KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 6oz Ultralight, Super Smooth with 17.6 LB Carbon Fiber Drag, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, 39mm Palm Perfect Lower Profile Design review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
| Brand | KastKing |
| Material | Reinforced nylon |
| Hand Orientation | Left Hand |
| Color | D:Left-Flash Silver-7.2:1 |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Bearing Material | Aluminum |
product features
- by entering your model number.
- NEW DESIGN - The totally new design KastKing Spartacus II baitcasting reel is a warrior! Spartacus II bait casting reels have the dynamic features, an extremely sleek lower profile of only 39 mm, about 10% lower than Spartacus I, and a weight of only 6 ounces for your battle in pursuit of your personal best. Match up one of the four-color patterns to your casting rod for a hot looking baitcasting combo.
- TECHNOLOGY - You will love the exceptional design of the powerful 5 button magnetic brakes (it is so efficient this baitcaster only needs one brake system instead of dual brakes) and the technologically advanced KastKing “Double Tapered Control Chute” Line Guide that reduces line friction for ultimate line control and birds nest reduction. Plus, tournament ready 4-disc carbon fiber drag with 17.6 LBs of trophy fish stopping power, make the Spartacus II baitcast reel a strong contender.
- SMOOTH - A Spartacus II bait casting reel has: superior shielded 7 + 1 corrosion resistant ball bearings, CNC anodized aluminum spool with power launch and aluminum handle for smooth casting, powerful precision machined hardened aluminum main gears, and KastKing logo embossed hi-grade EVA handle knobs. With an aluminum main gear, the reel is only 6 oz. That is unheard of for a reel under $50!
- NO MERCY - A KastKing Spartacus II baitcaster fishing reel with its versatile 7.2:1 gear ratio create an exceptional super low profile bait casting weapon in your fishing tackle collection that will save you money and bring you years of fishing pleasure.
- AFFORDABLE INNOVATION - Go beyond the limits with the new Spartacus II baitcasting reel that is smoother, smaller, lighter, and more powerful than any other brand bait casters in its price range.
This fits your .
Product Description
KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel Ultra Smooth 17.6 LB Carbon Fiber Drag
KastKing Spartacus II baitcasting reels are high quality, high performance baitcaster fishing reels at affordable innovation prices. Spartacus II’s sleek compact size and extremely low profile of only 39 mm and a light weight of only 6 ounces make it a top contender and is unheard of for a sub-50-dollar casting reel. By comparison, the height of the Spartacus I bait caster is 44mm tall. It has all the features you want in a baitcaster: 17.6 lbs. carbon fiber drag, 7.2:1 gear ratio, 7 + 1 stainless steel shielded ball bearings, plus instant stop anti-reverse, durable precision machined hardened aluminum main gears, CNC anodized aluminum spool with power-launch offer the best baitcasting reel value for you. For ultimate line control and birds nest reduction KastKing included a newly designed, more efficient 5 button magnetic brake system and the KastKing technologically advanced “Double Tapered Control Chute” Line Guide that reduces line friction.
The corrosion resistant components of a KastKing Spartacus II casting reel will give you hours on end of fish fighting performance and could be used freshwater or saltwater fishing. When shopping for a baitcaster reel compare the quality features and great value of a KastKing Spartacus II to baitcasting reels from other fishing reel brands. Spartacus II is available in right- or left-hand models. Make a KastKing Spartacus II bait caster your favorite fishing reel and bring it to your bass fishing arena and hear the crowd roar!
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Fish Like A GladiatorBring Spartacus II to the fishing battle, every detail is inspired by the warrior spirit. | Spearpoint PrecisionSpartacus II was created with precision for lightweight and balance. Every gear’s tooth is an engineering work of art. | Cutting Edge TechnologyLike Spartacus who required the most efficient tools of his trade, KastKing Affordable Innovation brings you that in Spartacus II. | Face Your CompetitionGladiator boldness required speed and toughness. Spartacus II gives you that in a baitcasting reel weighing only 6 oz. |
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CNC Machined Aluminum SpoolTo reduce weight and increase line speed, the new Spartacus II Baitcasting reel has a finely machined aluminum spool. | Dual Spring Assisted Thumb BarThe thumb bar features a dual spring system that ensures easy function and a long life. Much stronger than single spring designs. | Machined Aluminum Spool Tension Adjustment CapCasting distance and overrun control is managed through the magnetic braking system combined with the spool tension control cap. | Aluminum Handle and EVA Handle KnobsSpartacus II casting reels feature a lightweight aluminum handle and comfortable EVA handle knobs for complete control and comfort. |
Spartacus II - Specifications
| Frame | Reinforced Nylon |
| Gear Ratio | 7.2:1 |
| Max Drag (LB) | 17.64 |
| Brake System | Magnetic Brake |
| Ball Bearings | 7+1 |
| Reel Weight (OZ) | 6.0 |
| Main Gear | Brass |
| IPT(inch per turn) | 28 |
| Mono Line Capacity (LB/YD) | 10/140, 12/110, 15/90 |
| Braid Line Capacity (LB/YD) | 20/270, 30/140, 40/115 |
| Model | Left/Right Handed | Left/Right Handed | Left/Right Handed | Glacier White/Sea Spray/Dark Star | Great White/Pelagic Blue/Blacktip/Predator Red | Winner White/Metallic Blue/Jet Black/Rage Red |
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| Frame | Graphite | Graphite | Graphite | Graphite | Graphite | Enhanced Graphite |
| Gear Ratio | 5.4:1-7.2:1 | 7.2:1 | 6.6:1-8.1:1 | 6.5:1-7.2:1 | 5.4:1-6.5:1-7.2:1-9.1:1 | 5.3:1-6.6:1-7.3:1-8.1:1 |
| Max Drag (LB) | 17.64 | 17.64 | 17.64 | 17.64 | 17.64 | 17.64 |
| Brake System | Magnetic Brake | Magnetic Brake | Magnetic Brake | Magnetic Brake | Magnetic Brake | Magnetic Brake |
| Ball Bearings | 5+1 | 5+1 | 7+1 | 7+1 | 11+1 | 11+1 |
| Reel Weight (OZ) | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.5-7.6 | 7.2 |
| IPT(in per turn) | 22.4-29.8 | 29.8 | 26.1-32.1 | 26.9-29.8 | 22.5-26.9-29.8-37.7 | 22.3-27.8-30.7-34.1 |
| Mono Line Capacity (LB/YD) | 10/130, 12/110, 14/90 | 10/130, 12/110, 14/90 | 12/120, 14/100 | 10/130, 12/110, 14/90 | 10/125, 12/110, 14/90 | 12/130 |
| Braid Line Capacity (LB/YD) | 40/130, 50/110, 65/90 | 40/130, 50/110, 65/90 | 50/120, 60/100 | 40/125, 50/110, 65/80 | 40/125, 50/110, 65/80 | 50/130 |
product description
KastKing Spartacus II baitcasting reels are high quality, high performance baitcaster fishing reels at affordable innovation prices. Spartacus II’s sleek compact size and extremely low profile of only 39 mm and a light weight of only 6 ounces make it a top contender and is unheard of for a sub-50-dollar casting reel. By comparison, the height of the Spartacus I bait caster is 44mm tall. It has all the features you want in a baitcaster: 17.6 lbs. carbon fiber drag, 7.2:1 gear ratio, 7 + 1 stainless steel shielded ball bearings, plus instant stop anti-reverse, durable precision machined hardened aluminum main gears, CNC anodized aluminum spool with power-launch offer the best baitcasting reel value for you. For ultimate line control and birds nest reduction KastKing included a newly designed, more efficient 5 button magnetic brake system and the KastKing technologically advanced “Double Tapered Control Chute” Line Guide that reduces line friction. The corrosion resistant components of a KastKing Spartacus II casting reel will give you hours on end of fish fighting performance and could be used freshwater or saltwater fishing. When shopping for a baitcaster reel compare the quality features and great value of a KastKing Spartacus II to baitcasting reels from other fishing reel brands. Spartacus II is available in right- or left-hand models. Make a KastKing Spartacus II bait caster your favorite fishing reel and bring it to your bass fishing arena and hear the crowd roar!
product details
- Date First Available : June 18, 2021
- ASIN : B097HD7895
important information
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Questions about KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 6oz Ultralight, Super Smooth with 17.6 LB Carbon Fiber Drag, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, 39mm Palm Perfect Lower Profile Design
Q:
Does this reel have dual breaks?
Answer: Hi Robert,
Answer: I purchased the Spartacus II on May-20-2021, No it does not have dual brakes, It only has magnetic brakes!
Answer: I returned my reel only a couple days after purchase. It says dual breaks but mine only had 1.. I believe my reel was a factory defect however it did feel cheap, and squeaked write outta the box. I would not recommend purchasing this reel..
Q:
What is the drag wieght for this reel?
Answer: 17.5 lbs
Q:
Can the reel be used for deep sea fishing, Stripers, Blues and Flounders?
Answer: you can use it with saltwater fishing, but as with any reel you use at the beach, make sure you rinse off with fresh water afterwards x) check out the details on the product page for drag poundage am all the specs too x) tight lines my friend!
Answer: This is a fresh water reel.
Answer: I would think not. Considering how often it spools and results in a birds nest, I wouldn’t use it for anything.
Answer: The description says salt or fresh.
Q:
Could I use a 20lb line or 15lb? Or what the best lb line for this baitcaster?
Answer: You could use whatever line you want, but my advice would be to go with the bigger line! So if you can’t decide whether to go 15 or 20, just go 20!
Answer: The reel is more than capable of using any type and size line. I have used Braid Mono and Florocarbon with success. My suggestion use what you are comfortable fishing with for the type of fish you're trying to catch and go get them.
Answer: I use a 20lb braid with a 12lb flouro leader. Works just fine
Answer: I am using the Spartacus KadtKing rerl with 20 lbs a d works great!
Answer: For best results I would recommend buying a Lews reel. You’re welcome.
Answer: I run 30lb braid. I works fantastic
Answer: Yes if you use braid
Q:
What is the difference between spartacus and spartacus plus reels? only the cork handle??
Answer: Hi James,
Q:
Is this the most corrosion resistant baitcaster by KastKing?
Q:
i have one that broke can i send it back main gear broke??
Answer: I sent mine back, no questions asked.
Answer: I'm sure you can
Q:
I have a problem with my reel. Who do I contact and how?
Q:
Can you use 50lb braid effectively on this? All other KastKing reels are rated for 50lb braid but this one only lits up to 40.
Answer: I have 40lb braid on mine and it works beautifully. Honestly, when I first spooled it I had too much line and it wouldn't cast or retrieve smoothly; had to take some off! It's a small reel so I guess the problem you might have is could you spool enough line for your needs. I've used mine exclusively for bass and found that I have more than enough line for my purposes.
Answer: IThere is no point to put 50lb line on it.
Q:
Can the handle knobs be removed to clean the bearings?
Answer: Yes
Q:
Is this good for musky with 80lb braided? If not what is a good low profile musky reel under 100?
Answer: No, this would not be good for muskie. There is no low profile bait caster for muskie under $100 that i know of. The best muskie reel for under $100 in my opinion is the Shimano Corvalus 400.
Answer: I fish Muskie in Northern Wisconsin every summer. I use normal “bass tackle”. It’s more about technique than tackle. Are you throwing big jerk baits or buzz and spinner baits? What type of cover? For most all I do, I can fish my bass tackle, 12lb braid and medium rod, with success.
Answer: I fish Muskie in Northern Wisconsin every summer. I use normal “bass tackle”. It’s more about technique than tackle. Are you throwing big jerk baits or buzz and spinner baits? What type of cover? For most all I do, I can fish my bass tackle, 12lb braid and medium rod, with success.
Q:
Are the bait caster reels ambidextrous
Answer: No. You need to order either a right or left handed retrieve reel.
Answer: No, you have to purchase either a right handed or left handed reel.
Answer: No. You need to buy them per your preference.
Q:
Why does it show shipping to be 7 days when your ad shows amazon prime??
Answer: Hello,
Q:
This reel doesn't have a left hand option here can it still be ordered in left hand?
Answer: I have a left-hand reel so they are available.
Answer: In the description it states it is capable of eaither left or right.
Q:
How much does it weigh?
Answer: Mine weighs 7.9oz with about 150 yards of 30 pound braided line on it.
Answer: I think it is at 4.8oz.
Q:
I use a downrigger for small lake fishing for trout. Is this too big a reel
Answer: Should work
Q:
Are the ball bearings stainless?
Answer: Yes, smooth reel
Q:
The Spartacus plus is available for right hand correct, but i cant find that option
Answer: In the description it states it is left or right handed. Standard in right hand
Q:
Who do I call for warranty questions?
Answer: Call the kastking company they have a 1 year warranty on all of their reels. They service reels and cover shipping cost for free in most cases under the warranty.
Answer: Hi There,
Answer: You call kastking directly
Q:
I have a couble bait casters but for some reason at the end of the cast i often get bird nest with brake set on high. Can u check the brake
Answer: Yes. The cover on the side comes off and you can adjust the brake inside too. So basically the dial is a fine tuning adjustment and if that's not enough than pop the cover and do a more aggressive adjustment. Possibly will have to turn the dial back down after the aggressive adjustment. I like mine set where the dial ends up in the middle
Answer: The Spartacus Plus is a fast reel in my opinion, meaning the brakes will only do so much. Keep your thumb lightly on the spool when you cast, and when the cast is done let your thumb be the "brake". You will never get another birds nest.
Answer: It also depends on the weight of the lure, if the lure it’s too light, please adjust it so it will drop slowly.
Q:
what country was this reel made in?
Answer: Just received my Spartacus Plus Reel. There is no country of manufacture anywhere on the reel, but on the box next to the Model #, I found in very small, faded print " Made in China". Made in USA is a big deal, and KastKing who is very good at marketing their products, would refer to "Made in USA" in every way possible if it were true. So made in China.
Answer: My other KastKing reels were made in the U.S.A.!!! Not China!!! However, I tried to order this reel in the right-handed version and was told KastKing doesn’t make it anymore.
Answer: Designed in new York, made in China
Q:
What would you recommend if its my first time buying a baitcaster reel the speed demon or the spartacus
Answer: Hi Luis,
Answer: I don't have the speed demon. I have the Spartacus, and legend elites, and you can't go wrong with either. I've caught 40" inch snook and 30+ inch reds on the Spartacus. Smooth drag easy to tune and once tuned in will cast anything I want and with great distance.
Answer: If your on a budget, the Spartacus is terrific! I cant speak on the speed demon as I do not own one....YET. But it has been spoken of highly. Honestly, I prefer the Crixus Dark Star of all the KastKings I have. Its stupid smooth and has great feature for the price.
Answer: I would go with the megajaws in the 7:2.1 gear ratio or its the black reel as the megajaws line is color coded for gear ratios
Answer: Depends on what kind of fishing you do. The difference is the retrieval speeds
Q:
How can I Upgrade the magnets?
Answer: I found some on AliExpress but they dont make much of a difference to the stock magnets
Q:
do you have the reel for 4-8 lb test line?
Answer: Hi Bill,
Q:
Would this be a good baitcaster for a beginner?
Answer: I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner. I’m pretty experienced with baitcasters and it took me quite a while to get the settings dialed in on this thing. Whereas something like a Lew’s American hero took me like 3 casts and I was good to go. However, if you fish the same bait a lot without needing to change for different conditions, this reel and a speed demon rod for the specific bait type is a good deal.
Answer: Hi Arturo,
Answer: I have 6 of these along with $300 reels, never had a issue. These would work good for a beginner because of the dual brakes, 8-10 lb. line with the brakes turned up with a 1/4-1/2 oz. plug. Practice in the yard or a park and start backing the brakes off, half a day and you should be set.
Answer: No, its awful for beginners. You'd have better luck removing the reel from the rod and throwing it at the fish to catch them. This is my first KastKing baitcaster and it took ages to get it adjusted properly compared to other brands I have.
Answer: Yes. It cast smoothly and when u tune it to the bait it’s very forgiving. It’s a great baitcaster.
Answer: I go Abu black max, I’ve ordered 2 of these and both were defective. I’d shoot for something more reliable as a beginner.
Answer: I think so. I used it to learn to cast and you can’t beat the price. I have it teamed up with a 6 foo 6 inch medium Ugly Stik and like it just fine
Answer: i would probably move down on the amount of bearings so it was slower but if the person catches on fast then you could try it. for the price u cant go wrong either way. but heck let me know ill buy it from ya if it don't work out lol. i absolutely love mine
Q:
Can i pair this with my phenix m1 inshore 7’3” mh 15-35#
Answer: Don’t know why you wouldn’t be able to. As long as the rod fits a standard size reel. This reel will handle 15-35# line just fine.
Answer: You can pair it with any casting rod
Answer: Hi,
Answer: To be honest I've been using it as a fluke jigging real.
Q:
How many lb test line can handle with this reel?
Q:
Would this reel be good for 2oz to 4oz swimbaits?
Answer: Unfortunately I can't recommend this product. It was terrible. By the 5th cast it was unusable.
Answer: Yes
Q:
How do I order a right handed model?
Answer: Just order it, it comes right handed
Q:
What rod would this reel be good with
Answer: I have them on med and med/heavy.
Q:
When will this reel be back in stock????
Answer: In stock now
Q:
cork handles are drying out what can i use as a lube?
Answer: i would call KastKing direct, they are in New York and i think their customer service is fairly good.
Answer: Wd40?
Q:
My reel squeaks when I reel in. Any suggestions?
Answer: Tear it apart and oil all the bearings. While its apart put a couple drops of reel grease on the main big gear. After that it should be okay for a while.
Q:
Is there a difference in gear ratio between the colors as with other models?
Answer: should not be a difference in the gear ratio the only thing that changes is the color and the handle knobs but that's it
Answer: Yes, the colors indicate what the speed is.
Q:
I don't see an option for right hand retrieve at the moment. Is this because they are out of stock?
Answer: Comes in right hand
Q:
What kind of warrenty does the reel come with
Answer: As I understand it all rods and reels made by KastKing carry a warrantee of one year. However, I think you only have about 30 days to exchange it if it is defective. That's just my understanding, I may be wrong. You may want to ask KastKing to be sure. (By the way, this reel performs like a $100 reel, it is amazing. Buy it!)
Answer: All reels come with a 1 year warranty for Parts or Replacement.
Q:
is the chartreuse a regular spartacus or the plus?
Q:
i have one that broke can i send it back main gear broke??
Answer: I sent mine back, no questions asked.
Answer: I'm sure you can
Q:
What is the frame made of ?
Answer: Depends on the model. Some are aluminium some carbon
Q:
How long is the piece that you attach into your rod
Answer: Hi Chris,
Q:
When will right hand be back in stock
Q:
Is this a good beginner reel? I am considering getting this one for My bass tournaments and i need a quality reel that will withstand heavy use
Answer: Hi Chase,
Answer: Yes. This is an outstanding reel. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality.
Answer: I feel like this reel will hold up just fine
Answer: I fished it hard all summer, fall, winter and it held up great! Definitely recommend at the price point, a lot of bang for your buck.
Q:
Is this spartacus plus a big step up from the royal legend 2 which only has mag brake and 5+1 bearings?
Answer: I would say so it performs very nicely.
Q:
Can this take braid?
Answer: Yes. I currently have 65lb spider wire braid on mine. I use it for flipping. Great reel. Love it so far.
Answer: It definitely can. I’m running 25 lb braid on it right now and it works like a champ
Answer: I don't know. I ordered it right handed, it came left handed, so I mailed it back for an exchange, and was told they would issue a full refund, which they did, but they were not making this reel anymore. So I bought a Lew's Tournament Speed Spool LFS which cost twice as much, but it is incredible!
Q:
How do you take off the knobs? I can’t them to screw off and no screw driver really fits the cap
Answer: Very carefully
Q:
My kastking spartacus right hand sea foam green reel handle fell off. How can I order a replacement handle?
Answer: Generally all bait casting handles can go on every reel. So you can see if kastking sells handles and if not another third party company will probably sell a compatible handle.
Answer: Just visit KastKings website and send an email to there customer service center, they are very easy to friendly to work with
Q:
Hi I have returned the reels I bought and have yet to receive my money back who do I contact about this
Q:
Can i use this for salmon
Answer: The Spartacus Plus is only rated for freshwater. If you are fishing freshwater, then yes.
Answer: Can it be used in salt water?
Q:
what is the reel made of
Answer: I’m not 100% sure, I’m sure it is made out of some kind of metal. Not sure but it feels really good in the hand and it is a really sleek looking reel
Answer: It states in the description i beleive
Q:
Are the kastking reels on aliexpress the same reel as these? the chinese copy everything which is why i ask. seems the same and cheaper.
Answer: I wouldn’t trust the other sight
Product reviews of KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 6oz Ultralight, Super Smooth with 17.6 LB Carbon Fiber Drag, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, 39mm Palm Perfect Lower Profile Design
Corey H : Do it.
These reels work great, don't hesitate.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
Kindle Customer : Great reel for the price.
The color and the reel look amazing the reel is smooth and the drag is tight. I don't really have any negatives to say about the reel. The centrifugal brakes are a little different instead of the usual pin style. This is like a twist style similar to the magnetic brakes, but it's actually kinda neat and much easier to use then the pins. Especially for men who don't have nails those centrifugal pins can be a pain in the ass some times. I have this reel on a trout pole actually and it's only throwing 1/4oz Panther Martin, so weightless plastics should be no problem with this reel.
K&J : Reel is legit
I never do reviews but I feel like I need to on this. This reel is absolutely amazing I love it! I had never used a bait caster ever in my life until recently and bought a super expensive rod and reel that I just couldn't keep from back lashing and getting bird nests. With this reel I fine tuned the adjustments and it's spot on and I never backlash once! I have the outside dial set on 7 and it seems to be perfect for a beginner like me. The color was spot on too and it is super smooth. Do not hesitate to purchase this reel its awesome. Hopefully this helps other beginner bait caster fisherman succeed.
OddFrog : Shimano snob is shockingly pleased.
I was so sceptical about all the new Chinese reels on the market but i decided why not it's $35 let's give it a try. What a pleasant surprise other than a squeak on the retrieve that was fixed with some grease on the crank bushing(easy fix) this reel is holding its own against all my reels. This comes from a shimano snob who exclusively uses shimano reels for everything now don't get me wrong it's not as smooth or as solid as my higher-end reels but it's still pleasing to use. No major backlashes one I ditched the garbage line I put on it(verry rotten mono). Excellent purchase will be recommending to frends for first or backup baitcasters!
Corey H : Do it.
These reels work great, don't hesitate.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
Kenneth Watson : Set your $50 on fire. Better use of your money.
Unboxed. Lubed. Spooled with line. The thumb bar/spool release button wont re-engage with turning the handle. Must push the button up to reel in. On 5th practice cast reel started screaming on retrieve. I didnt bother to return it as i had way more fun beating it into a puddle of plastic with a 5lb drilling hammer. I should have known better than to buy this piece of crap. At least i had the satisfaction of smashing it, and writing this review. Been fishing for almost a half century and this thing is the biggest joke of fishing equipment i have ever encountered. Those are the unfortunate facts. I WANTED it to be great. I should have rolled up a $50 bill and lit it on fire instead of wasting it on this.
N.R. : You get what you pay for!
I was swayed by all the positive reviews and the price (it’s dirt cheap for a baitcasting reel considering features and price). Unfortunately, my experience was it’s just a cheap reel. The materials are mostly plastic which would be fine if it actually performed well. I spooled it with both mono and KastKing braid. It was better with mono, but not great with either. Neither time would it spool evenly, it was consistently more/less on one side, and watching the line go on the spool it was clear there was an issue. With braid particularly the return was very rough...not smooth at all. I could both hear and feel hears grinding. Mono was a bit better, but still not comparable to other reels I’ve used. I can only assume the breaking systems are faulty. No matter what combinations of settings I tried, I would get overruns or birdsnets often. With breaking systems set high I couldn’t get any decent casting distance and sometimes would birdsnest anyway with the line not more than 20’ out (WHAT??), and with it loosened to midway on centrifugal and high on magnetic I’d still get a lot of birdsnest on a relatively easy cast while feathering the line. It’s beyond frustrating. The Spartacus is being returned and I’m going back to spending the extra on a Daiwa, Shimano or other quality reel. Maybe I got a bad unit, but I’m willing to pay for quality control and reliability.
OhioSilverback : your paying for what your getting..
the braking system on mine was flawed. shouldnt have the brake on max 1st, and 2nd, anytime i tried to put ANYTHING on a cast, it was an immediate backlash from HELL. bought this reel to replace an old 1 i have on a 6'10" MH with 50lb braid. the ONLY thing different was the reel. tried casting with several different lures, and same result. these same lures, on the same pole, with the same line on my old reel never had this issue. the verdict from me.... kastking spartacus = JUNK
ChazinPA : Excellent reel once you dial it in.
First baitcasting reel. Tough at first but once you get familiar with the impact of the 3 breaks on it you should be able to find your settings pretty quick to have fun with this thing. Watch a youtube video first, I definitely had an "Oh, that's how you do it." moment or two.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
Holly Perry : Do not listen to the advertisement but it's a solid reel.
For the money this is a very good reel. ***IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER THEN DO NOT LISTEN TO THE VIDEO*** This is not as easy to adjust as the video makes you believe. I am very experienced with baitcasters and the difficulty even caught me off guard. The quality of this reel is pretty good. It doesn't throw as smooth as a high dollar unit but it is better than any lower quality reel that I've used in the past. Considering this reel has a lower gear ratio there is a bit of resistance when reeling in fish. I would buy this again and I do suggest this for a solid backup/option but do not let the advertisement get you because it will not be easy for a beginner and the quality is just decent.
If your make sure to take off the side cover and adjust the brake to the max setting. This will keep you from back lashing and it will be a solid starting point.
If your make sure to take off the side cover and adjust the brake to the max setting. This will keep you from back lashing and it will be a solid starting point.
Tom : Getting what I paid for
I wanted to go with a frog specific setup and decided to take a shot at this reel. I wish I had spent the extra money for a Revo X instead.
I have owned a lot of bait casters over the years and including this one I currently own 12 so I’m not new to them.
I accept that there is a dialing in stage for every baitcaster but for this one I feel that’s a lot harder than for the others I own. The one thing that I really dislike is that there is too much space between the spool and the body/frame. If you do backlash, then you will end up with line pinched between the spool and frame. This occurred with both 65lbs power pro and 25lbs fluorocarbon.
The tension knob keeps tightening itself and after a few casts it is fully engaged.
I ended up putting it on my flipping rod where I’m tossing between 1-2oz weights a short distance and will wait until I land a fish on it to decide if I’m returning or not.
I have owned a lot of bait casters over the years and including this one I currently own 12 so I’m not new to them.
I accept that there is a dialing in stage for every baitcaster but for this one I feel that’s a lot harder than for the others I own. The one thing that I really dislike is that there is too much space between the spool and the body/frame. If you do backlash, then you will end up with line pinched between the spool and frame. This occurred with both 65lbs power pro and 25lbs fluorocarbon.
The tension knob keeps tightening itself and after a few casts it is fully engaged.
I ended up putting it on my flipping rod where I’m tossing between 1-2oz weights a short distance and will wait until I land a fish on it to decide if I’m returning or not.
adam meek : I wanted to love it.
I wanted to love this reel. Especially at this price. I just don't. Its an ok reel. It will do what you need it to do. But I find myself having to tinker with the brakes way too much. The spool tension wont stay in place. The gears were dry out of the box. After lubing the gears and changing one of the broken drag washers, this reel finally felt like an ok reel. I paid 10 dollars more for the Kastking Assasin a few years ago and I still love that reel. It was the best value reel I have ever had. Its still just as smooth as when I bought it. I know a lot of people love this reel. Maybe I just got a bad one? I would save my money and get a lower end Lew's or Abu.
Michael J. Ruffino : Fantastic Salt and Freshwater reel, beginners or advance
I have been using an Abu Garcia for years and wanted to get a backlash resistant reel. This reel when tuned properly, magnetic and centrifugal brakes, you will virtually eliminate backlashes permanently. No thumb on the reel it casts far and without worries. I would recommend this for any and all to purchase.
I started my brakes at max and then dialed them down, first the centrifugal and then magnetic until I got a longer cast and free of backlashes. During this process you may get a backlash as you find your correct settings.
The reel tension knob should be adjusted for each setup. It should lower your lure or bait at a slow already pace, then you are ready to enjoy this reel more than any other you have experienced.
I started my brakes at max and then dialed them down, first the centrifugal and then magnetic until I got a longer cast and free of backlashes. During this process you may get a backlash as you find your correct settings.
The reel tension knob should be adjusted for each setup. It should lower your lure or bait at a slow already pace, then you are ready to enjoy this reel more than any other you have experienced.
Doc : Excellent reel excellent price
I fish 3 to 4 days a week. Thank you my dear wife. I use my equipment a lot. Bang for the buck the KastKing is terrific. I do take car of it. Wash down everyday, I fish salt water. I do oil the shaft and line guide monthly. My two year old reel is good as new. Great drag and the cast controls are easy and effective. I bought one for a 13 year old and he has no problem casting without birds nests. All in all excellent reel EXCELLENT price.
Ross Gibbs : Amazing reel, fresh and salty
First off, I absolutely love this reel and have definitely put it to work over the last two years. I live on the coast of NC so I have access to fish both fresh and saltwater within a short 5 minute drive from my house. That being said, I needed a lightweight reel that could hold a good amount of line, easy to operate, and be able to handle bigger fish. This reel checks off all of those spots. Extremely lightweight and fits nicely in my hand. I have about 150 yards of 30 lb braid on it and haven't had any problems with it. I love that it has two sets of brakes and it actually makes it very versatile. I set the centrifugal brake to a good all around setting and leave it alone. I then use the magnetic brake to adjust for casting distance and how much weight I'm throwing. Since it is operated by a dial I can adjust on the fly, and after using it for a while I know generally what setting to put it on. Baitcaster reels can be difficult to set up but there are plenty of videos showing how to do so, and the rest is just patience and getting to know your tackle. To me a baitcaster is generally for more precision casting, i.e. I want this bait to land right beside that stump. They are really effective in close range fishing, but that's another subject. Although, by adjusting the brakes accordingly, have been able to cast as far as some of my spinning combos. I have been fishing for 20 some years and used a variety of gear in a plethora of situations, I would not hesitate to use this reel. Its features and price point simply outweighs the competition, and I personally love the cork grips. I gave it 4 stars in the "for beginners" category simply because it does take some getting used to, especially if it is your first ever experience with a baitcaster but as I said, with patience it is a very versatile and effective tool. Hope this helps in your decision making.
EpixAZN : UPDATED REVIEW: One of the prettiest plastic reels.
Update: ended up returning for a refund. Gears didnt hold up. We greased and oiled all parts prior to using. After second day on the water we heard a squealing noise everytime we cast. On one cast the handle spun in reverse. Was never able to reproduce it. After that everything sounded like it was grinding and not smooth at all.
Spend the money on trusted brands. Skip this reel.
Ordered this based on reviews from other buyers. For the price range the quality is par. I thought that there would be some sort of alloy in the main body. Will see how long it lasts now that i know its almost 80% plastic. Other than that it looks beautiful and is smooth. It does take a little bit of adjustment with all 3 brakes. The spool holds a fair amount of line, more so than my other reel. Handles are a nice touch. The thumb tab feels like it wont hold up, but time will tell.
Spend the money on trusted brands. Skip this reel.
Ordered this based on reviews from other buyers. For the price range the quality is par. I thought that there would be some sort of alloy in the main body. Will see how long it lasts now that i know its almost 80% plastic. Other than that it looks beautiful and is smooth. It does take a little bit of adjustment with all 3 brakes. The spool holds a fair amount of line, more so than my other reel. Handles are a nice touch. The thumb tab feels like it wont hold up, but time will tell.
Jorge Bozeman : 8.7/10, everything is great except the squeaking
Let me start off by saying that this is a fantastic reel for the money. It looks great, it’s sleek, it reels smooth, it’s saltwater suitable, and it casts incredibly. However, I do have some complaints. First of all, my reel squeaks. Straight out of the crumpled up box that they gave me, it seemed to me like this reel was refurbished. Although the squeaking doesn’t prohibit any aspect of the reel, it drives me NUTS. Something just doesn’t sit right with me when I hear the squeaking. It is definitely annoying, I tried to oil the bearings but I had zero luck. I think the sound is coming from the gears, but I’m too scared to try and disassemble my reel. So that sucks. Also, despite the price, this is not a good reel for beginners. It is extremely prone to backlashing, especially if it isn’t tuned right. You have to feather the spool the whole way or else the line will start puffing up. But those two things aside, this is a quality reel that is totally worth the money... if yours doesn’t squeak.
KYSTEVE : Ages quickly!
I just took this off my pole to put another reel on. At first glance this reel is going to get your blood running it passes the looks test no doubt! I have had it close to 8 months now and it is gradually starting to lose its performance as it is used. I have had to adjust the brake about every few outings with it. I have oiled when necessary and kept it covered when traveling. The retrieve has roughened up over the use and the frame does flex and bind when you catch a larger bass. This is a lot of money for the reel, I did not go into the purchase expecting shimano quality but for the price I expected more than I received. I think with a little bit of tweaking by kastking this reel could be a go too for a lot of casual anglers.
Jay C. Johnson : Bird nests and short casts.
I really wanted to give this a good rating. It looks awesome. The cork handles feel nice and don't slip. But after using it with 30 lbs Spiderwire braid I am not a happy camper. The magnetic braking does not work good enough. I would get bird nests about 75% of the time. Or the line would cinch up on the spool and stop the spool and reverse direction and just stop. I kept using it and caught a nice Largemouth and a decent walleye. Just not happy about always having to fix the line issues. I bought based on all of the positive reviews.
Update 12/11/2018:
KastKing sent me a replacement reel but won't be able to try it until the spring.
Update 12/11/2018:
KastKing sent me a replacement reel but won't be able to try it until the spring.
Omar Quinones : Great bang for the buck! Ideal for those getting into Baitcasters.
I purchased this reel when I decided to make the jump to a baitcaster. The price point was ideal as I was sure if I would like baitcasters and if I didnt then it wasn't a huge loss. This reel has given me less issues than my Shimano SLX HT. I would recommend you understand the basics of a baitcaster before attempting to cast as not understanding that you have to use your thumb to feather the spool will get you into some trouble with birds nest. The magnetic brake in my opinion the best feature on this reel. It allows you to fine tune your cast while building up your confidence in baitcasters. Once you've learned which brake setting works for you, the spool tension can be fine tuned to allow you to cast without using much of your thumb. Such a great baitcaster for the price.
DM : Dual breaks is the key!
As I am an angler new to baitcasters (I have fished with spinning my entire life), I really wanted to find a great reel to learn on. This one did the trick! I first bought a “popular“ brand baitcaster, but that didn’t help one bit. I then bought the Spartacus and a wow, It truly taught me the way. Having dual breaks was extremely helpful and it limited the birds-nesting quickly. I recommend this real to anyone new to baitcasters or anyone wanting a tough reel with a strong drag!
N.R. : You get what you pay for!
I was swayed by all the positive reviews and the price (it’s dirt cheap for a baitcasting reel considering features and price). Unfortunately, my experience was it’s just a cheap reel. The materials are mostly plastic which would be fine if it actually performed well. I spooled it with both mono and KastKing braid. It was better with mono, but not great with either. Neither time would it spool evenly, it was consistently more/less on one side, and watching the line go on the spool it was clear there was an issue. With braid particularly the return was very rough...not smooth at all. I could both hear and feel hears grinding. Mono was a bit better, but still not comparable to other reels I’ve used. I can only assume the breaking systems are faulty. No matter what combinations of settings I tried, I would get overruns or birdsnets often. With breaking systems set high I couldn’t get any decent casting distance and sometimes would birdsnest anyway with the line not more than 20’ out (WHAT??), and with it loosened to midway on centrifugal and high on magnetic I’d still get a lot of birdsnest on a relatively easy cast while feathering the line. It’s beyond frustrating. The Spartacus is being returned and I’m going back to spending the extra on a Daiwa, Shimano or other quality reel. Maybe I got a bad unit, but I’m willing to pay for quality control and reliability.
Ross Gibbs : Amazing reel, fresh and salty
First off, I absolutely love this reel and have definitely put it to work over the last two years. I live on the coast of NC so I have access to fish both fresh and saltwater within a short 5 minute drive from my house. That being said, I needed a lightweight reel that could hold a good amount of line, easy to operate, and be able to handle bigger fish. This reel checks off all of those spots. Extremely lightweight and fits nicely in my hand. I have about 150 yards of 30 lb braid on it and haven't had any problems with it. I love that it has two sets of brakes and it actually makes it very versatile. I set the centrifugal brake to a good all around setting and leave it alone. I then use the magnetic brake to adjust for casting distance and how much weight I'm throwing. Since it is operated by a dial I can adjust on the fly, and after using it for a while I know generally what setting to put it on. Baitcaster reels can be difficult to set up but there are plenty of videos showing how to do so, and the rest is just patience and getting to know your tackle. To me a baitcaster is generally for more precision casting, i.e. I want this bait to land right beside that stump. They are really effective in close range fishing, but that's another subject. Although, by adjusting the brakes accordingly, have been able to cast as far as some of my spinning combos. I have been fishing for 20 some years and used a variety of gear in a plethora of situations, I would not hesitate to use this reel. Its features and price point simply outweighs the competition, and I personally love the cork grips. I gave it 4 stars in the "for beginners" category simply because it does take some getting used to, especially if it is your first ever experience with a baitcaster but as I said, with patience it is a very versatile and effective tool. Hope this helps in your decision making.
Max : Sent me a defective reel. HORID customer service.
Absolutely HORID customer service. I'd stray away from KastKings if I were you.
My reel was sent defective so I had to process a refund. It took 2 straight weeks of provoking and reminding them to finally process a return & exchange. Also keep in mind that customer service is outsourced so they only respond at 1 or 2am, and are EXTREMELY unhelpful. After battling this and them finally sending me a new reel after 2.5 weeks of lackadaisical customer service and me voicing my discontent, they had the audacity to offer me a 5% discount on my NEXT purchase. Too bad I will never be buying from KastKings again. If the shipping is slow, it may end up being an entire month from when I initiated the claim to when I get my replacement reel. Truly laughable.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
EDIT:
They finally sent me a replacement reel and it was a used reel!!! How unbelievable.. please please stay away. Absolutely terrible customer service.
My reel was sent defective so I had to process a refund. It took 2 straight weeks of provoking and reminding them to finally process a return & exchange. Also keep in mind that customer service is outsourced so they only respond at 1 or 2am, and are EXTREMELY unhelpful. After battling this and them finally sending me a new reel after 2.5 weeks of lackadaisical customer service and me voicing my discontent, they had the audacity to offer me a 5% discount on my NEXT purchase. Too bad I will never be buying from KastKings again. If the shipping is slow, it may end up being an entire month from when I initiated the claim to when I get my replacement reel. Truly laughable.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
EDIT:
They finally sent me a replacement reel and it was a used reel!!! How unbelievable.. please please stay away. Absolutely terrible customer service.
Brad : Nice reel
So I have about 5 or 6 of the KastKing reels now. I have really been happy with them to this point.
I have a couple of the Royal Legand, $39 one and they have done great. Not sure about the long term life of them, but for the price a nice reel.
Decided to try one in the next price band and it has a way more solid feel, not as plastic feeling but not like the others feel bad. So far, so god on all fronts.
I have a couple of the Royal Legand, $39 one and they have done great. Not sure about the long term life of them, but for the price a nice reel.
Decided to try one in the next price band and it has a way more solid feel, not as plastic feeling but not like the others feel bad. So far, so god on all fronts.
Amazon Customer : THE BEST reel for beginners! No tangle more fishing!
I don’t ever write reviews.. so this is something really special.
I have been watching youtube videos of people fishing while studying for my pharmacy board exams this summer and everyone uses bait-casters. I decided that I wanted to pick one up as well and get back into fishing. I have never owned a bait-casting reel before.
I have been looking for one and have seen numerous reels for sale at stores but they all were pretty basic with minimal options for my budget. I came across this KastKing reel and decided to take a shot. At first I bought the royal legend but had issues and ended up returning it, that was a very smooth process. I decided to take another shot and get this KastKing Spartacus plus and I LOVE it!!!
On proper settings, I have ZERO backlash/birdsnests and it casts pretty far as well. It is very easy to operate and looks beautiful when paired with a candy apple red rod that I customized to match the reel. This reel/rod combo that I have put together is my prized possession now and I am happy to support a great company that makes a truly awesome product for beginners like me.
I have tried other bait-casters and was spending less time fishing and more time trying to untangle the mess of fishing line. But with this kastking I do nothing buy enjoy fishing.
So do not hesitate to buy this reel!
I have been watching youtube videos of people fishing while studying for my pharmacy board exams this summer and everyone uses bait-casters. I decided that I wanted to pick one up as well and get back into fishing. I have never owned a bait-casting reel before.
I have been looking for one and have seen numerous reels for sale at stores but they all were pretty basic with minimal options for my budget. I came across this KastKing reel and decided to take a shot. At first I bought the royal legend but had issues and ended up returning it, that was a very smooth process. I decided to take another shot and get this KastKing Spartacus plus and I LOVE it!!!
On proper settings, I have ZERO backlash/birdsnests and it casts pretty far as well. It is very easy to operate and looks beautiful when paired with a candy apple red rod that I customized to match the reel. This reel/rod combo that I have put together is my prized possession now and I am happy to support a great company that makes a truly awesome product for beginners like me.
I have tried other bait-casters and was spending less time fishing and more time trying to untangle the mess of fishing line. But with this kastking I do nothing buy enjoy fishing.
So do not hesitate to buy this reel!
Karina dickerson : Quality product for the budget minded angler.
This was my first casting reel ever. With that being said I can only tell you what my experience has been like with this reel during my introduction phase into the world of casting reels. Before I hit the water with the reel I did my homework on how to set it up to help avoid the back lash. Once I was confident in my set up and practicing I hit the water. My first cast was smooth ! It was in that moment I knew I was going to be building a Arsenal of kastking casting reels. I’ve had it on the water multiples times each time using less and less break adding distance to my cast. This reel is more than worth it !
Kenny : Nice reel!
Will say this I bought a 40$ bait caster off of here no name brand and it’s doing a grinding sound so I said you know what ima try this one out by far I’m impressed only bad thing is this thing is made of plastic! The other I own is all metal but this baby right here cast smooth and reels in nice and smooth like a guy said on here this is not for a beginning bait caster if you don’t pay attention to setting it up you’ll always get backlash and spending most of your fishing fixing it lol but this is a bad little thing very very light make sure to oil and grees it up before using I did and it made this thing come alive so far I’m impressed and happy
Kindle Customer : Great reel for the price.
The color and the reel look amazing the reel is smooth and the drag is tight. I don't really have any negatives to say about the reel. The centrifugal brakes are a little different instead of the usual pin style. This is like a twist style similar to the magnetic brakes, but it's actually kinda neat and much easier to use then the pins. Especially for men who don't have nails those centrifugal pins can be a pain in the ass some times. I have this reel on a trout pole actually and it's only throwing 1/4oz Panther Martin, so weightless plastics should be no problem with this reel.
Joseph W. : Great Price for a good reel
I bought this reel to expand my collection for going out on bass fishing trips with the local BASS club. The reel is made very well and you get a lot of extras at a really great price. There is a bit of a learning curve as there are for a good charge of reels. You definitely have to make sure that you adjust all three of the breaks during your initial setup. If you do not and just adjust one or two you will almost certainly get a back lash. Once you get it dialed in though this will become a go to reel. I have this one setup as you can see in the picture with a small jig and this is part of my pond hopping setup. I would highly recommend this reel to add to your arsenal.
Doc : Excellent reel excellent price
I fish 3 to 4 days a week. Thank you my dear wife. I use my equipment a lot. Bang for the buck the KastKing is terrific. I do take car of it. Wash down everyday, I fish salt water. I do oil the shaft and line guide monthly. My two year old reel is good as new. Great drag and the cast controls are easy and effective. I bought one for a 13 year old and he has no problem casting without birds nests. All in all excellent reel EXCELLENT price.
N.R. : You get what you pay for!
I was swayed by all the positive reviews and the price (it’s dirt cheap for a baitcasting reel considering features and price). Unfortunately, my experience was it’s just a cheap reel. The materials are mostly plastic which would be fine if it actually performed well. I spooled it with both mono and KastKing braid. It was better with mono, but not great with either. Neither time would it spool evenly, it was consistently more/less on one side, and watching the line go on the spool it was clear there was an issue. With braid particularly the return was very rough...not smooth at all. I could both hear and feel hears grinding. Mono was a bit better, but still not comparable to other reels I’ve used. I can only assume the breaking systems are faulty. No matter what combinations of settings I tried, I would get overruns or birdsnets often. With breaking systems set high I couldn’t get any decent casting distance and sometimes would birdsnest anyway with the line not more than 20’ out (WHAT??), and with it loosened to midway on centrifugal and high on magnetic I’d still get a lot of birdsnest on a relatively easy cast while feathering the line. It’s beyond frustrating. The Spartacus is being returned and I’m going back to spending the extra on a Daiwa, Shimano or other quality reel. Maybe I got a bad unit, but I’m willing to pay for quality control and reliability.
Tony : Good for the money
I got the Spartacus original model on sale for 36$. For the money, it's not bad. It takes a little more effort to dial it in and reduce the bird's nesting than my other baitcasters. It's not as smooth as my President XT and it also squeeks a little sometimes. For 36$, I'll use it until it falls apart. I feel pretty confident it will function for a long time because KastKing makes good stuff in my experience.
Update: I seem to have it dialed in pretty well now. It requires a little more fine tuning than my other baitcasters but I've got the bird's nest eliminated and can cast it a long ways.
Update: I seem to have it dialed in pretty well now. It requires a little more fine tuning than my other baitcasters but I've got the bird's nest eliminated and can cast it a long ways.
ChazinPA : Excellent reel once you dial it in.
First baitcasting reel. Tough at first but once you get familiar with the impact of the 3 breaks on it you should be able to find your settings pretty quick to have fun with this thing. Watch a youtube video first, I definitely had an "Oh, that's how you do it." moment or two.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
James Muskelly : Great baitcaster
Just recieved this reel today and with the quality I have had from pre ious reels I know it will be great. Spooled it with 12lb test and did a few casts in the back yard and it is smooth as butter. I could not have found a better company to buy equipment from and to me they are the best by far. Have not had any issues at all with any thing and now I just have to put it to work next weekend and I can't wait. It is smaller than the previous Kastking reels I own but it is very comfortable and fits my hand perfect.
Pete : First impression
Ordered the Spartacus in seafoam green and also ordered Spartacus plus took the Spartacus plus out yesterday felt great till about 20 casts in the thumb bar would engage during cast which actually almost made me hit the other person in the face with my lure after the first time it locked up on me the reel began screaming loudly on almost all cats after that and felt extremely rough on the retrieve thereafter pretty bummed out about this reel I wasn't expecting top of the line performance but wasn't expecting it to be complete garbage either this was my first impression of this company's products I still haven't fished the green Spartacus yet but I'm expecting similar results being basically the same reel with different aesthetics overall unimpressive my abu silver max is still going strong 3 years now and was basically same price may just return both without even fishing the green Spartacus
ROBERT C. COX : Spend the $40 elsewhere for a quality product
This is my second review for the same item. I originally said that it was a great, quality product for the price and it was perfect for beginners. After about 3 weeks the reel literally fell apart while my son was casting it and parts went everywhere in the tall grass. It took Kastking nearly 3 weeks to get replacement parts and when they finally arrived the hex nut was made so cheaply it stripped immediately after being put on, so once again that reel is out of commission. I ordered a replacement from amazon but anymore issues and I will request a full refund.
ChazinPA : Excellent reel once you dial it in.
First baitcasting reel. Tough at first but once you get familiar with the impact of the 3 breaks on it you should be able to find your settings pretty quick to have fun with this thing. Watch a youtube video first, I definitely had an "Oh, that's how you do it." moment or two.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
One note, is the directions were reversed on mine, so to get to the internal break, directions said clockwise to remove cover, mine was counter clock wise to get the cover off to adjust the break.
OddFrog : Shimano snob is shockingly pleased.
I was so sceptical about all the new Chinese reels on the market but i decided why not it's $35 let's give it a try. What a pleasant surprise other than a squeak on the retrieve that was fixed with some grease on the crank bushing(easy fix) this reel is holding its own against all my reels. This comes from a shimano snob who exclusively uses shimano reels for everything now don't get me wrong it's not as smooth or as solid as my higher-end reels but it's still pleasing to use. No major backlashes one I ditched the garbage line I put on it(verry rotten mono). Excellent purchase will be recommending to frends for first or backup baitcasters!
Knarr : Take a kid fishing.
My son and I both decided to try out some baitcasters, so I got the kastking Spartacus and he got the speed demon. Neither of us have ever used this type of fishing reel before. They are both very forgiving for the beginner, but I think there Spartacus is slightly better. Of course we both bird'snest frequently but we are getting better and most of the backlash are very easy to clear, mostly we just have to put them in free spool and pay out line while holding tension on the spool until you don't see loops hanging off the spool anymore. Both of the reels look and feel very quality. The Spartacus internal magnetic breaking is not hard at all for a beginner baitcaster to figure out and the speed demon reels super fast (hence the name). So far we are enjoying both our new reels and it looks like we will for years to come. I think kastking will be our go to from now on for fishing needs.
adam meek : I wanted to love it.
I wanted to love this reel. Especially at this price. I just don't. Its an ok reel. It will do what you need it to do. But I find myself having to tinker with the brakes way too much. The spool tension wont stay in place. The gears were dry out of the box. After lubing the gears and changing one of the broken drag washers, this reel finally felt like an ok reel. I paid 10 dollars more for the Kastking Assasin a few years ago and I still love that reel. It was the best value reel I have ever had. Its still just as smooth as when I bought it. I know a lot of people love this reel. Maybe I just got a bad one? I would save my money and get a lower end Lew's or Abu.
Austin Cardwell : Damn good for a $40 reel
I had a lot of avid fisherman friends caution against buying a cheap bait caster. I’ve owned three cast kings and have them on multiple different set ups. Some of my cast kings are finally starting to fail after excessive salt water exposure and abuse. I’ve had them for at least 3 years and treated them pretty harsh. I would recommend these reels to anyone.
James Muskelly : Great baitcaster
Just recieved this reel today and with the quality I have had from pre ious reels I know it will be great. Spooled it with 12lb test and did a few casts in the back yard and it is smooth as butter. I could not have found a better company to buy equipment from and to me they are the best by far. Have not had any issues at all with any thing and now I just have to put it to work next weekend and I can't wait. It is smaller than the previous Kastking reels I own but it is very comfortable and fits my hand perfect.
Jay Texan : Might be JUNK or I got a bad reel
First time using the reel, within a few cast I start feeling this subtle grinding in the reel as I retrieve my bait. Not bad enough to make me throw the reel away, but bad enough that it irritates me. I have 2 other KastKing reels that I love, but this one is a dud.
ed : Worth the money, for sure!
Haven't caught many fish with it yet but have only been getting it dialed in. I have been throwing spinner baits and a jitterbug and it's the first reel I have had with the centrifugal and magnetic brake together. I really like how it works, it took me a total of about 5 casts to get it close and another 5 or so to get dialed in perfect. One thing I will say is that I will stick with the same basic weight for the reel and just get another one for lighter baits, less adjusting going back and forth from heaver to lighter baits. I like to have specific rod/reel combos for different style baits anyway so having 4-6 rods on the deck is fine with me.
What it did: it casts fantastic! I have had everything from a Shimano Chronarch 100SF Gold, Shimano Curado 200bsf, Quantam, and back in the day I loved my Lews. I would fish this right next to any of these reels, any day. Do I think the Spartacus Plus is a better reel than all these? Some yes, some no. What I do think is that the Spartacus Plus is worth far more that it costs! If the reel holds up long term I would say that the only reel I have ever owned better is the Chronarch Gold. The Curado is equal to it to me. I'm looking forward to getting a Royal Legend Elite and giving it a shot! IMO the KastKings are a good alternative to the high dollar "big name" brands, I really like the direct sales model to keep the middle men from cashing in for doing nothing more than moving product from the manufacture to the seller.
If you're on the fence about this reel, just do it.....what are you waiting for? Order it now.
What it did: it casts fantastic! I have had everything from a Shimano Chronarch 100SF Gold, Shimano Curado 200bsf, Quantam, and back in the day I loved my Lews. I would fish this right next to any of these reels, any day. Do I think the Spartacus Plus is a better reel than all these? Some yes, some no. What I do think is that the Spartacus Plus is worth far more that it costs! If the reel holds up long term I would say that the only reel I have ever owned better is the Chronarch Gold. The Curado is equal to it to me. I'm looking forward to getting a Royal Legend Elite and giving it a shot! IMO the KastKings are a good alternative to the high dollar "big name" brands, I really like the direct sales model to keep the middle men from cashing in for doing nothing more than moving product from the manufacture to the seller.
If you're on the fence about this reel, just do it.....what are you waiting for? Order it now.
Max : Sent me a defective reel. HORID customer service.
Absolutely HORID customer service. I'd stray away from KastKings if I were you.
My reel was sent defective so I had to process a refund. It took 2 straight weeks of provoking and reminding them to finally process a return & exchange. Also keep in mind that customer service is outsourced so they only respond at 1 or 2am, and are EXTREMELY unhelpful. After battling this and them finally sending me a new reel after 2.5 weeks of lackadaisical customer service and me voicing my discontent, they had the audacity to offer me a 5% discount on my NEXT purchase. Too bad I will never be buying from KastKings again. If the shipping is slow, it may end up being an entire month from when I initiated the claim to when I get my replacement reel. Truly laughable.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
EDIT:
They finally sent me a replacement reel and it was a used reel!!! How unbelievable.. please please stay away. Absolutely terrible customer service.
My reel was sent defective so I had to process a refund. It took 2 straight weeks of provoking and reminding them to finally process a return & exchange. Also keep in mind that customer service is outsourced so they only respond at 1 or 2am, and are EXTREMELY unhelpful. After battling this and them finally sending me a new reel after 2.5 weeks of lackadaisical customer service and me voicing my discontent, they had the audacity to offer me a 5% discount on my NEXT purchase. Too bad I will never be buying from KastKings again. If the shipping is slow, it may end up being an entire month from when I initiated the claim to when I get my replacement reel. Truly laughable.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
EDIT:
They finally sent me a replacement reel and it was a used reel!!! How unbelievable.. please please stay away. Absolutely terrible customer service.
K&J : Reel is legit
I never do reviews but I feel like I need to on this. This reel is absolutely amazing I love it! I had never used a bait caster ever in my life until recently and bought a super expensive rod and reel that I just couldn't keep from back lashing and getting bird nests. With this reel I fine tuned the adjustments and it's spot on and I never backlash once! I have the outside dial set on 7 and it seems to be perfect for a beginner like me. The color was spot on too and it is super smooth. Do not hesitate to purchase this reel its awesome. Hopefully this helps other beginner bait caster fisherman succeed.
Corey H : Do it.
These reels work great, don't hesitate.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
They ship with the drag backed all the way off by the way. Cast better than $100 Abu's.
Bought one of each generation and a blue mega jaws color coded ratio and they are damn good reels.
Freshwater is all I fish so can't attest to that aspect.
Gen 1 has a dual brake system watch the video it's super easy , set mine to medium (middle of dial) then used the magnetic brake from there Al ng with the spool tension knob.
Richard E Sanders : Not bad!...but not perfect
Experienced old angler here, used tons of gear through the years. Second KK reel, FIRST Amazon review...this reel made me do it. Okay, the bad first. This reel is a semi pain in the butt to dial in. Yes, I know how to dial in a caster..been doing it 40 years +. This is a diva, but patience will make it work very nice. The meh.... casting distance is okay..not bad at all but not phenomenal, reel smoothness is good but it feels a tad tight with the gears. The good...price point excellent, overall quality is indeed good and it is smooth. I got what I bought which is a $40 something dollar reel that does what I want at a very very good budget point. I'll probably try another KK product. For a guy that is a yak angler that likes to try new budget gear, yeah, I would buy again and in reality for the price it is a very very fair offering which is the niche the brand caters to.
Kenny : Nice reel!
Will say this I bought a 40$ bait caster off of here no name brand and it’s doing a grinding sound so I said you know what ima try this one out by far I’m impressed only bad thing is this thing is made of plastic! The other I own is all metal but this baby right here cast smooth and reels in nice and smooth like a guy said on here this is not for a beginning bait caster if you don’t pay attention to setting it up you’ll always get backlash and spending most of your fishing fixing it lol but this is a bad little thing very very light make sure to oil and grees it up before using I did and it made this thing come alive so far I’m impressed and happy
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
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