Does anybody have firsthand experience with the Kastking White Max? Looking for a good but cheap crankbait reel. This reel is an 11 bearing, 5.3:1 gear ratio.

This reel is almost identical to the Kastking Royale Legend except the slower gear ratio and white paintjob. Both have good reviews. I am sure its a good reel, for the price point.

 

While I don't have any experience with this particular reel I do have 4 Kastking baitcasters (Spartacus, Stealth, Assassin and Speed Demon from lowest to highest cost) Personally, I wouldn't go any lower than the Stealth price wise anymore. I think the reels at the Stealth price point and above are the perfect mix of low cost and great quality.  

 

 

59 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

I wouldn't go any lower than the Stealth price wise anymore.

The only problem is they don't have the lower gear ratio for crankbaits.

2 minutes ago, Brett's_daddy said:

The only problem is they don't have the lower gear ratio for crankbaits.

what is your budget for this reel?

Under $50.

20 minutes ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Under $50.

If that's your budget the White Max is the best you are going to get at that price point.

 

For the record I am by no means a crankbait fisherman but when I do it's on my Stealth.

I currently have a Lews Tournament Pro with a 6.4:1 ratio on my crankbait rod and that would probably work but if I get that lower gear ratio reel that is meant for cranking I could move the Lews to another rod for something else.

13 minutes ago, Brett's_daddy said:

I currently have a Lews Tournament Pro with a 6.4:1 ratio on my crankbait rod and that would probably work but if I get that lower gear ratio reel that is meant for cranking I could move the Lews to another rod for something else.

 

Sounds good to me. The White Max should be a fine reel.

 

I didn't want to scare you off of it I just noticed from comparing mine that the Spartacus, which is the lowest cost ($45) Kastking baitcaster I have, had minor issues, like a sticky cast button. These disappeared at the Stealth and above price point.

 

If you have any issues with your White Max contact customer service and get a replacement.

1 hour ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Under $50.

 

Curado B5. Ebay.

I think the WhiteMax would be a great reel for cranking in the "under 50$ range." However, I like utility and a higher gear ratio can simply be slowed down while cranking and offer you multiple applications.