Kastking KESTREL ELITE BFS Bait Finesse Casting Test... DOES IT FAIL OR PASS???

Lets see if the most expensive Kastking ever can actually bait finesse before it challenges the big dogs!
DAIWA, SHIMANO, ABU GARCIA, LEWS, KASTKING, QUANTUM, 13 FISHING, CURADO, CITICA, CASITAS, CAENAN, CHRONARCH, METANIUM, ALDEBARAN, ANTARES, CALAIS, STELLA, CONQUEST, SUSTAIN, STRADIC, EXSENCE, STEEZ, ZILLION, TATULA, FUEGO, ALPHAS, REVO, CONCEPT Z, MGX, LUCKY CRAFT, MEGABASS, EVERGREEN, JACKALL, DEPS, IMA, G LOOMIS, MAJOR CRAFT, MGL, NRX, CRUCIAL, SV, PISCIFUN, BLACK MAX, BASS RISE, RYOGA, BANTAM, ADRENA, GLORIOUS, ULTIMA, EXIST, BALLISTIC, FREAMS, TRUMP, SCORPION, XF 50, BAIT FINESSE, HAIBO, STEED, EXIST, ICAST, SLX, TRANX, POISON, SENSILITE, ZEPHYR, GOOGAN, OKUMA, HAKAI, CAIUS, ZENON, KESTREL, BFS, BAIT FINESSE

[@willieharkless782]

Shared this with every kastking group I'm in love the work you do

[@itsmikunini874]

you, my friend, got a new subcriber. I've been watching your reviews for quite sometime now you give the best review so far. Thank you

[@quanloikid1]

I'm waiting for your Trout Magnet test. Thanks Doc 1/5

[@johnhamel8525]

Was glad to see this test posted today, it looks like I will be getting my Kestrel today in the mail and it may work out great for my new after work trout reel. I have been using the colored 1/32 oz jig heads from Amazon with my trout magnets and they cast great with my Aldebaran and dark wolf and catch a lot of different fish, including a 6lbs catfish a week ago lol. Great video as usual

[@BassManStrikes]

Looks pretty decent, have to keep an eye out for one when they eventually reduce the price.

[@DefinitelyNotABot713]

I don’t work for KK but right now they are having 15% off until Aug. 14. I preordered one and was not charged tax or shipping. Came out to $187.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

Wait until it drops on Amazon. The new rods and reels usually hot start there at about 25-50 percent off.

[@DefinitelyNotABot713]

Amazon taxes and once the return period has passed I’ve had warranty issues before on past purchases. Not related to KK or fishing in general but the manufacturer would not warranty the item because it was bought from Amazon and in this case Amazon wasn’t an “authorized dealer”. Just a heads up on that.

[@troycote4503]

I just priced the SLX bfs and Curado K bfs 146 bucks Asian portal and the Curado was 166 on Ali express. Not that you beat up bfs reels, but I love my Curados. The micro module gears are super smooth, and I have 2 going on 6 seasons run like they're brand new. I ve shipped 2 Kastking speed demons back after they both seized in less than 1 season.

[@donniefoster7713]

Really great videos I’m just getting into the bfs fishing absolutely love enjoying gods creation as I am a disciple of the most high and share in the ministry of sharing the gospel to everyone who will listen and I love to fish keep up the good work my friend

[@jumeriahjohn]

Another great video mate so many bfs reels out there the choices I think I’m going to wait for the alderbaran I am a bit of a shimano guy though

[@THEREELTEST]

I just sold the LH Aldebaran to my cousin and he couldnt stop commenting on how smooth it is over his Alphas Air LOL, and casted better

[@richardluzaderjr4415]

Not bad at all for 4lb test line. I certainly would have no reservations using this reel.

[@yep.fishing]

The CU double handle looks like a huge Cigar

[@Naszerin]

for your info in Malaysia SLX bfs price are higher compare to Curado bfs, reason are slx bfs made in japan.

[@staryi5119]

Спасибо зо обзор. Ну его этот Кастрел, порыбачу пока с Dark Wolf Ultra - грамм бросает не хуже. Действительно, лучше чуть добавить и взять проверенный Альфас.

[@shahrilaril1492]

Thank you for reviewing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dXauus]

Can you make a comparison video , this kastking kestrel vs fishband clamber hyper micro,,thanks

[@krustysurfer]

I can't wait for the shootout looking forward specifically for how it compares to the SLX BFS in performance with lightweight lures! thank you reel test for putting in all this time it helps so many people out blessings and aloha

[@ronnie72justbeagoodperson38]

It looks like it rides high on the reel seat just like the kast king variant eagle bfs . Aldebaran rides really low and I love that about them.

[@kevythyrrakalastus1296]

I agree that this reels seems high on the reel seat. If true, I wonder why they have done it like that.. But video owner could palm it, so obviously it's OK...

[@THEREELTEST]

watch my unboxing video, this reel is one of the lowest profile reels out

[@jaw3410]

Atheist here. don't have a clue as to why you would choose to insult people based on choice of lifestyle on your fishing reel channel. Seems odd to me

[@terribleatfishing]

I would rather have the Shimano Curado BFS for less money

[@djboogiejay1616]

I’d rather go with the shimano Slx bfs. Cost less and guaranteed to last longer. Love kastkings rods but the reels not so much. Breaks are guaranteed to fail sooner rather than later. Bought their first speed demon and the breaks lasted 6 months and I don’t fish but maybe once a week.

[@pescadordosertao4134]

Yeah... Tell that to people who suffered from Shimano low quality gearing in the metanium series and several other reels.

[@quanloikid1]

Kastking charges sales tax but is running a 15% off--about $200 delivered.

[@philnoel5839]

Which would you buy ? KastKing Kestrel Elite or Haibo Arise Air ???

[@itsmikunini874]

is there an advantage of right-handed over left-handed baitcaster (and vice versa)?

[@romeobotviewers]

in indonesia, this reel only worth 175 usd delivered to my home

[@ReactionGiants]

What break setting you have bro bc anytime I go under 6 I backlash “even when I watch my wrist snap” and I know how to dail the spool in with the tension knob but I can’t figure this reel out 😅

[@d1grizz]

I don't really understand the need for BFS reels when you can just use spinning gear for light lures. What is the advantage?

[@sickassbeats]

Some people just like cool gear (such as myself) and prefer using a baitcaster

[@michaelhall9078]

Personally I have much better control of my lure with a baitcaster. Fishing small rivers against cover over the far bank I can slow/stop my lure with my thumb easily. Also fishing a spinning reel from a bank with undergrowth around I often catch grass etc in my line with the reel hanging underneath with the spinning motion of the bail arm so having the reel on the top of the rod also stops that from happening. The biggest downside to me is the loss of inertia though even that is beneficial sometimes.

[@topsecretmx5142]

To me I can cast quite a bit further with bfs vs spinning along with having more control of the cast.

[@victorrichardson3027]

What can you do with BFS that you can’t do with a super cheap spin cast reel except look cooler?

[@michaelhall9078]

@@victorrichardson3027 twice as many accurate casts in the same amount of time with less actions / effort.

[@berniepechlaner5809]

RaWr Fishing was doing his casting with this reel with the brakes turned to 0 for the most part. This one seems to behave more like I would expect. Kinda curious, as I don't think the casting technique would account for that much of a difference in the brake settings....

[@SimonC82686]

Sure it might weigh 4.4 oz ... but I've never had a KK reel last more than a season and a half....$220 is an outrageous ask for the cheaply china quality material reel you're going to get. You can just get a curado bfs for $200 with proven lasting quality material.

[@smartiejl]

Curado is produced in Vietnam, as with most JDM reels these days.

[@benruegge9100]

@@smartiejl I thought they made them in Malaysia

[@SimonC82686]

@@smartiejl Yes, in Malaysia and they have been proven to last very well with minimal maintenance. I have the KK: royal legend 1st and 2nd gen, spartacus 1st and 2nd gen, stealth, and speed demon pro. The only reel to last a full season was the speed demon pro. The rest of them started gradually grinding and locking up after about 5 months(only freshwater use), the speed demon pro started doing the same it lasted about 16 months. I like how the reels looked and felt but the quality of the internal materials they use absolutely suck. It will be hard for me to trust the brand until I see some actual long term reviews. There's a reason you don't see all those people that were hyping up KK reels on youtube using the reels regularly, they were paid for the review and the reels are actually hot garbage.

[@BassManStrikes]

@@SimonC82686 hmm their stuff from the last couple of years is decent, I have a few and internally they look like any other baitcaster, you can always replace bearings.

[@mmancino1982]

I agree with OP. I really wanted to like KK, and I do like the two rods I have, but I have struck out on every reel from them. I tried 6 different reels and they were all trash. Really disappointed.

[@WRFishing]

I love that rod

[@Mdkayakangler]

I’m torn between this real a 2017 Calcutta and they use 22 Aldebaran both are $260 Where is a good place to pick this reel up

[@Happily_retired]

Thanks for your reviews and cast testing. I've been curious for a while... Why do you keep the protective wraps on your rod handles? I would think they would be less comfortable and slippery when sweating. TIA Leo

[@zankyou101]

I only speak for myself. I don't remember seeing Reel Test leaving the wrap on his rod handles except for the CU Double. I have the CU Double and the foam handle just seems to feel right with the wrap on, so I also left mine on. I'm aware of the water damage over time. I take the wrap off all my other rods. Bass-n'-Bonzai disliked the foam handle so much he replaced it with a cork handle.

[@THEREELTEST]

to keep them cleaner longer

[@bassnbonsai]

Nice video.. guys asking why you use snaps or do you use them when fishing and I'm over here waiting for you to peel that freaking Plastic off that nasty handle...lol Cu Double is an excellent rod with maybe the ugliest handle ever... Definitely in no hurry for this reel still trying to make myself like the 22 Aldebaran... Which is the best BFS reel I've used to date but it has an MGL spool some resistance on the handle turn and that gaudy brake dial just catches my hand enough for me to notice... I did catch a giant Bass on it though....

[@willieharkless782]

Lol

[@europeanian4205]

I caught a nice catfish on my Aldebaren a few weeks ago and Holy shit was that a battle!

[@THEREELTEST]

guys who ask about snap swivels dont have KZbin channels

[@ConnersvilleBarber]

Is this a good reel to match up with a 7’6 medium heavy dobyns rod? Or are bfs reels only meant for lighter lures or is it still a decent reel to use for other purposes?

[@mikaelryden1147]

Ok! After all of you tests! What reel do you recommend today?

[@KungfuSlingshot]

just wonder, do you classify Kastking as CDM or US brand? The founder is a Chinese student study in US

[@MIKE57208]

Wondering what would happen if you cleaned the bearings. Every new reel I’ve got in the last couple years I’ve done that and every one got smoother and cast father.

[@makcatchem9614]

@TheReelTest just a heads up. In your description tags you have the word "STEED" and I think you meant "Steez"

[@THEREELTEST]

no I meant STEED

[@FishingWithAhrenAndMary]

That's a sweet looking combo. Why the huge obsession with weight 🤷🏻‍♂️? Seems absolutely silly, world's tiniest baitcaster LOL spooled with .5 oz floss unwaxed. 🤣 Reminds of all the tiny iphones they came out with.

[@benruegge9100]

But everyone bought those tiny iphones

[@fishingwithlee9519]

Would you say it cast better than the DWU? And if yes it makes a big different in the lighter lure casting?

[@alex111683]

You ever going to take your plastic off that Ace Hawk? Lol

[@draidt]

what rod is it paired with?

[@yohannmontoya3295]

Aldebaran bfs c'est le meilleur ?

[@RonMTube]

For me the question is, is it better than the Clamber Hyper Micro which is about half the price? After all, the Clamber came in 3rd in your big BFS test, just behind the 16 and 22 Aldebarans.

[@THEREELTEST]

I think the Clamber will probably outcast the Kestrel for 2 grams and up because of its much bigger spool

[@RonMTube]

@@THEREELTEST so you then you think the Kestrel will out perform the Clamber under 2 g?

[@quanloikid1]

The Aldebaran 2022 today is $282

[@THEREELTEST]

the prices will fluctuate with the exchange rate

[@noobpyrotech9991]

How does this compare to the Dark Wolf Ultra?

[@THEREELTEST]

its much better made and the brakes work out of the box unlike the dark wolf ultra

[@ct5465]

Definitely seems overpriced if nothing else. Throw in KK quality and durability issues, smart to stick to the zephyr

[@lansemclain6175]

You live in Tennessee?

[@thou_shalt_kill1355]

Sound like dc reel hehe

[@THEREELTEST]

not even close but it does have a slight humm

[@Tal1k_215]

Do you use snap swivels when fishing

[@Tal1k_215]

@@BassManStrikes i beg to differ while I agree with you that it is more convenient to use them. I've found that takin the extra minute or second to re-tie a lure helps tremendously especially when fishing clear water conditions or heavily pressured fish. Also I've found that using a snap swivel can hinder your hook up ratio rather than tying directly to your lure since you have that extra piece of terminal tackle connected. And furthermore I've found with the added weight of the snap swivel lures tend to run incorrectly vs that of tying directly to it. An alternative that I've found that works is using a duo lock snap that has given me the best of both worlds. Again this is just in my experience of fishing

[@krustysurfer]

@@Tal1k_215 hmmmmm something to ponder

[@Tal1k_215]

@@krustysurfer yea

[@RockyPondProductions]

@@Tal1k_215 fish don't care and still bite when there are hooks hanging off a lure. So the snap which is smaller than a hook makes no measurable difference

[@Tal1k_215]

@@RockyPondProductions in clear water and or heavily pressured waters it does

[@makcatchem9614]

Interesting that kastking claims to be a all American company. But just so happens in China they had this real first

[@smartiejl]

They are a binational company. The headquarter is based at Garden City on Long Island, NY, but the R&D and manufacturing facilities are in Shenzhen, China. They new products typically get a trial run in the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets first before being released for North American consumers. It's a sound strategy, considering the Chinese fishing tackle market alone is three or four times the size of the American market, a good testing ground.

[@intensity.density2208]

This is overpriced based on the reviews I've seen in this reel. The Zephyr had more positive reviews than this one did. A friend of mine has two of these and he said both are inconsistent with each other.

[@teddyholtzer3029]

👊 ρяσмσѕм

[@bernjwallace6877]

“The wisdom of this world is foolishness to god”

[@THEREELTEST]

pretty much... and people think they are wise because they are filled with the foolish wisdom of this world

[@darrellsomsanith3713]

LOL catching a fish on accident is not so bad.

[@THEREELTEST]

I would have rather it been a bass