Kastking products comparison 2024
Spoons1 reply :
Hey guys,
Looking to buy a cheap reel for frogging since I don't do it that much in a year. Was looking at the pflueger monarchs and trions and black maxxs, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me how the kastking stuff(in the 40$range) compares to these other cheaper reels from other companies.
scaleface reply :
I've been using a KastKing Assassin for frogs . Its a 60 dollar reel but I got it for 45 . It has worked flawlessly but sounds a little funny . I dont know if the sound is normal for the reel or not but it doesnt impact the performance . Its kind of a hissing sound .
Daniel Abram reply :
I have a Abu Garcia black max and I tell you they are nice reels. Lost a black max combo out of the boat went back a week later and used a big magnet and hooks and got it back. Still works like new till this day.
Southernfried reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 5:18 AM, Spoons1 said:Hey guys,
Looking to buy a cheap reel for frogging since I don't do it that much in a year. Was looking at the pflueger monarchs and trions and black maxxs, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me how the kastking stuff(in the 40$range) compares to these other cheaper reels from other companies.
We (my son and I) have totally switched from Abu to Kastking. Have 2 of the Spartacus Plus, 3 assassins, one Alaskan spinning reel I absolutely love, but they discontinued it, Speed demon (its on sale right now I think on Amazon for 45 or it was) have 2 of those. But I just bought the second speed demon in left hand just for frogging and love the lefty so much Im now switching to all left handed baitcasters and giving my son the righty versions. I would shop around on amazon because they have constant sales on there and if you go to their website and sign up there you will get coupons for 10-25% off stuff and reels on Amazon. They are the seller on Amazon as well and their customer service has been top notch. Plus they are based in New York and make most of their mono and braid there. Now the abu's we switched from were the older 45/5500 series and one of each the revo rocket baitcaster and spinning reels. The revo rocket baitcaster has been temperamental for cleaning where the Kastkings have not yet. We are going on our second summer with them and no issues at all. Now when you get one, clean and relube. But the rocket bc was right at 300$ and you can buy a slew of reels for that price, and good rods lol. Good luck
ike8120 reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 7:28 AM, Southernfried said:We (my son and I) have totally switched from Abu to Kastking. Have 2 of the Spartacus Plus, 3 assassins, one Alaskan spinning reel I absolutely love, but they discontinued it, Speed demon (its on sale right now I think on Amazon for 45 or it was) have 2 of those. But I just bought the second speed demon in left hand just for frogging and love the lefty so much Im now switching to all left handed baitcasters and giving my son the righty versions. I would shop around on amazon because they have constant sales on there and if you go to their website and sign up there you will get coupons for 10-25% off stuff and reels on Amazon. They are the seller on Amazon as well and their customer service has been top notch. Plus they are based in New York and make most of their mono and braid there. Now the abu's we switched from were the older 45/5500 series and one of each the revo rocket baitcaster and spinning reels. The revo rocket baitcaster has been temperamental for cleaning where the Kastkings have not yet. We are going on our second summer with them and no issues at all. Now when you get one, clean and relube. But the rocket bc was right at 300$ and you can buy a slew of reels for that price, and good rods lol. Good luck
I have 8 different KK reels, I really like the Assassin bait caster and the Sharky lll for spinning have a 1000,2000,300. Also have a Speed Demon on a Dobyns FR735C.
fvogel67 reply :
Tackle Advisor has some videos on Kast King vs other reels
GeekFisher reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 5:38 AM, scaleface said:I've been using a KastKing Assassin for frogs . Its a 60 dollar reel but I got it for 45 . It has worked flawlessly but sounds a little funny . I dont know if the sound is normal for the reel or not but it doesnt impact the performance . Its kind of a hissing sound .
Oil the brass stuff inside the side plate
waymont reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 8:44 AM, fvogel67 said:Tackle Advisor has some videos on Kast King vs other reels
Kast King fans won't like his videos much. Nor will Favorite brand fans. That dude knows so much about how the reels are manufactured. His video where he takes kast king and Favorite reels and switches the parts between them is very illuminating.
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 9:35 AM, waymont said:Kast King fans won't like his videos much. Nor will Favorite brand fans. That dude knows so much about how the reels are manufactured. His video where he takes kast king and Favorite reels and switches the parts between them is very illuminating.
Yea I left that part out,Plus one of the moderators here isn’t a big Tackle Advisor fan.
I had one of my posts deleted after mentioning him
Kast King in my opinion is the twin brother of the Googan Squad garbage made in the same factories to slightly different specs.
In fact this has been proven by the Tackle Advisor who made a Frankenstein reel by combining parts of these inferior reels.
The only way the pimping of this garbage will end is when Kast King ceases to be a sponsor.
Southernfried reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 9:35 AM, waymont said:Kast King fans won't like his videos much. Nor will Favorite brand fans. That dude knows so much about how the reels are manufactured. His video where he takes kast king and Favorite reels and switches the parts between them is very illuminating.
Ive seen the videos and they are interesting and I like his videos, I watch everything I can on the net about fishing equipment. I even took my revo rocket baitcaster apart to see if any of those parts "fit" lol after watching them. Even though I couldnt figure that out, how to put parts into another reel, what I did find, most of the same parts were made from the same material or to my untrained eye they seemed like it. It seems a majority of the reels made today are made in China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines etc. The only reels I have I know that are made here are my old Penns. Once I realized that, I made the switch. Im also not pimping anything for anyone, just my observations. To each their own. Have fun and fish. I thought with Brent Chapman using them this year on the MLF might quell some of the ill feelings toward KK, apparently not. But it is just another version of Ford vs Chevy hahahahaha most of them arent made here either. My bud at work just paid cash for a brand new Chevy 4x4, made in Mexico. So to each his own. Spend your money how ever ya wish.
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 12:03 PM, Southernfried said:Ive seen the videos and they are interesting and I like his videos, I watch everything I can on the net about fishing equipment. I even took my revo rocket baitcaster apart to see if any of those parts "fit" lol after watching them. Even though I couldnt figure that out, how to put parts into another reel, what I did find, most of the same parts were made from the same material or to my untrained eye they seemed like it. It seems a majority of the reels made today are made in China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines etc. The only reels I have I know that are made here are my old Penns. Once I realized that, I made the switch. Im also not pimping anything for anyone, just my observations. To each their own. Have fun and fish. I thought with Brent Chapman using them this year on the MLF might quell some of the ill feelings toward KK, apparently not. But it is just another version of Ford vs Chevy hahahahaha most of them arent made here either. My bud at work just paid cash for a brand new Chevy 4x4, made in Mexico. So to each his own. Spend your money how ever ya wish.
I don’t care what rods and reels other people use,If your into Kast King and you like the product that’s great.
I use all kinds of rods and reels,From Gander Mountain Vortex rods to St Croix Legend Elites.My reels range from the Abu RZT to Stradics and Curados
I have personally handled and fished with borrowed Kast King reels and was not impressed.
Just my opinion
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Japanese,korean, and Malaysia are .way diff quality then chinese. tawian ..its a night and day diff
Mikeltee reply :
Frogging is a great technique for the budget minded fisherman. Its a visual bite so there is not much advantage to having a $600 rod compared to an Ugly Stick Elite for $40. If its thick get a Heavy. If its not get a MH. You want a fast tip to walk the dog. Any reel you buy will last you a season. Who cares if it makes noise. Just try not to drop it or get it wet and you should be ok. The cheap BC are much harder to tune and you may not get the casting distance that a $150 reel offers, but this is fishing... not a casting competition.
greentrout reply :
best sellers ...
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Arlo Smithereen reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 11:21 AM, fvogel67 said:Yea I left that part out,Plus one of the moderators here isn’t a big Tackle Advisor fan.
I had one of my posts deleted after mentioning him
Kast King in my opinion is the twin brother of the Googan Squad garbage made in the same factories to slightly different specs.
In fact this has been proven by the Tackle Advisor who made a Frankenstein reel by combining parts of these inferior reels.
The only way the pimping of this garbage will end is when Kast King ceases to be a sponsor.
It's kinda funny how people make threads bashing favorite while simultaneously praising KK. I wouldn't touch either one with a 10 foot pole, but that's just me.
Crankin4Bass reply :
Take a look at the Diawa Fuego CT. It's a little more than you want to spend but it's a really solid inexpensive reel with an aluminum frame. $75 at Walmart and Amazon.
Glenn reply :
On 7/7/2019 at 9:35 AM, waymont said:His video where he takes kast king and Favorite reels and switches the parts between them is very illuminating.
That's hilarious! It's not a good comparison because it doesn't take into consideration the materials and craftmanship of the KK parts vs. Favorite. The tolerances, quality, etc. are completely different.
It's kinda like buying new tires for your truck, and getting nearly bald ones at the junk yard, and saying they're the same because they both fit your rims. LOL!
waymont reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 10:23 PM, Glenn said:That's hilarious! It's not a good comparison because it doesn't take into consideration the materials and craftmanship of the KK parts vs. Favorite. The tolerances, quality, etc. are completely different.
It's kinda like buying new tires for your truck, and getting nearly bald ones at the junk yard, and saying they're the same because they both fit your rims. LOL!
I don’t agree with your analogy. If the frame is the same and the parts are the same, we know this because there is video proof, how can the tolerances be different. Other than Favorite charging more money for the same reel I see no difference.
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 11:25 PM, waymont said:I don’t agree with your analogy. If the frame is the same and the parts are the same, we know this because there is video proof, how can the tolerances be different. Other than Favorite charging more money for the same reel I see no difference.
Agree 100%
J Francho reply :
I've been using a KastKing Assasin for three years on a heavy jig and worm rod. Caught 17 yesterday, no issues hauling them out of the cover. The reel should be fine for frogging.
waymont reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 11:56 PM, J Francho said:I've been using a KastKing Assasin for three years on a heavy jig and worm rod. Caught 17 yesterday, no issues hauling them out of the cover. The reel should be fine for frogging.
Cool photo
boostr reply :
I'm actually looking for another combo for some frogging and punching from the bank. Think a Royale Legend XH fast with the Stealth reel. Been using KK gear exclusively for bank fishing. This way I don't have to worry about mucking up my Lew's reels. Haven't had issues using their gear. They work great and cheap. If the reel blows up I'll just by a new one. I'm even thinking about pairing all my Lew's reels with Kasking rods for the boat.
Glenn reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 11:25 PM, waymont said:I don’t agree with your analogy. If the frame is the same and the parts are the same, we know this because there is video proof, how can the tolerances be different. Other than Favorite charging more money for the same reel I see no difference.
Then put some bald tires on your truck and let us know how that works out for you. :)
waymont reply :
On 7/9/2019 at 2:54 AM, Glenn said:Then put some bald tires on your truck and let us know how that works out for you.
I don't own car!
J Francho reply :
On 7/8/2019 at 11:25 PM, waymont said:If the frame is the same and the parts are the same, we know this because there is video proof, how can the tolerances be different.
Many parts in an entry level reel fit into the same maker's flagship model. Does that mean the same tolerances are used? It's a huge leap to assume so.
Junger reply :
To the OP, I had a couple of the ~$50 entry level baitcasting reels (Okuma Stratus, Abu Silver Max) and they were garbage. The Okuma consistently had issues where my line would get caught between the body and spool, and the brakes were finnicky. The Abu had no issues with the the line, but I felt like I had to set the brakes pretty high to get a controlled spool. Both reel bodies would flex under load due to plastic body parts.
If you're frogging, I presume you'll be fishing heavy cover (pads, grass), I think you'll want an aluminum reel. My only experience with KastKing reels were their spinning reels (Summer and Mela II) and I was not impressed and sent both those back.
waymont reply :
On 7/9/2019 at 8:42 PM, J Francho said:Many parts in an entry level reel fit into the same maker's flagship model. Does that mean the same tolerances are used? It's a huge leap to assume so.
Not talking about screws and washers. The parts switched between the 3 different brand reels in the video are basically everything, but the parts that are the most important to a reels function are all swapped between all three companies offerings.
Main gear
Pinion gear
Spools
Drag stacks
Cast control mechanisms
J Francho reply :
You can do that with Abu, Pflueger, BPS, Lews. They all share platforms and parts at all price points. It's not unusual, as your expert claims. I've been ripping reels apart for decades, and I can assure you that interchangeability is not related to tolerances or overall build quality. Less unique parts means less unique tooling, reducing costs. Only Daiwa and Shimano maintain their own tooling, and even then, there are some entry level reels that are being outsourced, so you might find similarities there, too. Acting all surprised in a video, is just sensationalism, and is a tactic do drive subscriber numbers up.
Spoons1 reply :
I think a lot of people are missing the point of what I intended this reel to be used for. Im in chicago. So i am only frogging for a little bit until the weather goes nuts again. Right now i am using my abu garcia revo x that i just got with 12 lb mono and its working fine. My buddy bought a pflueger monarch from walmart the other day and it doesnt seem to be giving him problems at all. Unfortunately i am LH and finding Pflueger reels in Lh retrieve is very hard around here. Figured if im gonna order online, might as well explore other options. I can find the pflueger presidents pretty cheap, and I know everyone loves the spinning version of it. Hows the baitcaster?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 12:42 PM, Spoons1 said:I think a lot of people are missing the point of what I intended this reel to be used for. Im in chicago. So i am only frogging for a little bit until the weather goes nuts again. Right now i am using my abu garcia revo x that i just got with 12 lb mono and its working fine. My buddy bought a pflueger monarch from walmart the other day and it doesnt seem to be giving him problems at all. Unfortunately i am LH and finding Pflueger reels in Lh retrieve is very hard around here. Figured if im gonna order online, might as well explore other options. I can find the pflueger presidents pretty cheap, and I know everyone loves the spinning version of it. Hows the baitcaster?
I have 3 President baitcasters, the newer ones. They're all pretty nice, but every single one occasionally will spin backwards under a load. Probably just need cleaned, but they didn't get a lot of use before it started happening.
I have a couple regular Speed Demons, one that I used for frogs for a couple years before I switched it to my swim jig rod. It's been a tank and still working just fine. They aren't the quietest reels, but they do cast very well and are extremely fast on the retrieve. They're a little bigger than most reels, like a 200B Curado size, but nothing crazy. I use the other one for buzzbaits, they've been good to me.
ike8120 reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 12:42 PM, Spoons1 said:I think a lot of people are missing the point of what I intended this reel to be used for. Im in chicago. So i am only frogging for a little bit until the weather goes nuts again. Right now i am using my abu garcia revo x that i just got with 12 lb mono and its working fine. My buddy bought a pflueger monarch from walmart the other day and it doesnt seem to be giving him problems at all. Unfortunately i am LH and finding Pflueger reels in Lh retrieve is very hard around here. Figured if im gonna order online, might as well explore other options. I can find the pflueger presidents pretty cheap, and I know everyone loves the spinning version of it. Hows the baitcaster?
I have 2 Assassins and 2 Speed Demons. What @Bluebasser86 said they may not be the quietest reels but for the price point IMO are a decent reel. KK does make LH versions also always running sales on Ebay and Amazon.
I think whether it is a 50 dollar reel or 200 dollar reel there can be issues with either. At least you have choices. Just remember "it is not whats best, but whats best for you"
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/9/2019 at 10:36 PM, J Francho said:You can do that with Abu, Pflueger, BPS, Lews. They all share platforms and parts at all price points. It's not unusual, as your expert claims. I've been ripping reels apart for decades, and I can assure you that interchangeability is not related to tolerances or overall build quality. Less unique parts means less unique tooling, reducing costs. Only Daiwa and Shimano maintain their own tooling, and even then, there are some entry level reels that are being outsourced, so you might find similarities there, too. Acting all surprised in a video, is just sensationalism, and is a tactic do drive subscriber numbers up.
What reels do Shimano and Daiwa outsource?
J Francho reply :
Shimano controls some factories outside Japan (Korea and Malaysia, IIRC), and a couple of the new entry level Daiwas are Doyo made. I think its the Daiwa RG.
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 9:08 PM, J Francho said:Shimano controls some factories outside Japan (Korea and Malaysia, IIRC), and a couple of the new entry level Daiwas are Doyo made. I think its the Daiwa RG.
It's well known that Shimano has some factories outside Japan.They are owned by Shimano and use Shimano tooling to make Shimano reels.And are run by trained Shimano management.Which Shimano reels are made by an outsourced manufacturer to Shimanos specifications?
J Francho reply :
I didn't realize they owned the factories. I thought they just oversaw operations. Was point to prove me wrong? Looks like you've succeeded. You can flex now ????
fvogel67 reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 11:37 PM, J Francho said:I didn't realize they owned the factories. I thought they just oversaw operations. Was point to prove me wrong? Looks like you've succeeded. You can flex now ????
Russ E reply :
The op was wanting a comparison between KastKing and other budget reels.
Here is my experience with KastKing
Most kastkings are under $75.00. for the price they are decent reels.
Do they compare to my tatula's or revo's?
No, but you can buy 2 or 3 Kastkings for the price of one of those.
I use them to fill out my arsenal on rods that only get used occasionally.
I own a couple speed demon spinning reels and a couple sharky III spinning reels that are decent.
I own one assasin baitcaster. It occasionally makes some strange noises. It gets used for bank fishing in nasty areas.
I use a couple royal legend elites for crankbaits. For a baitcaster that cost less than $70.00, this reel is extremely quiet and smooth. It Does not do real well with light baits, but it will cast mid range to heavier baits a mile. Much nicer than the black max, silver max, or monarchs I have used. This is my choice for a budget reel.
The royal legend elite runs about $70.00 on amazon. If you watch the promos on e-bay and Amazon, it can be had for a lot less.
I paid around $50.00 for both of mine.
Southernfried reply :
Of all mine KK reels, I havent had a real noisy one. But, I will say on my first one I bought, the Spartacus Plus, I thought I had an issue with the reel and how the magnets work. Or rather how to set it up. I called them, spoke with customer service, found out I was an idiot lol and no other issues, but during that conversation the guy suggested I take the reel apart and clean, oil or lube it, and that I should do it on all my reels going forward. I then purchased my first original Speed demon reel, had issue after issue with it backlashing, no matter how I set it up. Called them, got a super nice guy on the phone, he walked me through the braking system, even showed me a video on the internet how it works. We talked about 30 min on what all I had done, didnt do, etc. I even texted him a short video of how the reel was spooling to one side when I retrieved. We then discussed line I was using and I said I was using 8lb braid. Turns out when they suggest a recommended line size, well its there for a reason. That and I was not starting the stringing process of my spool correctly. He asked me to one, spool it the way I should, (my fault) and two, try a larger line equivalent to the 12lb they suggested (my fault). BUT after I do those two things if I was still not happy, send the reel back and they would send me a new one, no questions asked. Well I still got the reel and it works great. I thought after my 30 years of fishing and playing with reels I knew enough. Apparently I didnt. That is what sold me on KK, the customer service, the price points help, but, it was the customer service that got me. That and I can throw a frog with no backlash with my Assassin or Speed demon, with the same veritas abu rod, further than the revo rocket we have. I have used their reels, and braid, but have yet to try a rod, the rods I cant comment on.
jebar01 reply :
I am currently using the KK royal elite...No problems what so ever. I am extremely satisfied with this reel. I believe if you follow the recommendations for the reel it will serve you well. I cannot believe the price but am still satisfied.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 1:14 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I have a couple regular Speed Demons, one that I used for frogs for a couple years before I switched it to my swim jig rod. It's been a tank and still working just fine. They aren't the quietest reels, but they do cast very well and are extremely fast on the retrieve. They're a little bigger than most reels, like a 200B Curado size, but nothing crazy. I use the other one for buzzbaits, they've been good to me.
I have similar experience with the Speed Demon. It's my frogging reel of choice.
greentrout reply :
On 7/31/2019 at 6:46 PM, jebar01 said:I am currently using the KK royal elite...No problems what so ever. I am extremely satisfied with this reel. I believe if you follow the recommendations for the reel it will serve you well. I cannot believe the price but am still satisfied.
ditto ...
own the royale legend elite red... use it mostly for worm fishing ... and some lipless cranks ... this morning the worm did not work ... the lipless cranks did ...
very happy with the reel...
good fishing ...
scaleface reply :
After several trips I am putting the KastKing Assasin away . The sound it makes both on the cast and the retrieve "I think" is the spool gently touching the housing . Its an inconsistent caster , cast well at times then the next cast not so well .
Russ E reply :
On 8/27/2019 at 8:57 PM, scaleface said:After several trips I am putting the KastKing Assasin away . The sound it makes both on the cast and the retrieve "I think" is the spool gently touching the housing . Its an inconsistent caster , cast well at times then the next cast not so well .
Retired my assassin for the same reason. I think the screeching in mine was the centrifugal brakes. If I kept the brake drum lubed it was ok. Whenever the reel got wet it would start squealing again. Don't think it affected casting distance much. It was just very annoying.
greentrout reply :
my kk royale legend elite is performing flawlessly ...
good fishing ...
Dave Davidson reply :
I don't own any Kast King reels but I do have an Abu Revo, Lewis LFS, and an Abu Black Max.
Fishing in the dark, I can't tell which reel is in my hand.
I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another Black Max.
boostr reply :
Got the Speed Demon reel on a H/fast Royale Legend rod for my bank fishing frog and "Punching" rig. So far it casts nicely, and like @Bluebasser86 mentioned it is a bulky reel.
DomQ reply :
Orry to get a little side tracked here, I've talked to and watched all of tackle advisors videos and he shows a lot of knowledge and experience towards products. Hes a nice guy and really just wants people to know what they are getting, he doesnt want people getting ripped off so hes giving his opinion on gear. Everyone's got them so i dont see a need to bash products. I've got shimanos, daiwa, lews, quantum and kastking reels and ya you can tell there is a quality difference but if your on a budget you've gotta take what you can get.
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