting, weight, and size are superb. Even though it is the quickest and most spacious reel in KastKing’s bait caster portfolio, you’ll note that it is also the lightest and costs less money than other options.

3. KastKing Kapstan Elite

• Drag: 35 lbs. maximum
• Gear ratio: 5.4:1 (25.31” per turn)
• Line capacity: 14/230
• Bearings: 8 + 1 roller bearing
• Weight: 10.8 oz

A no-holds-barred baitcaster made to take on the competition is KastKing’s Kapstan Elite.

KastKing outfits this reel with an excellent carbon fiber drag system with a solid maximum and the controlled release you want at lesser settings.

The spool of the Kapstan Elite is massive, dwarfing the capacity of many others by roughly 200%, but this makes the reel heavier when mounted on your rod. (Read What Kinda Fish Is Mahi Mahi)

Even though the main gear is solid brass, the larger spool’s gear ratio of just 5.4:1 makes it challenging to keep up with the Shimano.

Finally, the KastKing Kapstan Elite’s braking system uses brake shoes like the Shimano. Both novices and experts will enjoy its casting, which is excellent.

4. KastKing Mega Jaws

• Drag: 17.6 lbs. maximum
• Gear ratio: 5.4:1; 6.5:1; 7.2:1; 9.1:1 (20.2”; 24.2”; 26.8”; 33.9” per turn)
• Line capacity: 10/128, 12/110, 14/91
• Bearings: 11 + 1 roller bearing
• Weight: 7.5 and 7.6 oz

Another inexpensive baitcasting reel that’s a great option for novice or more seasoned anglers on a tight budget is KastKing’s Mega Jaws, which comes in four color-coded models called the Great White, Pelagic, Black Tip, and Predator.

All models have a 17.6-pound maximum setting for the drag and the carbon fiber discs that power it with plenty of holding force and a smooth release at lesser settings.

These reels’ small spools sacrifice some line capacity to make them lighter and smaller. Although they are smaller and lighter than the larger and heavier Kapstan Elite, they still provide a respectable amount of capacity.

Four gear ratios are available; however, they lag a little behind more expensive rivals because of the small spools.

However, the primary gear is manganese brass alloy, which promises endurance yearly and many teeth to give you the power you require.

An eight-magnet brake system offers ten settings that function effectively and produce excellent casting.