KASTKING Kestrel - Full Summary

TikTok: @kastkingusa FB: @KastKing INS: @kastkingusa
Product Link: bit.ly/3TfQ2wd
Discount Info: Use Discount Code “IFISH” to save 15%
(I will NOT be receiving ANY benefit from these sales! )
#KastKing #FishingReel #FishingRod #SpinningReel #FishingLine #Kapstan #Elite #MegaJaws #iReel #Zephyr #Kestrel
AntiSurge Grease link: ifishtackle.com/collections/m...
Best Panfish Jigs in USA: ifishtackle.com/collections/jigs
BUSINESS email: [e-mail]

[@ifishcatfish]

Can I get a thumbs up for a black Kestrel II with smooth felt drag and 4.6 to 1 gear ratio with MSRP of $70?

[@quanloikid1]

Yes. You can buy the Kestrel for less than $60 and put in the felt , or use your reel grease. A 4.6 would be great

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

If they made one with that gear ratio I would definitely buy. But most of their reels have high speed gear ratio

[@user-jb8xe5ue2q]

Like the previous two comments I would also but the Kastking kystral ll, if they made one great review !

[@noobpyrotech9991]

They did change their Kestrel BFS when people said it was over braked. Some these companies listen to feedback like the Kingfisher was upgraded to the Cormorant.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@noobpyrotech9991 yes, they do. Even Daiwa and Shimano SECRETLY listen

[@xpanda2469]

Always love to watch your videos always very informative for new ultralight angler! keep up the great videos!

[@ifishcatfish]

thanks for the kind words buddy, i appreciate that

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Line lay looks awfully nice also! Like that style of knob. Thanks for fishing it!

[@ifishcatfish]

line lay is good but strange... you know how Daiwa is slightly lower in the middle of the spool? This one is slightly higher in the middle of the spool. Opposite of daiwa

[@dennisstewart7849]

Nice review Victor. Thanks for your knowledge and your concern for good quality and price.

[@ifishcatfish]

THanks Dennis!

[@user-jb8xe5ue2q]

I am very glad to say that I have watched all of your videos in the Kastking Kystral spinning reel. I understand what you are trying to relate to Ultralight fishermen and to Kastking very good job !

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you sir! I can say that you did not type this comment in vain!

[@jimpeterson3806]

Love your in depth reviews! Even if I don't own the product. In this case, I do. Thanks again!

[@yep.fishing]

I have one on the way, will be curious to compare it to my other CDM reels

[@Salt.Fresh.Finesse]

Thanks for the review Victor. Also seeing the Krestrel on the 20th anniversary Presso on the thumbnail is really something though 😂.

[@ifishcatfish]

man, i already did 4 thumbnails with the regular presso... 😆

[@johnthemachine]

For those that don’t want to part out their older reels, KastKing Centrons come with greased felt drag washers, they sell for 26 bucks new, if you can’t find replacement felt washers for your KK reel (it’s difficult) buy the corresponding size centron reel and swap the washers out.

[@ifishcatfish]

Have u called them and asked them?

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

I trimmed down dome trout magnets and glued them perfectly to my BG1 jigs yesterday... Love that action underwater! I got skunked last night still, but I was in a crap spot 😂

[@ifishcatfish]

if u like that try the LarvaZ. In my opinion better match than trout magnet

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Glad you said that the Kestrel was on par with other companies besides Daiwa and Shimano. I think that the Kestrel and Presso were a good combo for Backpackers and hikers that like to travel light.

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, i don't do that, but that's a great application

[@joelm6650]

Another great video Its time for A I-fish reel made by VICTOR

[@anyaforger2021]

Kastking have a black finesse reel it's called the kastking zephyr spinning reel. It's more for ice fishing but I use it for micro jigging when boating cause the spool is deeper

[@ifishcatfish]

and how do u like it?

[@anyaforger2021]

@@ifishcatfish for me it's suitable for a finesse micro jigging on deep water. Drop some 7g tungsten jig. Those deeper spool comes in handy for jigging scenario. Feels wise it's mostly the same like typical daiwa shimano reels. N plus it's fully black. N plus for around RM120 or around 25 dollar it's a solid cheap option.

[@jeanks2271]

Have you tried that Sil-Glyde yet? I tried it on my felt washers for my 2500 Legalis. Seems to be working out pretty well. i will be buying your drag grease soon to compare it on my other 2500 Legalis. And I will definitely be buying one of these reels when I see it go on sale. If you want to try another reel that is very similar to that one I recommend The Piscifun Carbon X II. It has the same exact problem with the carbon washer. I have been using the older model Carbon X for three years now and it has held up nicely.

[@ifishcatfish]

i still haven't tried that. I have only one and... kinda saving it..

[@user-px1jb8zt9n]

I'am totally agree with drag washer. I like felt for smooth and Freshwater reel. I was change to felt before watching this video.

[@ifishcatfish]

Thank u sir!

[@bobbygreen2291]

Spot on Victor

[@ifishcatfish]

hi Bobby, haven't seen u in a while

[@bobbygreen2291]

@@ifishcatfish I retired from the 20 years of guiding fishing trips ,,stay at home , farm one acre of gardens ,,end up doing a lot of time irrigating and haven’t fished nearly as much as I used to ,,I am 68 now and do not have even one prescription so I have a lot to be thankful for victor.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@bobbygreen2291 thats great... I'm 45 and thinking of retiring every day... I want to have some savings and a few bucks from my business and be able to live modestly but make ends meet without a job..

[@saleen12]

I caught a real nice bass with my son today on your jig head with 2lb line and a Berkeley nymph. 3 minutes of drag screaming and jumping. Was amazing.

[@ifishcatfish]

which size hook?

[@saleen12]

@@ifishcatfish 12 I believe. In 1.25g

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

Top notch review as always. Btw I just ordered the spool bearings for the Airity since its finally available at your website. For the upgrade bearings for the Vanford. Do you have a timeline when it will be in stock again?

[@ifishcatfish]

man... one of the bearings was missing from the package. I am SO MAD at that shipper! Now it will take another month to get that bearing... Sorry man.. trust me, i am mad too..

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

@@ifishcatfish its all good. I ordered a set a while back but wanted to get another set but noticed it was sold out. I dont mind waiting a month or two since what you sell is way way better than the overpriced bearings in Ebay

[@ifishcatfish]

@@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400 i am missing only the smallest bearing inside the reel. The other 3, that you can put without opening the reel at all, i have. If you want i can make u a custom package

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

@@ifishcatfish its alright I can wait till everything arrives since I'll have those as spare bearings. I appreciate it you going far and make a custom bearing package 👍

[@bonedyone]

nice, are you getting your 1g size 10 hook bg-1 back in stock soon )=

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, in may, hopefully. Next week i am getting 0.75 gram though.. those are size 10 hook also. Made from alloy without lead

[@vladzorescu9426]

Finally ordered the soare xr s80ul+ it should come some time around early July which is perfect since that's when rivers open up again :)

[@ifishcatfish]

well... solid tip..

[@vladzorescu9426]

Personally I don't mind the solid tip, I'd prefer a regular fast action but what to do. The only tubular model is ultralight and I was looking for something slightly more versatile:)

[@bugtussle7475]

Have you ever looked at the Abu Garcia Zenon? Randy sure seems to like those reels.

[@ifishcatfish]

I did.. they have very low inertia, smooth drag, nice sound in the drag, but typical korean feel.. different from daiwa and shimano. Also the design is a little... what is the opposite of 'sleek'? Those handles look nailed in by a lumberjack. I am used to the elegant curves of Daiwa : )

[@22lbsboost]

How would you compare to pflueger president xt? Also have you tried the kastking kestrel rods?

[@ifishcatfish]

similar quality but this is much lighter

[@bert1234]

Im seeing videos of bait finesse baitcaster vs spin reels videos. Maybe make a video discussing the two.

[@ifishcatfish]

i am DEFINITELY gona do my own video one day!

[@bert1234]

Hahaha right on.

[@feenux2492]

Hi? can you please tell me what is the exact drag washer you bought? cuz im also planing to switch carbon to felt washers :) thanks! good review!

[@ifishcatfish]

this is the shimano stradic CI4+ washer... i bought 20 of them many years ago and still use them. But u can use anything of similar size

[@feenux2492]

@@ifishcatfish thanks a lot! Really helps

[@RonMTube]

One thing to consider is that a lower gear ratio would make it a poor choice for stream fishing. You might not be able to reel fast enough after casting upstream.

[@ifishcatfish]

Maybe... i dont know.. i fish trout in a couple of streams here and never had a problem.. but i guess if its a very fast stream... either way there is plenty of high speed reels in USA

[@mihaiad86]

I have bought the VE, it's the cheaper version of this, at 134 grams. It's nice for the 40 euros that i've paid. I use it with small jigs and small spinners (1,2-2 grams), with a nice 60 grams 198 cm rod (0,2-5 grams). I've managed to land a 45 cm chub with it, without problems. I agree that the breaks are to powerful, a 3 kg max was more than enough, even 2 kg was good.

[@Twcoleman1]

I love mine!

[@ifishcatfish]

Hi Tomy!

[@provocation18]

The bail click gets a little softer after a while. I have no problems with the drag to be honest. Also i like the colours for this reel :)

[@ifishcatfish]

the drag IS a problem : ) I understand that you can tolerate it, but its bad

[@sparky36199]

Anyone wanting to buy felt drag washers in the uk. Then Weston Developments sell them. Reasonably priced as well. I bought some for a 1000 size vanford that i got of ebay that the seller changed to carbon drag washers. Once i fitted the felt washer the drag was noticeably smoother.

[@ifishcatfish]

EXCELLEND INFO

[@otroflores91]

People are obsessed with drag and bearing numbers. Give me smooth drag pressure and smooth feeling reel. Some of my favorite reels have bushings and last in the saltwater.

[@ifishcatfish]

there are 5 bearings that support the gears. One on the line roller. The rest is marketing..

[@fanofallrods2042]

It will look good paired with a Daiwa Presso rod

[@ifishcatfish]

well... i have already plenty of evidence for that.. : )

[@K0ub1]

Which one wins: KastKing Kestrel, Shimano Stradic FM or Daiwa Ballistic?

[@ifishcatfish]

I have a video with my recommendations. 2024 reel buying guide.

[@jp040759]

Ever try felt from a fabric store?????

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, i have a bunch of felts in the garage, some for battery terminal insulation... their thread is a lot less thick and they get smashed and squeezed easily. You need a special fishing felt..

[@jp040759]

@@ifishcatfish I know what you mean. I just cleaned Shimano reel dags for trout season. The felt is definitely a much denser weave.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@jp040759 thats what i meant, the reels have DENSER felt. My battery felt washers are not dense..

[@TomStarcevich-fb3qo]

Kast king should hire you as a reel consultant 🎣👍🐟 you can have your own line of spinning reels called I fish kast king reels

[@ifishcatfish]

i was offered some partnerships... but no, im clean, have not taken a penny : )

[@davidcloyd1296]

Super light weight is the thing that’s great about an ULTRA LIGHT reel

[@ifishcatfish]

thanks David

[@ngkeong3387]

Got a twin power and daiwa exists. Wont look back. Save time on those cheap reels and stay away from troubles of cheap reels. Shimano & daiwa reels are the best

[@ifishcatfish]

ok : )

[@yep.fishing]

Just to play devils advocate, Isn't a high gear ratio better for stream fishing when retrieving your lure with the current? Not all ultralight angling is fishing the bottom.

[@ifishcatfish]

maybe... if you have a very fast stream... How many people fish fast streams? None of the punks care for fast streams... they all fish golf ponds

[@AlexeyStepin-]

Somebody hire this guy to work for Kastking 😂

[@ifishcatfish]

No need. I started my own Kastking : )

[@alfavtec544]

what is the rod on ur thumbnail?Thankyou

[@ifishcatfish]

Presso Air AGS 20th Anniversary

[@alfavtec544]

@@ifishcatfish beautiful rod, thanks

[@Mattfishingtvmy]

Last but not least.shallow spool.😅

[@ifishcatfish]

Everyone in us hates shallow spool. They always point out that this reel is better than that reel because it has more line capacity. Usually comes from people who have never caught a big fosh in their life but are so afraid of getting spooled..

[@torment6369]

@@ifishcatfish That exact answer alone is why no shallow spool will ever come to the US. If you manage to get spooled out by a bass, you did something wrong on your end. US market caters mainly to bass as that's where the money is. The other thing too that I've notice when I was working at cabelas, is that a lot of people fish with 20lb braid or 8lb fluorocarbon. A shallow spool will never sell because a lot of people are going overkill in line to do multiple species or the mentality what if I hook into a big fish. I've had a lot of common folks turned down 2500 size reels in favor of the 3000 just for the line capacity only.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@torment6369 I see that all the times in youtube reviews

[@DustyNonya]

Funnily I'm the opposite. I don't mind a more shallow spool but I tend to like reels made of metal and relatively heavy compared to graphite ultralight rigs. Basically me overcompensating for the sad feeling of being a young man who's Zebco 202 broke from an unremarkably sized catfish 😂.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@DustyNonya them Zebocs required a good muscle for sure

[@boharrison2393]

I listen, only to you. 🙉

[@ifishcatfish]

rare case where i hope you are sarcastic.. : )

[@pj3p488]

mine will be here any day now. $56

[@ifishcatfish]

do u have felt?

[@pj3p488]

No but I have a lot of old reels that I can scavenge from. I am pretty sure I will find some.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@pj3p488 Look at it from the BRIGHT side - you can 'upgrade' one of those old reels with carbon : )

[@sigitas.a]

People, I fish for more than 40 years. I fish now three-four-five times a week. Want my honest advise? Buy Daiwa or Shimano. No discussions, no questions, no bla bla bla bla by influencers. Just buy Daiwa or Shimano and forget kastking, bearking or whatever "king" crap. Period.

[@ifishcatfish]

fair : )

[@petermann3804]

👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@ifishcatfish]

i will leave ur thumbs down but u should have told people what u disagree with

[@sausagefingers385]

anyway, have u tried the Okuma ceymar? any thoughts on that reel?

[@ifishcatfish]

Yes i have! I guess its cheap And durable but there is nothing nice to say about it in temrs of feel or weight or anything.