Are Kastking Reels Any Good? Our Verdict on This Popular Brand

With a gear ratio of 7.4:1, the Speed Demon Elite is the fastest reel on the market today. This top-of-the-line freshwater/saltwater reel is made up of a stainless steel shaft, 10+1 stainless ball bearings, and a rugged aluminum main gear. These components work together to give anglers the longest casts and fastest retrieval speeds possible. A carbon fiber rotor creates up to 17.6 # of drag, making it easy to land the big ones.

The Speed Demon Elite is available in 2 models:

• Model 2000- line capacity 190 yds/8 pound
• Model 3000-line capacity 280 yds/8 pound

Key Features:

• 7.4:1 gear ratio for fast retrieval
• Aluminum roller guide for long casts
• Weighs <9 ounces

The Spartacus II is an excellent reel for the money. At less than $50, it outperforms some reels costing twice as much. The Spartacus II has a comfortable aluminum handle with EVA paddle grips, a durable nylon body and rotor, and 7 +1 stainless bearings for smooth, quick cranking. The adjustable carbon fiber drag puts out up to 22 pounds of resistance to manage any fish.

The gear ratio varies for each of the 4 models:

• Model 2000 5.0:1
• Model 3000 5.0:1
• Model 4000 4.4:1
• Model 5000 4.4:1

Key Features:

• Excellent quality for low price
• Outstanding drag adjustments
• Attractive, corrosion-free body

With a 6.5:1 ratio and brass gears, this reel is fast. In Glacier White or Sea Spray colors, it is sure to turn heads. 7+1 stainless ball bearings and an 8-magnet braking system mean quick recovery and limited backlash. The ultra-quiet 17.9-pound drag creates enough resistance to land a lunker. The attractive graphite frame weighs just 7.3 ounces. The price of this beauty is just $55.99, a real bargain when you look at the quality and performance it offers.

Key Features:

• 6.5:1 ratio for fast retrieval
• Stong, dependable drag
• Lightweight and attractive

The top of the KastKing lineup, the Zephyr BFS Drag Clicker is a technological masterpiece. A carbon fiber frame and disc drag create a super durable reel that weighs less than its aluminum or nylon counterparts. At just 5.6 ounces, you will forget it’s even there. 7.2:1 Precision gears and double-shaded stainless bearings allow long casts with small baits. The 17.6-pound adjustable drag has a drag clicker feature to alert you to a catch. You’d probably expect a reel like this to sell for hundreds of dollars, but it is only $74.99.

Key Features:

• 7.2:1 gear ratio
• Lightweight
• Drag Clicker alert setting

The Brutus is a great first-time angler’s reel. The easy push button release and double action line pickup make casting and retrieval simple, with fewer tangles than an open-faced reel. The Brutus has a 4.0:1 gear ratio for fast pickup. It has an attractive, lightweight graphite frame with a honeycomb pattern aluminum cover. An auto-reverse feature makes setting the hook easy. The Brutus retails for $34.99.

Key Features:

• 4.0:1 gear ratio
• Pre-spooled with monofilament
• Durable steel rotor with a double-pin pickup system

The KastKing Cadet is the perfect reel for a child. Its double pickup pins help reel in line without tangles. The graphite body and attractive aluminum nose cone create a compact, lightweight reel. They designed the low-profile setting of this reel for smaller anglers and youngsters. The Cadet has an easy-to-use push button release to make casting easy. A sturdy metal handle with a single grip fits into small hands to make line take-up simple. The Cadet features a +/- fingertip drags control dial. At just $24.99, this long-lasting reel would be great for teaching a youngster to fish. 

Key Features:

• Small and comfortable for children or smaller adults
• Easy to use without problems
• Built to last, but very affordable

The KastKing Rover round baitcasting reel has hard anodized aluminum side plates, precision-cut brass gears, and stainless steel worm gear. The stainless steel shaft and bearings hold up against saltwater corrosion, even after hours of use. A click-out line counter alerts when a fish is on the line. One touch line out release and reliable braking help keep the big ones on the line. The Rover is the classic saltwater casting reel with retro styling and modern performance. The Rover is priced at $51.99.

Key Features:

• High line capacity for braided or mono
• 3.6:1 gear ratio
• Adjustable drag up to 30 pounds

KastKing’s other entry into the line counter baitcaster market is the ReKon. Designed for trolling, the ReKon is accurate and dependable to keep your lure floating at the level you set it for. Available in two sizes, the ReKon 10 holds 250 yards of 20-pound monofilament and has an adjustable drag of up to 25 pounds. The ReKon 20 holds 320 yards of 20-pound monofilament and has an adjustable drag of up to 30 pounds. Both reels are constructed of durable stainless steel to resist corrosion.

Key Features:

• Specifically designed for trolling in fresh or saltwater
• Comfortable oversized grips for reeling in large fish
• High line capacity for deep water fishing.