KastKing Spartacus Plus

[Caliyak]

I just got the Plus for Christmas and I want to make it my flipping, pitching, jigs and heavy cover reel. Anyone use this reel for the same application and how does it hold up? It can be the Plus or original Spartacus 

I am aware of the carbon body and the flexing. 

[NYWayfarer]

I had the Spartacus and really liked it. I broke mine when taking it apart to clean and lube the internals. Up until then it was pretty solid. The only complaint I had was a sticky thumb bar that would engage on a hard cast. It has the dual braking system which makes it VERY hard to backlash if set correctly. You will feel the body flex if dragging fish out of cover, I know I did.

 

As far as baitcasters go Kastking has the following in price lowest to highest:

Royale Legend/White Max

Spartacus/Spartacus Plus

Stealth

Assassin

Speed Demon

Spartacus Maximus

 

You have to get to the Stealth price level and above before the true quality for price appears IMO. For a reel to be in the price range of the Royale Legend and Spartacus they had to cut corners somewhere. I am sure those corners will show up sooner rather than later.

 

 

[georgeyew]

I have 2 regular Spartacus reels and they have worked well for me for all kinds of fishing. I also had 2 times where the thumb bar engaged mid cast when i was flinging pretty hard. But I checked the gears and there were no damage done....so no big deal. I think that the reel is a great deal for the price. It is almost identical to the Assassin except for the carbon handle and drilled spool. But for $10 more, the carbon handle is worth it if you like that sort of thing. Don't be fooled by the 11+1 bearings though. 6 of the bearing are in the handle knobs. Don't understand why you would need that many bearing in a knob.

 

But I think that you will be happy with your reel for flipping and pitching.

[j_blaze14]

the spartacus plus is a solid reel, the cork handles are the best ive used.  the reason for all the bearings in the knobs is for the smoothness, but if they get dirty im sure it would be a huge problem.  ive never used mine for flipping, just worms and jigs, but its held up to bowfin and turtles, so it should get them out of heavy cover for sure.  the only recommendation i would give is to clean off the stock grease and use your favorite lubes in there, the stock grease is a little heavy.  

[Bluebasser86]

I have the plus with the shallow spool in it like @j_blaze14 mentioned. It pitches 1/8oz jig with a small trailer very well for a budget reel. Haven't used it for the baits you mentioned, but I landed an 8+ pound wiper with it this fall without any issues. 

[Caliyak]

Thanks guys. I can't wait to use my Plus.