I want to start this out by saying that I use all different brands of reels at different price points. I am in no way partial to any one brand. I just thought this might be helpful to someone looking for a reel in this price range. I love finding fishing gear that hits above their weight. I saw KastKing released a non BFS Zephyr and I decided to get one and see what it is all about. It is a sub-50-dollar reel, and I was curious to see how it compared to the BFS Zephyr. I am building a couple of sub-100-dollar combos, and I had also just ordered two KastKing Valient Eagles as well. (Got two for the price of one) I know that KastKing has been creeping into a higher end market over the last couple of years and I can say that from what I have seen they can be hit or miss across the board. First impressions of the Valient Eagle vs the Zephyr was like comparing a Shakespeare to a mid-range Pflueger. The Valient Eagle is an older reel at the same price point as the new Zephyr. They feel like they came out of different factories. The Valient Eagle had no lubrication at all while the Zephyr had lubrication in the levelwind and inside the reel. The Valient Eagle feels like the tolerances are loose while the Zephyr feels tight. The Zephyr feels more like a 13 Fishing Origin. It is not an Origin, but it's close. The drag and spool tension click, and the reel has a solid feel to it unlike the hollow feel of the Valient Eagle. How each reel makes it through this coming Fall fishing season is yet to be determined, but I have an idea which one will still be in my arsenal this time next year. 

Why waste your time with the sub par Eagle, 2 junk reels are not worth your time and effort. I would return both Eagles and get another Zephyr!

To,

If I would have paid the same for the Eagle reels as I did for the Zephyr, I would be doing that. I got the Eagle reels for 25 bucks a piece and I think they are worth that. I don't anticipate them failing, but I do anticipate them not being as smooth a year from now. My reason for posting this topic was more to show my surprise that KastKing built a reel that is worth the price they are selling it for. I was able to get the Zephyr for 30 percent off of the 49.99 price. That sale is not something that happens all the time and expect to pay the full price. I think the Zephyr is worth 50 bucks all day long. I think the Eagle is worth 35 bucks tops all day long. The normal price of the Eagle is 50 bucks. That reel was released at least two years ago. To sum it up this increase in quality on the low end, gives hope that you are getting what you are paying for on the high end. I'm just not sure I would take the risk on a 300-dollar KastKing reel.

Greetings!

 

Interesting observations regarding the reels. I am curious how you intend to proceed. Are you just going to use them as they are? I'm guessing there was no apparent defect, just different qualities between the models.

 

Are you going to open them up and possibly inspect the internals and add some lubrication? That approach may alter the handling characteristics. Especially if during assembly there was a deficit of adequate lubrication or it simply migrated away from where it needs to be.

 

I have found reels where there was plenty of lubrication, just not applied where it would be useful. Also out here in Southwest, the higher temperatures tend to facilitate grease migration, so there is that too. The environmental conditions may compel a use of a different lube.

 

I have an appreciation for lower cost solutions that are of good quality, value. Your observations and opinions are noted. THXs! Be well and cheers!

I don’t want to label the Eagles as junk as much as I want to say how far Kastking seems to be coming with their quality of build on lower end models. For the 25 bucks that I paid for each of the Eagle’s they hit above their weight. I think 35 to 40 bucks is what they should have been all along. Funny enough I have the Valiant Eagle BFS reel and I feel the same way comparing it to the Zephyr BFS reel. The 50 dollar price tag on the Zephyr I think is right and if you take that 50 dollar reel and compare it to one’s that cost 15 to 20 dollars more I think it’s really impressive. I guess to sum it all up. Kastking made a 50 dollar reel that’s worth 50 bucks.

I don’t plan on tearing them apart. I’m only wanting 6 months of service out to the Eagles and we’ll see how long the Zephyr lasts.