Rick1957

Shimano has Improved so much on there mid to low end reels. I purchased the SLX combo from Tackle Direct for $159.00 it’s One of the best casting and light weight, reel and rod I’ve ever had. Feel and tolerances are excellent on this reel. I paid less for this combo than I did for the KastKing Speed Demon Pro combo. I highly recommend the Shimano for the money.

Yes, just a slight bump backwards. This could easily be fixed by KastKing. It doesn’t cost any more to make the side plate with tighter tolerances. The outer housing of the anti reverse bearing fits into that side plate. The bearing will rock back and forth, just a pet peeve of mine. The high end reels like Shimano and Daiwa that I have are rock solid, when you turn the handle and stop they do not back up any. I guess it’s just the difference in Chinese made reels versus Japanese. Other than this problem KastKing reels and rods seem to be fine, especially for the money. Rick1957.

Has anyone noticed the amount of sloppy clearance in the drive side reel plate where the outer anti reverse bearing mounts, and the inner race or sleeve has to much clearance on the shaft. This allows the reel handle to move backwards when you stop cranking. Now I have my share of older baitcasters of all brands and I expect this out of them. This was before anti-reverse bearings were used. I have two KastKing reels, the Royal legend And the Speed demon pro which I love everything about Except this pet peeve of mine, “sloppy clearance ” in the anti reverse bearing. Come on KastKing, let’s go forward with innovation. It would not cost anymore to design that housing to have tight tolerances just like the competitors have, they are rock solid with tight tolerances. I have spoken to KastKing about this. I did not get a good response. So if any of you out there have these models, see if your reel does the same thing, if they do call KastKing and voice your opinion. Thanks for listening , “Rick of Chattanooga’’