Who makes the Kastking, Shishamo and *** reels? 2024
BaitFinesse reply :
The three brands all use the same type of dual brake and some other parts suggesting that the three come from the same OEM, but who? I don't recognise the braking as a Doyo, Banax or Dawon... also for those that have used one how do the centrifugal brakes work? They're mounted to the palming plate which is odd.
BaitFinesse reply :
I believe it is Trulinoya. I like my trulinoya 'Steez' type reel covers and really liked my trulinoya knock off of a Volkey 65UL BFS rod until it broke. I think I have some trulinoya branded bait craws that are decent too.
NYBasser reply :
Stay away from those reels. As "good" as they may seem, cheap reels don't last. Would rather spend the money to buy a quality product that lasts, not some cheap reel that is going to break after a couple times. Stay with the proven and trusted brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Lew's, etc and you'll be fine.
WRB reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 8:03 AM, NYBasser said:Stay away from those reels. As "good" as they may seem, cheap reels don't last. Would rather spend the money to buy a quality product that lasts, not some cheap reel that is going to break after a couple times. Stay with the proven and trusted brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Lew's, etc and you'll be fine.
Take a look at the side bar sponsors.
Tom
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 8:03 AM, NYBasser said:Stay away from those reels. As "good" as they may seem, cheap reels don't last. Would rather spend the money to buy a quality product that lasts, not some cheap reel that is going to break after a couple times. Stay with the proven and trusted brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Lew's, etc and you'll be fine.
Lews reels are OEM sourced too although from a higher end Korean OEM, Doyo. There's nothing wrong with OEM reels as long as the prices are right and decently made. The Kastking branded Trulinoyas are mostly priced under Daiwa, Shimano and Korean OEM offerings which is a good strategy. I own a number of Trulinoya tackle items and they're good for the money and I bet their reels are the same.
I'm a higher end tackle kind of guy but i'd give a Trulinoya a try if they come out with a more finesse, if not BFS, reel. I'm not afraid of budget tackle and own a few china finesse casting reels/spools. I've got a Haibo Smart on a Trulinoya BFS rod and a Chinese BFS spool in a Black Max 3 on a Kuying rod for example.
1st BFS fish and also 1st Ned rig fish.
NYBasser reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 8:12 AM, WRB said:Take a look at the side bar sponsors.
Tom
And? Just because they sponsor this website, I can't voice my opinion? My apologies for thinking we lived in a Democracy...
WRB reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 9:14 AM, NYBasser said:And? Just because they sponsor this website, I can't voice my opinion? My apologies for thinking we lived in a Democracy...
Negative opions without experience with KastKing is simply trash talking someone's product.
Tom
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 9:14 AM, NYBasser said:And? Just because they sponsor this website, I can't voice my opinion? My apologies for thinking we lived in a Democracy...
We live in a constitutional republic. Now, off to kastking gulag with you.
NYBasser reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 9:01 AM, LowRange said:Lews reels are OEM sourced too although from a higher end Korean OEM, Doyo. There's nothing wrong with OEM reels as long as the prices are right and decently made. The Kastking branded Trulinoyas are mostly priced under Daiwa, Shimano and Korean OEM offerings which is a good strategy. I own a number of Trulinoya tackle items and they're good for the money and I bet their reels are the same.
I'm a higher end tackle kind of guy but i'd give a Trulinoya a try if they come out with a more finesse, if not BFS, reel. I'm not afraid of budget tackle and own a few china finesse casting reels/spools. I've got a Haibo Smart on a Trulinoya BFS rod and a Chinese BFS spool in a Black Max 3 on a Kuying rod for example.
1st BFS fish and also 1st Ned rig fish.
I used to be a budget tackle guy. South Bend, Shakespeare, cheap Daiwas, etc, you name it, I've probably had it. There is a reason why I am not one anymore, and that's because the quality is severely lacking and the products just don't last. I'm not the kind to throw away money, and when I purchase a product, I want to know that the company is reputable and will stand behind their product, that my money is being well spent. If I'm not mistaken, KastKing is a relatively new company that, in my opinion, hasn't had enough time to establish a good track record. I don't have anything against Kastking or any of these OEM products, but until they can differentiate themselves from the mainstream cheap fishing gear, I unfortunately won't be a customer.
On 3/10/2017 at 9:24 AM, WRB said:Negative opions without experience with KastKing is simply trash talking someone's product.
Tom
I don't see how this is trash talking. Not once did I state that I owned the product or any experience I have had with the company specifically, nor did I target Kastking specifically. Also the OP mentioned Shishamo and another company, not only KastKing. My apologies if I didn't clarify but my response was directed more toward the Shishamo reels that can be found for cheap. It only takes so much common sense to understand the true quality of a reel when the company has to blatantly rip off the name of a more prominent fishing company in order to advertise and sell their product. In the end, I only advised to stay away from cheaper quality fishing gear. "Cheaper" is a relative term and means different things to different people.
thebillsman reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 9:24 AM, WRB said:Negative opions without experience with KastKing is simply trash talking someone's product.
Tom
Its not their product, it's Trulinoya's. You should go full kastking and let us know how it works out.
lmbfisherman reply :
Was there ever a final review by the mods of the Kastking reels?
offsidewing reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 10:36 AM, thebillsman said:
Its not their product, it's Trulinoya's. You should go full kastking and let us know how it works out.
"He went full Kastking. Never go full Kastking." ???
johnD. reply :
does kasting have a aluminum frame reel made ? or are they all plastic ?
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 12:58 PM, johnD. said:does kasting have a aluminum frame reel made ? or are they all plastic ?
They're all plastic to my knowledge. I would think an aluminum reel would push the price up and into territory where they would be not as competitive.
kickerfish1 reply :
These reels are all made by the eleves in santas workshop.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 12:58 PM, johnD. said:does kasting have a aluminum frame reel made ? or are they all plastic ?
Kastking has a few aluminum or alloy spinning reels (Mako, Blade, Orcas and Kodiak)
They are coming out with an aluminum frame baitcaster this year, the Spartacus Maximus.
I like my Kastking spinning reels. For the price I paid (under $50) the quality is hard to beat. Smooth, quiet and sturdy. Love the oversized bail wires.
jdz197 reply :
Kastking sent me a return shipping label and inspected my reel (stealth) and is shipping a replacement. If anything the customer service is good and quick to respond. That is how you build a good reputation.
I should probably re-evaluate my expectations to be a bit more realistic.
I wonder if kastking is using common size bearings that could be upgraded?
NYWayfarer reply :
I am going to fish my KastKing Sharky II and Mela II exclusively this spring and summer. If they perform as well as they seem to be built I will purchase the Kodiak.
I have fished the Sharky II already and it is rock solid. Great cast and retrieve. Drag is excellent and the frame is really tough. Looks like a Stradic from a distance. 
Beckie Gaskill reply :
Personally, I went with KastKing a couple years ago, just to check them out. I fish about 20 or more tournaments per year, and they have held up for me. I've never really been a "brand name" kind of angler, so maybe that made the switch easier for me. I think if you can get good quality gear for a lower price, then why not try it. I know everyone is different and some people will pay more for a brand name - and that's totally cool. But, for me, my Legend Royale, Summer, Stealth… all of them have held up well. I will be trying their new White Max this year for my cranking rod. I would expect that to perform just as well as the others I already have.
paul. reply :
i'm also going to stick up for the kastking brand here. i have several of their baitcasters and have found them more than up to the task. i fish some of the nastiest stuff imaginable with braid, drags locked down, and heavy or extra heavy action jig rods in excess of 7 ft. you find out real quick what kind of products you're fishing with under these circumstances and the weakest link in your gear will reveal itself sooner or later. i have thoroughly wrecked and rendered useless many a "proven and trusted" brand reel. i have yet to wreck a kastking. i mostly fish kastking reels now while my "proven and trusted" reels collect dust.
but hey it's america. everyone is entitled to have an opinion and anyone who wants to grossly overpay for comparable products is free to do so. can't speak for anyone else's experiences, only mine. i think kastking is legit and then some.
hunterPRO1 reply :
i might buy a royale legend soon, just to try one of thier reels,
it will be going on my worm and jig rod fishing 17lb flouro.
NYBasser reply :
On 3/11/2017 at 11:53 AM, paul. said:i'm also going to stick up for the kastking brand here. i have several of their baitcasters and have found them more than up to the task. i fish some of the nastiest stuff imaginable with braid, drags locked down, and heavy or extra heavy action jig rods in excess of 7 ft. you find out real quick what kind of products you're fishing with under these circumstances and the weakest link in your gear will reveal itself sooner or later. i have thoroughly wrecked and rendered useless many a "proven and trusted" brand reel. i have yet to wreck a kastking. i mostly fish kastking reels now while my "proven and trusted" reels collect dust.
but hey it's america. everyone is entitled to have an opinion and anyone who wants to grossly overpay for comparable products is free to do so. can't speak for anyone else's experiences, only mine. i think kastking is legit and then some.
The only issue I see with Kastking and some of these other companies which simply sell rebranded OEM products is that they have no jurisdiction in creating a product. These companies cannot stand behind their products because they simply don't make the product. Companies like Shimano and Daiwa are able to adjust quickly to consumer demand and in some cases such as the original Stradic Ci4 from Shimano, are able to quickly fix issues and release a better and improved version. I just don't see how Kastking will be able to do something like this when they simply purchase OEM reels in bulk to be rebranded and sold.
Also, in my limited experience with cheap/budget fishing gear, not only was quality lacking, but perhaps the more important factor is the lack of consistency. I've had reels that performed flawlessly, and I've had reels that failed within the first ten casts.
In the end, it does all come down to personal preference, but I'd rather pay the extra money just to have the peace of mind from that I'm purchasing from a reputable company. I mean, there is a reason why Shimano and Daiwa are arguably the two most prominent fishing tackle companies in the world.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've been using a Kastking Assassin on my trap rod for awhile now. It gets lots of use and abuse, I fish a trap a ton during the winter months. Lots of casting, lots of catching. Ice in the reel along with debris from the coal burning power plant. Lots of white bass and wipers (which pull way harder than any bass alive). It's probably the furthest casting reel I own, but I haven't done any test casting the same baits to confirm. I know I was outcasting @gardnerjigman with his Abus by another half a cast when it really mattered, 100% the reason I put this fish in the boat.
Then there was the real test, an over 100 fish day with a majority of them being wipers in the 4-7 pound range, and I horsed them as hard as I could just to try and break it, couldn't do it. I caught them almost every cast for the last 2 hours of the day, it was getting hard to hold the reel my hand and wrist was hurting so bad from fighting the fish.
At this point, longevity is the only thing it has left to prove. I will say that I've been impressed enough with them that I bought one of their new Speed Demon baitcasters in the 9.3:1 gear ratio. They've been extremely popular and I'm currently waiting for mine to ship. Very excited to try it out. They may not be for everyone, but they're certainly far better than a lot of folks who have never even held, let alone used, one of them before are saying they are.
paul. reply :
I'm glad you mentioned that Bluebasser. i have also noticed the increased casting distance with these reels. it's not uncommon for me to nearly spool one using heavier baits.
i think you're really gonna like your speed demon if you don't mind a heavier reel. the retrieve speed on that thing is no joke. it was crazy how fast i got the reel completely filled when i first put line on it.
and the vid was off the chain btw. that is some insane action right there. funny when they try to get revenge and knock your other rods out of the boat.
hunterPRO1 reply :
On 3/11/2017 at 4:45 PM, Bluebasser86 said:
At this point, longevity is the only thing it has left to prove.
which in my experience, is where many cheaper reels fail.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 1:55 AM, hunterPRO1 said:which in my experience, is where many cheaper reels fail.
I think this is changing though. There's been a big shift from companies offering more affordable gear that's still good quality. Some folks can't afford high dollar stuff, but if the lower end stuff keeps breaking, a certain percentage of people will get frustrated and quit fishing altogether, losing potential future business and sales. I think making fishing more affordable while providing quality gear is one of 'KastKing's main objectives. I am going to give them a fair chance. I fish more and harder than most, if they can live through what I put them through I'll really be impressed.
Fun4Me reply :
I think finding decent quality gear at a decent price is always a good thing. I bought Diawa reels because I like that I can get parts readily. Sometimes parts are harder to find in branded reels. Having said that. better quality on the budget side helps keep higher end reels advancing too IMO.
MassYak85 reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 3:05 AM, Fun4Me said:I think finding decent quality gear at a decent price is always a good thing. I bought Diawa reels because I like that I can get parts readily. Sometimes parts are harder to find in branded reels. Having said that. better quality on the budget side helps keep higher end reels advancing too IMO.
That's the nice thing about the more well known brands is you can make a reel last for years, for decades even and still potentially get parts either from the manufacturer or from other people who swear by the brand. Now for the price of the kast king reels if it lasts 2 seasons and craps out on you, I'd say you got your money's worth and you might as well just buy another.
fishwizzard reply :
While I have slowly been moving towards the "low end of the high end" when it comes to rods and reels, I did pick up a Kuying UL casting rod to pair with a PX68 w/DIY spool. It took some time to figure out how to work it, but I have caught a few decent trout with it so far and it is a blast to fish with and has a lot more backbone than it's whippy fell would lead one to believe. I know I am not exactly comparing apples to apples, but it is far more sensitive and responsive then any of the UL spinning reels I have tried in that price range.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 5:20 AM, Bunnielab said:While I have slowly been moving towards the "low end of the high end" when it comes to rods and reels, I did pick up a Kuying UL casting rod to pair with a PX68 w/DIY spool. It took some time to figure out how to work it, but I have caught a few decent trout with it so far and it is a blast to fish with and has a lot more backbone than it's whippy fell would lead one to believe. I know I am not exactly comparing apples to apples, but it is far more sensitive and responsive then any of the UL spinning reels I have tried in that price range.
The Ray's Studio DIY stuff is very nice for the money. Kuying rods are really good too although they're a Malaysian company.
fishwizzard reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 7:32 AM, LowRange said:The Ray's Studio DIY stuff is very nice for the money. Kuying rods are really good too although they're a Malaysian company.
Really, I had no idea. I bought through their ailexpress page and just assumed they were a Chinese company.
The Ray's spool I have has been great once I got used to it and I am thinking of giving their handles a try soon.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 8:08 AM, Bunnielab said:Really, I had no idea. I bought through their ailexpress page and just assumed they were a Chinese company.
The Ray's spool I have has been great once I got used to it and I am thinking of giving their handles a try soon.
Their carbon handles are their best product IMO. No known issues, lots of color options, comes with spare parts, bearings and shims. Very nice product for $28.
BassGirl71 reply :
On 3/12/2017 at 1:55 AM, hunterPRO1 said:which in my experience, is where many cheaper reels fail.
I have to say that I've had some KastKing reels for a few years, and I fish a lot of tournaments every year - between club tournaments and team series tournaments I've fished close to 30 per year in the last few years. I haven't had any problems with my KastKing reels - I have a Royale, a Royale Legend, A BX1000, and some Blades and Summers for spinning reels. I haven't given my spinning reels near the abuse I've given my bait casters, but I haven't had a problem on either side. I'm looking forward to getting a couple more this year. The Speed Demon looks pretty awesome, from the videos and such I've seen. My confidence in these reels has been growing, so I figure why not save some cash.
wdp reply :
I've been following this thread for a few days now & I gotta say that it has intrigued me. I've always been a mid range guy for rods & reels.
Can somebody explain the concept here with KastKing reels? How are they made with OEM parts? Do they purchase the same parts that different reel companies use & just "piece meal" their reels together? I'm not sure I get it.
NYBasser reply :
On 3/13/2017 at 1:07 AM, wdp said:I've been following this thread for a few days now & I gotta say that it has intrigued me. I've always been a mid range guy for rods & reels.
Can somebody explain the concept here with KastKing reels? How are they made with OEM parts? Do they purchase the same parts that different reel companies use & just "piece meal" their reels together? I'm not sure I get it.
From my understanding, they purchase pre-assembled reels from OEM manufacturers in Asia and slap their label on it.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 3/13/2017 at 2:24 AM, NYBasser said:From my understanding, they purchase pre-assembled reels from OEM manufacturers in Asia and slap their label on it.
Yep. To be fair this how all reels with the exception of Daiwa, Shimamo and round Abus are made. The vast majority of reels on market in the US are not designed, engineered or manufactured by the name on the outside and are instead ordered from various reel companies known as OEMs. The big 3 we see being used most commonly are Doyo, Banax and Dawon. In the case of Kastking they are using Trulinoya.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The big companies spend so much on marketing in the form of tv shows, pro spokesmen, media etc they've left room for upstarts to slip in with better offerings at the lower prices. Lews was a similar deal with their initial resurgence. These current guys have taken it to another level though.
BaitFinesse reply :
As it turns out I have a lot of Trulinoya stuff. I received most of of it as gifts with orders from Aliexpress. I recently received some 1/8 oz lipless cranks and tungsten finesse jigs. Honestly, I'd add more Trulinoya products if the price was low and the product was interesting.
fishwizzard reply :
Do you have a link for the finesse jigs? Always looking for options.
reason162 reply :
Personally I don't see why anyone would spend money on Chinese OEM reels, when the big two has solid offerings in the sub-100 dollar range...esp Daiwa with their Tat CT and now Fuego. If you want something fancy for short change, the Korean OEM companies at least have some standard of QC.
One thing I can tell you is if you come across a saltwater spinner advertised as "fully sealed/waterproof" for under a C note, and if that seems too good to be true: it is! IMHO, and having some limited first hand experience and a LOT of second-hand horror stories...Kastking reels are garbage.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Got the notification that my Speed Demon shipped out 2 days ago. It's got a long ride across the pond to get here, but I'll be anxiously awaiting it's arrival.
Boogey Man reply :
The best thing about Kastking reels is that it will forever put an end to the bashing and comments from some people on this site about "value priced tackle" being "disposable, give it to your kid" equipment.
I guarantee somewhere out there, there's a kid with a Zebco 33 and an Ugly Stik fishing out of a little rusty John boat that could probably outfish a lot of us and has a blast doing it. Point being, you can actually catch fish without a Core, Avid or NRX.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 3/18/2017 at 9:48 PM, Boogey Man said:The best thing about Kastking reels is that it will forever put an end to the bashing and comments from some people on this site about "value priced tackle" being "disposable, give it to your kid" equipment.
I guarantee somewhere out there, there's a kid with a Zebco 33 and an Ugly Stik fishing out of a little rusty John boat that could probably outfish a lot of us and has a blast doing it. Point being, you can actually catch fish without a Core, Avid or NRX.
I understand your point but I don't remember or recall a single post from members that have said this. They've always pointed out the comfort of fishing a certain reel, the smoothness of a reel, lightness or sensitivity of a rod..etc. Most importantly is longevity and quality, I buy reels and rods that will last forever , I normally do not "sell equipment". I
reason162 reply :
On 3/18/2017 at 9:48 PM, Boogey Man said:The best thing about Kastking reels is that it will forever put an end to the bashing and comments from some people on this site about "value priced tackle" being "disposable, give it to your kid" equipment.
I guarantee somewhere out there, there's a kid with a Zebco 33 and an Ugly Stik fishing out of a little rusty John boat that could probably outfish a lot of us and has a blast doing it. Point being, you can actually catch fish without a Core, Avid or NRX.
Not sure who was bashing value priced tackle in this thread. There are sub-100 dollar reels from Shimano and Daiwa that no one would hesitate to recommend; they are both quality and value packed. Reasonable people can also recommend the Korean OEM reels (revo, Lews etc).
Kastking reels, imo, would have a place if they're selling for under 40 dollars, not a penny more.
Fun4Me reply :
On 3/18/2017 at 11:46 PM, reason162 said:
Kastking reels, imo, would have a place if they're selling for under 40 dollars, not a penny more.
That's the potential issue with me too. These budget branded reels are getting awfully close in price with the proven budget reels from the likes of Daiwa, Shimano, etc.
Boogey Man reply :
I was referring to posts in the past. Not this one.
reason162 reply :
On 3/18/2017 at 11:53 PM, Fun4Me said:
That's the potential issue with me too. These budget branded reels are getting awfully close in price with the proven budget reels from the likes of Daiwa, Shimano, etc.
The problem is information and marketing. You don't know who is pushing what, unless you do some digging. I know of a couple of youtubers who are "sponsored" by kastking, the ones operating in saltwater must have replacement reels sent in on a monthly basis.
The vast majority of tackle consumers have no idea what makes one reel better than another, and there is scant info online explaining the engineering/materials involved inside modern reels. I've been following one youtube channel recently that is tearing down reels in HD and goes into insane detail about the internals...but the Tranx 400 video was over an hour long lol (I enjoyed it!)
MassYak85 reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 12:52 AM, reason162 said:
The problem is information and marketing. You don't know who is pushing what, unless you do some digging. I know of a couple of youtubers who are "sponsored" by kastking, the ones operating in saltwater must have replacement reels sent in on a monthly basis.
The vast majority of tackle consumers have no idea what makes one reel better than another, and there is scant info online explaining the engineering/materials involved inside modern reels. I've been following one youtube channel recently that is tearing down reels in HD and goes into insane detail about the internals...but the Tranx 400 video was over an hour long lol (I enjoyed it!)
What's the channel if you don't mind sharing? I'd be interested in watching some of those.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 3:37 AM, MassYak85 said:What's the channel if you don't mind sharing? I'd be interested in watching some of those.
X2
reason162 reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 3:37 AM, MassYak85 said:What's the channel if you don't mind sharing? I'd be interested in watching some of those.
On 3/19/2017 at 7:24 AM, lmbfisherman said:X2
Not sure if links are allowed here, but search the channel name: "tackle advisors" on youtube. That guy is gearing up to do some very interesting things, going wayyy beyond someone casting a reel a few times and declaring it "smooth" or "powerful."
MassYak85 reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 11:35 AM, reason162 said:
Not sure if links are allowed here, but search the channel name: "tackle advisors" on youtube. That guy is gearing up to do some very interesting things, going wayyy beyond someone casting a reel a few times and declaring it "smooth" or "powerful."
sweet! Thanks! I've been looking for some more in depth reviews and breakdowns. Nice to be able to see the guts of a reel you are looking to buy.
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