Getting to the bottom of Kastking

[Ben Mueller]

105 yards of Kastking 30lb braid and 330 yards of 30 lb Daiwa Jbraid.  I can recall there being some discussions about Kastking braid here and there  so I wanted to get to the bottom of  all of the questions for myself. I went ahead and purchased 500 and something yards of 30lb metered braid from them.  When I was pulling this off I did notice how loosely woven it was even for a four strand line.  The packaging did say that the diameter of the line was .25 mm just shy of .001 of an inch.  I spooled  A shield 6000  size reel  and to my surprise that large spool that I believe was rated to take 400 yards truck just 105 yards of the Kastking  before it was full.  This is not a small spool. This is also the same sport that I had previously put on 330 yards of Daiwa Jbraid (adv thickness .27mm, .02mm more than the adv kastking)  and had extra room.  Out of curiosity  and my disappointment I measure the diameter of this line and it came out to be almost twice the thickness as advertised (.45mm instead of the .25 claimed). Needless to say I gave them bad feedback and a bad review  which upon they sent me  iMessage stating that they would refund two dollars if I were to keep this line.  Seeing as I'd rather have my $20 back rather than a spool of crappy line I returned it anyway. Upon receiving it they offered for free if I were to remove that bad feedback, a spool of 10 pound braid green braid.  After receiving the braid once again I measured it and it came up to more than twice the diameter of what they were advertising (.009 inches vs .0039). I was mostly curious about this line because of the price and social media advertising they've been doing.  But I'm  afraid I was simply left  rather frustrated with false claims. This is usually what happens when a company tries to simply rebrand completely inferior Chinese knock off products rather than too choose to have a quality product that's made in China. There's a huge difference between the two. 

[david in va]

What was the name of the braid? I know you said the maker was Kastking

[Ben Mueller]

10 hours ago, david in va said:

What was the name of the braid? I know you said the maker was Kastking

 This was Kastking's "Kastking Super Pro"  I believe. Basically the company only has one type of braid they sell.  they also have a huge line of reels, both spinning and baitcasting, that I have purchased a couple of. Upon further inspection and disassembly I found them to be the exact Chinese ( poor quality cheaply made Chinese ones that is) reels that can be found on Alibaba and DHgate that have been basically rebranded with the Kastking name.  No one like to see a fellow angler get stuck with inferior products that are mis marketed to deceive.  This is also why I think it's a good idea to pay for some things with PayPal.  Sometimes their  buyer protection guarantee is a good thing.   

[J Francho]

There are two types of Braid: Super power, a 4 carrier, and SuperKast 9, a 9 carrier.  I've used the former since spring in 50# size on an Assassin reel.  Both have held up to the task.  Is it as good as a $175 reel?  Close, but no.  Is it good enough?  At $50, I'd say so.  I'm impressed.  It definitely outperforms many reels in the $70-100 range, and features similar entry level reels.  I'm not sure what you mean by "deceptive marketing."  They spec reels out to Chinese manufacturer, and sell direct to the consumer, cutting out several middle men, therefore able to offer them at a lower price.

[Cgolf]

Reading this and other reviews on brands like these site sponsors I will continue to stick with known brands until these other brands become proven. With brands like shakesphere, Daiwa, etc I know they will stand behind their product. Daiwa has bail spring issues with their regals new and old, but they get free replacements out to me super fast. 

 

Also I guess in Kast Kings case, if they are ordering the reels from the same source as some other discount brands, then you just try to find the cheapest one and go with them. I guess for me the comfort of buying a brand with a proven track record is worth the extra money. 

[J Francho]

There are several threads that have mentioned excellent service and support from KastKing.  If there is an issue, they typically issue a replacement.  Trust me, we wouldn't bother to have a sponsor that wasn't on the up and up.  The company was started by Syracuse U. students that wanted to offer affordable gear.

[NYWayfarer]

Can't speak about Kastking braid as I haven't purchased any. However I have used their Masters mono and Fluorokote lines. Both are excellent quality and I highly recommend them.

 

As far as their reels go I own several. Sharky II, Mela II, Spartacus, Stealth, Assassin and Speed Demon. My two favorite are the Sharky II and the Assassin. For the price these reels, rebranded or not, can't be beat. They are not Stradics or Steez' but they are not marketed to be.

 

When I first handled my Sharky II I thought for $30 it would be pretty flimsy. I was surprised as I would compare this reel to my Pflueger President as far as quality and performance.

 

 

[Deleted account]

36 minutes ago, J Francho said:

There are two types of Braid: Super power, a 4 carrier, and SuperKast 9, a 9 carrier. 

A fishing acquaintance who's judgement I trust mentioned that he had been using Super power to jig tuna for a while, and that it had performed well. I have since spooled up several spinning reels with 10 and 20 lb Super power an haven't had any line issues fishing fresh water, and salt water in over a year. It is very similar to PP, and breaks in, just like it. Is it as nice as Daiwa, or Jerry Brown? no, but it works fine. I can't speak for the reels.

[Glenn]

Ok, how many of you have the tools, knowledge, and ability to measure micro-millimeter line sizes?

 

Nope, me either. 

 

Did a quick search, and this is a copy-paste job of the same post on other sites.

 

Looks suspect to me.

 

First time poster and this is what he posts, with lots of allegations about "cheap" products with no proof? The line size was different than expected? That doesn't mean it's "cheap". There's nothing still that says the line is bad.

 

Kastking stands by their products, and welcomes reviews, both good and bad. They don't ask people to remove bad comments, nor try to "bribe" them. That's just plain trash talk. Seems like this guy is just trying to troll.

 

That said, I haven't personally used their line.  But I do have the Assassin reel and I'm very impressed.  I've used it all season long without any issues. I honestly didn't expect such a good reel for the price.

 

 

 

 

[J Francho]

9 minutes ago, Glenn said:

I honestly didn't expect such a good reel for the price.

My thoughts exactly.

[Scarborough817]

i would get some i see if i can measure it with a tool i have but it's a little difficult to get up here for the same price 

[Cgolf]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

There are several threads that have mentioned excellent service and support from KastKing.  If there is an issue, they typically issue a replacement.  Trust me, we wouldn't bother to have a sponsor that wasn't on the up and up.  The company was started by Syracuse U. students that wanted to offer affordable gear.

 

I don't doubt this, and I know Glenn stands behind his sponsors. There is going to be a bunch of budget bassers that will pass on brands like these until they become more established or heck are available on sites like TW. 

 

I had an oppurtunity to buy a Kastking reel last year with an Amazon gift card and ended up with a Daiwa Laguna because I liked one we had picked up for my father in law. It doesn't mean they are bad products, just that not a lot is known about them. You tube reviews and comparisons to other reels were mixed. Heck real world example, we now own two Hyundais, but bought them recently once they were well established, would not have bought them early on. I just want to know about the brand I am buying, and reading reviews on Amazon isn't the best way to do that. 

[J Francho]

8 minutes ago, cgolf said:

There is going to be a bunch of budget bassers that will pass on brands like these until they become more established or heck are available on sites like TW.

That isn't going to happen.  They DIRECT to the consumer, rather than to another retail channel.  There is no warehouse, no markups.  They have been around for more than a few years now, and have a pretty loyal following.  If that doesn't do it for you, that's fine.  Reading reviews is not always the best, I agree.  But you are HERE, and actual anglers that use the stuff are telling you their experience.

[fishwizzard]

58 minutes ago, Glenn said:

Ok, how many of you have the tools, knowledge, and ability to measure micro-millimeter line sizes?

 

A cheap set of digital calipers would let me measure into the thousands of a inch for turning the case necks when reloading rifle ammo.  If I can find them among my shooting stuff I will try them on some line tonight.  

 

I have been a little curious about published vs actual thickness.  I use Suffex briad and the jump in precived thickness between 10lb and 15lb braid seems way greater then then published measurements would suggest.   

[J Francho]

Those measurements are based on average thickness.  I'm not sure if there is some standard for sample pool and sample length.  You'd want to take several along the line, then average them.

 

That said, braid is over engineered, and strength to diameter is much higher than needed.  I generally go by feel, and choose a size that works for me.  I don't need 50# of strength, but I like how that size handles on a typical low pro baitcaster.

[NYWayfarer]

17 minutes ago, cgolf said:

 

There is going to be a bunch of budget bassers that will pass on brands like these until they become more established or heck are available on sites like TW. 

They are missing out then IMO.

 

If I were a budget angler (and I am) I would compare what I could get for my money.

 

For example $60 will get me a Lew's American Hero baitcaster or a Kastking Assassin.

 

Lew's AH specs: Graphite body and sideplates weighs 7.2oz, 5 bearing system, rulon drag 10lbs, magnetic brakes.

 

Kastking Assassin specs: Carbon fiber body and sideplates weighs 5.7oz, 12 bearing system, carbon fiber drag 16.5lbs, centrifugal and magnetic brakes.

 

The Assassin is lighter, with dual brakes, 7 more bearings and a better drag. For the budget angler I think it is clearly the better deal. You can stick with your more established name brands though that are sold in box stores.

 

Kastking has been around for 2 years with more positive reviews than negative. How long before we can consider them established?

[Choporoz]

21 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

 

Kastking has been around for 2 years with more positive reviews than negative. How long before we can consider them established?

Good question...everyone's answer will be different.  For guys like @cgolf, it might only take 30 years....for fogs like me, probably longer.  I gotta admit that I still look admiringly at a car...see its a Hyundai (or a Kia) and turn my nose in the air....not real proud of it, but old dogs and all....

[J Francho]

Isn't that just an excuse for not having an uninformed opinion, though?  I mean, I'd have done the same, had I not actually been encouraged to try the stuff out.  It's been a bit of an eye opener. 

 

BTW, the reel is worth it just for the real CF handle.  Better than I can say about some other "established brands'" fake CF "look" handles.

[NYWayfarer]

9 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Good question...everyone's answer will be different.  For guys like @cgolf, it might only take 30 years....for fogs like me, probably longer.  I gotta admit that I still look admiringly at a car...see its a Hyundai (or a Kia) and turn my nose in the air....not real proud of it, but old dogs and all....

For the record I drive a Hyundai Elantra. Third one I have owned. Last one was still running fine when I traded it in at 160,000 miles. I guess my best bang for the buck attitude doesn't just apply to reels.

 

Born in 1965, old dog as well right here.

[Kevinator1]

2 hours ago, Glenn said:

Ok, how many of you have the tools, knowledge, and ability to measure micro-millimeter line sizes?

 

I do! But what a waste of time....i'm going to fish instead of measuring fishing line. If i had a brand that was consistently failing maybe that would be cause for alarm but face it, most lines fail due to operator (fisherman) error. Either a bad knot or not retying enough in waters with rock, timber and zebra muscles. 

[DomQ]

When I got ticked off on paying so much for braid I caved and bought 500yards of 30lb kastking back when they had their old logo, I tied on some cheap lures and went on a casting spree, trying to get caught up in rocks, fallen trees and weeds to see what the line could take before it gave out. Handled just like every other braid I've used. I had 2 friends spool up a reel each to give it a shot as well and they said it was fine. So I said to heck with it and just bought another 1500 yards of various coloured line from kastking. Should be in today or tomorrow. Doesn't mean I'm not going to pick up a spool of power pro or 832, if the price is comparable ill buy it. I'm not paying more for the same thing. 

[Cgolf]

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

Good question...everyone's answer will be different.  For guys like @cgolf, it might only take 30 years....for fogs like me, probably longer.  I gotta admit that I still look admiringly at a car...see its a Hyundai (or a Kia) and turn my nose in the air....not real proud of it, but old dogs and all....

You guys are killing me, read one of my latest replies, 8 months ago was the first I had ever heard of them and the reviews I read were mixed at the time. We own a 2008 v6 Tuscon with 20k, kids car I like, and my wife has a 2013 Tuscon with a 4 which is kind of slow;)

 

apperently one one of my posts got lost in Internet land. 

 

Sorry my comments ruffled some feathers, surprised me because I didn't bad mouth the product at all. My take is there are other bassers out there that don't research product like we all do, or even go on a bass fishing forum.

 

As I said 8 months ago the reviews were mixed and to me it was a brand I had never heard of. When reading the boards I do value general posters reviews over the reviews of mods for the most part, when a site sponsors product is being discussed. If I were to order today I likely would try one out.

 

peace

[J Francho]

14 minutes ago, cgolf said:

 I do value general posters reviews over the reviews of mods for the most part ,when a site sponsors product is being discussed.

 

Because it really serves us well to lie to you.  Jeez.  Do you all realize we have to be EXTRA diligent in our reviews because one iota of doubt would betray the entire site, future sponsors, and most importantly our members trust.  Yes we receive the gear in exchange for our input (good, bad, and ugly) and reviews.  Since I wouldn't be very likely to buy an entry level reel, this would be the only way I'd test the gear.  I receive no compensation for this.  So, my question to you personally: would you rather I lie to you than actually use the gear sent to us for review?  Would lying help you trust our input more? 

 

20 minutes ago, cgolf said:

Sorry my comments ruffled some feathers, surprised me because I didn't bad mouth the product at all.

 

Your comments included mentioning their service was not as good as other - totally unfounded, since you never bought the product.  You called the product cheap.  Finally, you said you don't trust moderators opinions.  You're not ruffling feathers, you're setting a tone that shows you haven't got all the info, and you don't really know what you're talking about.  Don't buy a Kastking.  Buy a Kastking and [fill in the brand] reel in the same price point, and higher price points.  Fish them, and you tell me about both.  That's basically what I've done. 

 

Thanks to the rest for respecting the extra work we do for members.  I know I must sound snarky, but that's not it.  Our sponsors want to engage with knowledgeable members on this site.  We become the mouthpiece for them.  We attend training classes, watch videos, use the gear, and report back.  There's no cloak and dagger, pulling the wool over people's eyes.

[DomQ]

22 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Our sponsors want to engage with knowledgeable members on this site.  We become the mouthpiece for them.  We attend training classes, watch videos, use the gear, and report back.  There's no cloak and dagger, pulling the wool over people's eyes.

Thank you for the sponsors and reviews, we do all appreciate it very much!!!!! 

[Cgolf]

31 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 

Because it really serves us well to lie to you.  Jeez.  Do you all realize we have to be EXTRA diligent in our reviews because one iota of doubt would betray the entire site, future sponsors, and most importantly our members trust.  Yes we receive the gear in exchange for our input (good, bad, and ugly) and reviews.  Since I wouldn't be very likely to buy an entry level reel, this would be the only way I'd test the gear.  I receive no compensation for this.  So, my question to you personally: would you rather I lie to you than actually use the gear sent to us for review?  Would lying help you trust our input more? 

I totally understand that it is difficult to be a mod and review products honestly and I appreciate the site an the work you guys do and at one point had a discussion about this with Glenn. I do suggest that you reread what you quoted from me, I didn't say that I dismiss your opinions, I just rank an unsponsored opinion higher. I used to be involved in a hobby at a high level and dealt with sponsored guys all the time that would say brand a is the best one day and brand b is garbage, until of course they were sponsored by brand b;) I can comment more about this on a pm, but trust me I appreciate what you guys do.

31 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 

 

Your comments included mentioning their service was not as good as other - totally unfounded, since you never bought the product.  You called the product cheap.  Finally, you said you don't trust moderators opinions.  You're not ruffling feathers, you're setting a tone that shows you haven't got all the info, and you don't really know what you're talking about.  Don't buy a Kastking.  Buy a Kastking and [fill in the brand] reel in the same price point, and higher price points.  Fish them, and you tell me about both.  That's basically what I've done. 

"Reading this and other reviews on brands like these site sponsors I will continue to stick with known brands until these other brands become proven. With brands like shakesphere, Daiwa, etc I know they will stand behind their product. Daiwa has bail spring issues with their regals new and old, but they get free replacements out to me super fast.

 

Also I guess in Kast Kings case, if they are ordering the reels from the same source as some other discount brands, then you just try to find the cheapest one and go with them. I guess for me the comfort of buying a brand with a proven track record is worth the extra money."

 

This is what I wrote above, I never said their service was bad, just that I knew Daiwa's in particular because I had to use it, so you are right, I didn't know about their service so I didn't say anything about it. I also never called them cheap, but said if there are many that use the same oem house you may be able to find the same real cheaper under a different brand name with some research, maybe not. What is wrong with someone sticking to certain brands because of brand loyalty, and as I stated this was a new brand to me 8 months ago.

31 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 

Thanks to the rest for respecting the extra work we do for members.  I know I must sound snarky, but that's not it.  Our sponsors want to engage with knowledgeable members on this site.  We become the mouthpiece for them.  We attend training classes, watch videos, use the gear, and report back.  There's no cloak and dagger, pulling the wool over people's eyes.

If you want you can pm me, if not I am not sure how much more I will stick around, this is frustration I don't need when I am home sick from work lol. I really don't feel I bad mouthed the product in any way, I just stated that I the time I bought and even now I may stick with brands I know and trying to explain it apparently dug a deeper hole, hence why I never argue with my wife anymore;).