Kast King Baitcaster

[Stephen B]

15 hours ago, J Francho said:

That’s totally okay, but why the attraction to these threads?  Not just you, specifically. 

 

I’ll admit when Pinnacle, Okuma, Favorite, KastKing, and even Abu came on board, I groaned a bit. I would never have spent my own money on any of them. But, I used the gear, abused the gear, even detonated a reel and two rods. Those companies were VERY RESPONSIVE to what happened. Pretty much every company Glenn has brought into the fold has been solid in both support and quality. Funny story, we had a deal with a certain rod company, and they couldn’t even figure out how to get a rod to us, yet expected reviews.  Go figure.

 

This whole exercise in NOT using my preferred brands has really opened my eyes to what is out there, what represents  quality or bang for the buck. Can I honestly sit on some high horse and say, get a (insert US made high end rod) and (insert Japanese made high end reel) to to someone that wants to catch a bass and is trying to make ends meet?  I’m putting my money where my mouth is, these days. I’m glad some companies recognize this segment, and aren’t selling stripped down junk. Go ahead and pass, this gear isn’t for you, and I really respect your opinions on gear, baits, and techniques. I understand why you wouldn’t consider it. But don’t tell me I’m shilling, don’t tell me I’m trying to make buck, because I make nothing for this. Believe me, it’s a sacrifice to test all this stuff out, and report my experience back to you all. 

 

And I aplogize in advance for picking out your post directly, @Burrows. It was just a good opportunity to make a point. Keep catching, keep posting my friend! I, and I bet many other member appreciate what you give back to fishing through this forum. 

Very well said!

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

It's not just Glenn and I.  All of us mods, and Glenn's wife test the gear out.  I probably shouldn't single any single sponsors out, but Kastking and Okuma have really been the highlights so far.  This Abu Garcia Revo SX is turning my head as well.  Their braking system is so much better than early Revos from a decade ago.  I'm running some gnarly 17# Red Label with no line conditioner, and you really gotta mess up to backlash it.

Gnarly is right for Red Label haha. I can't stand Seaguar Red Label. But that's definitely awesome that you get to test and share your opinions on the gear.

[J Francho]

59 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

That's good feedback JF. I have steered people away from old SX models because of the weak mag only brakes. Other than that, I've always found them (Revo's) to perform better than they looked on paper. 

I could never get a handle on their odler SX/STX models.  I really liked the Premier, and a simple cleaning woudl really enhance the performance.  The reel I'm playing now will be fished as is, out of the box.

 

54 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

Gnarly is right for Red Label haha. I can't stand Seaguar Red Label. But that's definitely awesome that you get to test and share your opinions on the gear.

I figure set it up for the worst, and hope for the best.  It's working pretty well, though I'd prefer Invisx 15#.

[Oregon Native]

Another 2 cents.

I sent my Assassin in for replace/repair.  They sent me a replacement .  I did this just before the Holiday weekend and had the new one in my hands the day the post office came back to work.  Awesome.....this is great service.  Matter of fact I just ordered another of the same reel for my son.  He doesn't need my hand me downs that are wearing out.  Now I can have a clear conscience when we're team fishing.