When I was around here a lot, KastKing was just emerging as a brand and had the associated unknowns as a new brand. 

 

I still love my Ambassadeurs, but I carry a telescoping rod on my mountain bike and they're a little big for that purpose, so I'm using a U.S. Reels baitcaster I got for cheap some years back. It's OK but I don't really like the wave guide. 

 

I was browsing reels on Amazon, came across a KastKing Royale Legend II, and wonder if they ended up being any good. Does this model have a metal seat? Do they hold up well? 

 

This could be what I'm looking for. I almost just threw a Black Max onto the rod, but Walmart wants $80(!!) for a Black Max now. Ain't no way 😆

 

Anyway, how's KastKing these days?

 

Don’t know how their newer reels are, but I have one that is going on 10 years old, I’ve never serviced it due to the cost of service would exceed the price of the reel when I bought it. It just keeps going and going as my dedicated spinnerbait reel. Hasn’t faltered, while I’ve had a couple reels from more esteemed manufacturers fail on me during that time. 

Are you sure the Black Max was $80 just for the reel? Every place I’m looking online including Walmart it’s $45-60 and $70-80 for the combo. 
 

To answer your question, I’ve been pretty happy with my Kastking reels. They are in my regular rotation but they haven’t let me down yet. The rods are a different story.

I bought a KastKing “Brutus” for $20 when I needed a “doesn’t hurt too much if lost/damaged” setup for a trip. Turns out I really like it - it’s by no means a top end reel, but it holds its own. 
 

I don’t think it would make it as an every day use reel, but it lives in the boat on a backup rig still. 

I have numerous Kastking Reels and some rods but the reel below is far superior. 

 

Take a look at the Seasir M1.

Double spools, aluminum frame and hybrid ceramic bearings.

 

Amazon use to have it for around $60 but now currently unavailable.

Temu has them locally for $52 or so.

 

 

I bought a KastKing Assasin and had to send it back because the spool wouldnt engage. The replacement  didnt last a season and I just threw it way. Now I have five Piscifun Phantoms. They work flawlessly. Smooth casting and reeling. My oldest has probably reeled in 1000 bass and it performs alomost like  new. They outlasted in, terms of smoothness,  all my   name brand reels. I wouldnt be afraid of trying KastKing again.

Flea Market forum has a KastKing casting reel for $35

Tom

I will say I love ALL brands yet I am partial to Daiwa for their braking system’s. With that said I have a Kast King Royal Legend II in a 5 speed and I’m not thrilled with it as the spool feels  very “thin/weak” which is something you definitely don’t want in a reel meant to throw crank baits or at least I don’t. I will admit I’m willing to try their reels above the $80.00 price point but at that point I’d be willing to spend a few dollars more for a “name brand” including BPS house brands such as the Pro Qualifier and the Carbon Lite 2 which I had and enjoyed but I’m weird with colors and couldn’t take the white/gold combination. Taking into consideration the BPS warranty I would travel that path or maybe even Academy reels first but hey that’s me and my .02 cents. I will add I have 4 Piscifun spinning reels also and love them along with a casting reel that I was able to purchase cheaply and love them. I will add the reel seat is definitely not metal along with the whole reel being “carbon/plastic” and you can feel the flex in hand without even being mounted on a rod which was/is another turn off for me personally in a crank bait reel even though I was only hoping to use this as a “small” retention pond reel where the bass aren’t big. I don’t know it may not bother you.  I know there are others on here who really like them but I’m trying to give you my honest opinion.

Edited August 31, 2025Aug 31 by Eric 26
Added content

You can do better for $40.  At least try to get an aluminum frame reel like the Seasir Megacuda or, literally the same reel as the Royal Legend II but with an aluminum frame, the Dobyns Maverick on clearance. 

19 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

You can do better for $40.  At least try to get an aluminum frame reel like the Seasir Megacuda or, literally the same reel as the Royal Legend II but with an aluminum frame, the Dobyns Maverick on clearance. 

This for sure is a better path in my opinion.

4 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

Are you sure the Black Max was $80 just for the reel? Every place I’m looking online including Walmart it’s $45-60 and $70-80 for the combo. 
 

To answer your question, I’ve been pretty happy with my Kastking reels. They are in my regular rotation but they haven’t let me down yet. The rods are a different story.

 

That's how the Black Max reel was tagged. Now, it's possible someone put the wrong tag on it, but there were other reels next to it which were similarly priced.

49 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

You can do better for $40.  At least try to get an aluminum frame reel like the Seasir Megacuda or, literally the same reel as the Royal Legend II but with an aluminum frame, the Dobyns Maverick on clearance. 

 

Thanks for this. I just ordered one. 

 

I wasn't looking at reels this cheap, but, if it works and has an aluminum frame, I'll give it a go! 

 

In this instance, cheaper is better to a point because I'm known to wreck at times.

 

Thanks, everyone.

12 hours ago, Josh Smith said:

 

Thanks for this. I just ordered one. 

 

I wasn't looking at reels this cheap, but, if it works and has an aluminum frame, I'll give it a go! 

 

In this instance, cheaper is better to a point because I'm known to wreck at times.

 

Thanks, everyone.

Apparently the Maverick comes in both aluminum frame and plastic frame versions.  I'm going to assume the $25 one is plastic but that still makes it the same reel as the Royal Legend but half price.  I just found this out from someone that had that reel.

KK Royale Legend II is number 1 seller on Amazon and, unless you're fishing in heavy cover flipping and pitching everyday catching Big Ones, the KK Royale Legend II will perform. And, too, look for full carbon frames with carbon side plates in the not so far off future.

Good Fishing

I've been using a Kast King Veritas for 3 or 4 years throwing an 1/8th oz sinker and a finesse worm with 8 lb fluorocarbon line and even caught a fish once or twice.  Have no complaints.

I have 2 Kastking Deadbolts - one on my frog rod and one for flipping/pitching. The idea of no drag on  these setups is a game changer for me. They have been flawless for 2 years and still going strong.

On 9/1/2025 at 7:04 AM, Bigbox99 said:

Apparently the Maverick comes in both aluminum frame and plastic frame versions.  I'm going to assume the $25 one is plastic but that still makes it the same reel as the Royal Legend but half price.  I just found this out from someone that had that reel.

 

It arrived yesterday and the seat is definitely plastic. 

 

It doesn't feel any cheaper than a Black Max, though, and the Black Max is one reel I considered. 

 

Overall, I'm happy.

On 9/1/2025 at 9:07 AM, GreenTrout said:

KK Royale Legend II is number 1 seller on Amazon and, unless you're fishing in heavy cover flipping and pitching everyday catching Big Ones, the KK Royale Legend II will perform. And, too, look for full carbon frames with carbon side plates in the not so far off future.

Good Fishing

 

Mmmm... I'm not sure if I'd be good with carbon fiber. In mountain biking it's known for its light weight, yes, but also for its "compliance," meaning it's more comfortable due to flex. 

 

I'll stick with metal frames and seats for my serious setups. Something I carry on my bike is a different story and won't be used as hard as my more expensive setups.

 

I can maybe see carbon fiber plates because of how they're oriented. Frames, not so much.

15 hours ago, Josh Smith said:

 

It arrived yesterday and the seat is definitely plastic. 

 

It doesn't feel any cheaper than a Black Max, though, and the Black Max is one reel I considered. 

 

Overall, I'm happy.

 

Mmmm... I'm not sure if I'd be good with carbon fiber. In mountain biking it's known for its light weight, yes, but also for its "compliance," meaning it's more comfortable due to flex. 

 

I'll stick with metal frames and seats for my serious setups. Something I carry on my bike is a different story and won't be used as hard as my more expensive setups.

 

I can maybe see carbon fiber plates because of how they're oriented. Frames, not so much.

There are no carbon fiber fishing reels.  We have some carbon fiber parts like drag washers and reel handles but thats about it.  Carbon fiber is a meme word everyone wants to throw around and associate with their products.  The reels are plastic with a graphite fiber filler.  It's plastic with carbon dust mixed in that there to help with the injection molding process to get the plastic to behave better.  Carbon fiber is made from graphite so by association the claim is made that the plastic reel with graphite mixed in is a carbon fiber reel.  It's like claming that something is plated with solid gold so it's made from solid gold.

 

The material used in fishing reels is similar to the Onyx tested in this video.  It's not carbon fiber at all and is in fact, plastic.  

 

 

"Most ‘carbon’ reels today are just graphite‑filled plastic, but true carbon fiber frames and side plates already exist — for example, the KastKing Zephyr BFS is built with both. Industry materials research shows long carbon fiber reinforced composites are 30–50% lighter than aluminum yet just as rigid, making them ideal for reel frames. With molding costs dropping, expect this tech to move from niche finesse reels into elite bass reels within 5 years."

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-zephyr-bfs-drag-clicker-casting-reel

 

https://www.lft-g.com/blog/application-of-long-carbon-fiber-reinforced-composites-in-fishing-reels_b193

 

Microsoft A.I. Copilot 9/3/2025

 

Good Fishing

1 minute ago, GreenTrout said:

"Most ‘carbon’ reels today are just graphite‑filled plastic, but true carbon fiber frames and side plates already exist — for example, the KastKing Zephyr BFS is built with both. Industry materials research shows long carbon fiber reinforced composites are 30–50% lighter than aluminum yet just as rigid, making them ideal for reel frames. With molding costs dropping, expect this tech to move from niche finesse reels into elite bass reels within 5 years."

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-zephyr-bfs-drag-clicker-casting-reel

 

https://www.lft-g.com/blog/application-of-long-carbon-fiber-reinforced-composites-in-fishing-reels_b193

 

Microsoft A.I. Copilot 9/3/2025

 

Good Fishing

Brother, did you just quote marketing? 

7 minutes ago, GreenTrout said:

....Industry materials research shows long carbon fiber reinforced composites are 30–50% lighter than aluminum yet just as rigid, making them ideal for reel frames. 

 

I disagree with the placement of "ideal" on a non-metal frame.

 

I don't care if it is carbon powder in plastic epoxy or carbon fibers in plastic epoxy. There is still a plastic binder being used.

 

The problems I have had in the past with carbon powder frames are how brittle they are and pieces breaking off inside the reel like a lever with a high tension spring. Or thin parts cracking and breaking apart over time, or frame breaks. And if you have to service a plastic reel over time, screw holes get easily stripped out.

 

No sir, any plastic frames with carbon powder or fibers is not "ideal" in my opinion. Aluminum frames are about as "ideal" as we can get right now. Plastic frames are quite a bit less than ideal as I see it.

On 8/31/2025 at 2:19 PM, Josh Smith said:

When I was around here a lot, KastKing was just emerging as a brand and had the associated unknowns as a new brand. 

 

I still love my Ambassadeurs, but I carry a telescoping rod on my mountain bike and they're a little big for that purpose, so I'm using a U.S. Reels baitcaster I got for cheap some years back. It's OK but I don't really like the wave guide. 

 

I was browsing reels on Amazon, came across a KastKing Royale Legend II, and wonder if they ended up being any good. Does this model have a metal seat? Do they hold up well? 

 

This could be what I'm looking for. I almost just threw a Black Max onto the rod, but Walmart wants $80(!!) for a Black Max now. Ain't no way 😆

 

Anyway, how's KastKing these days?

 

Every rod and reel I have are Kastking. I have never had an issue with either of them. Just remember you can get a bad rod or reel with a big name brand. My collections includes budget friendly and top of the line. If you have any particular questions feel free to message me.

On 9/1/2025 at 9:07 AM, GreenTrout said:

KK Royale Legend II is number 1 seller on Amazon and, unless you're fishing in heavy cover flipping and pitching everyday catching Big Ones, the KK Royale Legend II will perform. And, too, look for full carbon frames with carbon side plates in the not so far off future.

Good Fishing

Can confirm, I had the royale legend II pre covid for frogging and flipping and tbh it was terrible, not durable at all and the drag slipped all the time. Maybe in the years since they've improved for quality but for more heavy duty tasks I would steer clear of that reel. I do like what kastking has to offer and their affordability is pretty awesome in this economy; I have their collapsable net and sun gloves and they've been awesome. 

5 hours ago, GreenTrout said:

"Most ‘carbon’ reels today are just graphite‑filled plastic, but true carbon fiber frames and side plates already exist — for example, the KastKing Zephyr BFS is built with both. Industry materials research shows long carbon fiber reinforced composites are 30–50% lighter than aluminum yet just as rigid, making them ideal for reel frames. With molding costs dropping, expect this tech to move from niche finesse reels into elite bass reels within 5 years."

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-zephyr-bfs-drag-clicker-casting-reel

 

https://www.lft-g.com/blog/application-of-long-carbon-fiber-reinforced-composites-in-fishing-reels_b193

 

Microsoft A.I. Copilot 9/3/2025

 

Good Fishing

Long carbon fiber filaments in a fishing reel?  The length of milled carbon fiber used in carbon filled nylon is measured in fractions of a millimeter.  It is by definition, very short carbon fiber filaments.

 

A truly long carbon fiber filled plastic would be similar to the Markforged material tested in the video which actually put up some impressive tensile strengths.  It's still quite flexible making it less than ideal for a fishing reel. 

 

If you wanted to use this material you would need a 3d printer to make use of the long filament injection and reels aren't 3d printed because 3d printers aren't well suited to economies of scale.  Injection molding is used when making plastic objects in a large volume like a fishing reel.  3d printing isnt used because the result of a solid fill 3D print and an injection molded part are identical with the injection molding process requiring more up front investment in the machine and molds but can produce parts in a high volume at a low cost per part. 

 

If no 3d printing of reels means no injection of long, continuous carbon fiber filaments into the 3d printing process of the reel then I find any claims of "long" carbon fiber used in reels dubious.  Longer than 0.04 mm isn't "long" like we see with the Markforged material in the video that has continuous fiber strands placed into the print running end to end of the part.

 

Milled carbon fiber. 

Daiwa T3 made from Daiwa's Zaion with an unpainted finish showing off the carbon powder fill in the plastic of the reel body, drag star and knobs.

I have no experience with Kast King reels. I have been told they may not hold up as well as others but perform really well at a low cost.

 

I have bought other Kast King products and they are all solid. A floorstanding rod rack, a 3700 box that is an improvement on the Plano 3700 (the lip doesn’t get stuck) and I got my kid some Kast King split ring pliers a few years ago and he still uses them to this day and they’re as nice as my more expensive Berkleys - which is a discontinued model but some of the nicest I could find.

 

I would probably give their reels a shot if on a budget. I am personally too partial to Daiwa’s braking system or the Shimano MGL 70 for bomb casting light lures so I save for what I want but that’s because I can and I have enough reels to get the job done so there is no critical need.