On 8/31/2025 at 7:01 PM, 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.

I picked up one too because I had a 20% off.  So for under 20 bucks it cast great.   It is not refined at all and could feel it flexing with a 5 pound northern pike.  But for under 20 bucks I will let me nephews mess around with it.  

I have no experience with Kast King.  I do however have had Dobyns Mavericks for three years.   I just received six from Amazon at 19.81 each.   My club high school events will get these as prizes.  The kids love them. And they are really good and reliable. Just saying.

On 9/3/2025 at 8:03 PM, Boomstick said:

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.

 

This has been my experience so far. I have a couple of their BFS reels (Zephyr BFS and Kestrel BFS). I can understand concerns for their durability over time, but I have caught tons of fish on them (nothing over five pounds. . . . yet). They cast well enough (dare I say noticeably farther than my Curado BFS with 1/16th oz to 1/4 oz baits).

12 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

They cast well enough (dare I say noticeably farther than my Curado BFS with 1/16th oz to 1/4 oz baits).

No need to dare. I believe it. My ARK BFS creams my SLX BFS not in just distance with lighter baits but in consistent braking profile. Not as touchy.

1 hour ago, Columbia Craw said:

I do however have had Dobyns Mavericks for three years.   I just received six from Amazon at 19.81 each.

I picked up 4 over the past several weeks to gift out and have been fishing with one just to get a feel for it. The last one was reduced down to $18.24 with a coupon by letting it sit in my cart. Just silly cheap. Feels pretty solid for a throwaway reel and the recipients have been thrilled.