Rod & Reel Reviews, KastKing Products

After almost 15 yrs without a new rod & reel set, I'm going to treat myself to 2 new casting rods/reels and 2 new spinning rod/reels. (what can go wrong, right?)
I've watched many online vids & you-tubes, not really a trusted sources about a brand called "KastKing".

Their claim is, after starting our as a low-end maker with quality issues, they have now turned into a brand of high quality products and excellent value.

I thought I would ask the question to a "trusted" source, the LSH forum.

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of both the quality and value to the Kastking line of rods & reels? If so, I would appreciate your comments,

Thanks as always,

Cheers,

I bought two KastKing reels. Both didn’t make it a year. The ones I got are junk. I did not buy the rods so I don’t know. One of their spinning reels YouTube guides I watch had KastKing as a sponsor for many years. He just dropped them because of quality issues. Check out his review of them on his page.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G1qLZJRxck0&p...BoYWF0YWph&ra=m

Personally I would consider Streamside. I own a bunch of their rods and they are awesome both in performance and price. I own one of their spinning reels and it’s working fine. It’s a budget quality reel IMO.

Thanks Disco, appreciate your input.

I added to me response with a review attached.

Thx Disco. They are off my list.
I'm going to adopting a new philosophy, 'don't skimp on something as important a good tackle"...

Cheers,

Not sure if this will help you Fozzy with your decision. My friend uses Fenwick and St. Croix rods, I use 1 Quantum and 3 St. Croix rods. We only use one piece fishing rods. As for fishing reels, his cost about $500 each, which is crazy to me. Mine are all Pflueger President reels, about $100 now. When purchased, the Pflueger reels were about $65-$70 and have worked perfectly for about 15 years. The Pfleuger reel used on my slip bobber set up, has a slight click when turning the crank. Other than that, I would buy another Pflueger President reel, when ever that time comes. Good luck in your search, maybe a few more ideas will come from some of the members.

Recently purchased KastKing Kestrel BFS Reel.

Amazing superlight reel, tested it already on Detroit river walleye fishing, on St. Clair river, and few times now on Lake Simcoe for whities.
So, no casting, sorry, just jigging.

Nothing wrong with it, supersmooth.
I am using it on St.Croix walleye rod, it is so light, can jig lures all day long

And you can find many pretty good reviews on those.
I came to it in a search for LEW's reels, which are much more expensive, trying to find something in more reasonable price range.

Thanks for our input dmaster, I appreciate it.
Glad you had a good experience with them.

I'm leaning towards the Pflueger line ofreels. Excellent reviews.
Thanks CM,


Cheers,

Hard to believe there has not been more input from more people. So many rods and reels out there to choose from. Everybody has their favourite equipment, thought there would be more suggestions for you to consider.

I have Pflueger President reels and Okuma Ceymar reels. Both are great, and I haven't had any issues with either. The Okumas are a bit lighter, and they all have auto reverse. Some of the Pfleugers don't so be aware of that. As for rods, Fenwicks have been outstanding for me. reasonably priced, and a good warranty. I prefer two piece rods, but I have one piece rods as well. The one piece rods don't fit in my vehicle anymore, so I carry them in the boat.

From the original post is not clear what the setups are intended to be used for and what is approximate budget. Pflueger president failed on a Simcoe laker twice for me years ago The spool slipped in both cases. I had some gear that got worn out replaced by a local tackle store and only use it for panfish since. I prefer Daiwa and Shimano spinning reels for WF/LT.

St. Croix rods


shimano reels


you don't need high end unless you are on the water for 100 plus days each summer imo

L.S. --- 100 days on the water, in my dreams....lol.
Both brands mentioned are good

Thx,

Im a fenwick guy. One time I broke a tip called to order a replacement and they sent me a new one for free even though I explained it was my fault not a manufacturer defect.

Reels they get beat up a lot so I also outfit almost all.my rods with flugers, decent price and do the job.