Kastking or Piscifun 1000 or 2000 size for small stream bassing?

[wasabi_VA]

Thinking of trying one of these cheaper Kastking or Piscifun reels for the heck of it. I need a smaller 1000 - 2000 size reel go on a 7' Shimano Clarus light action rod that will be used for fishing small streams for small bass. I've never seen either brand in person so not sure how well built they are. The little Piscifun Carbon X looks appealing, interested in other recommendations in the Kastking and Piscifun line.

 

Not sure where to get them either other than old threads referencing eBay.

[GTN-NY]

I don’t know about either of those reels but I did just buy a Shimano Sienna 2000 for $30. I was shocked at how smooth it is for the price. I bought it for small trout stream fishing in the winter. 

[Fishnski48]

I've got a Pflueger President 2000 that is smooth, light and has seen its share of use.  I use it on my ultra light and light rods.

[MN Fisher]

Over the last couple months I've picked up some Mitchell Avocet RZTs ranging from 1000 to 3000. They have some features found on more expensive reels...like a bearing in the line roller instead of a bushing. They're out of production now, but you can find them at various places.

[Eric 26]

I have 2 Piscifun carbon x reels, both a 1000 & 2000 size. They are very well built and I’m sure they will last quite a long time. I have a Piscifun Saex Elite casting reel been using that for the last 5 years with no problems. The one thing I will say is the 1000 size is more like my 1500 size carbonlite  2.0 and my 2000 is closer to a 2500 size. Very pleased with both. You can purchase them online directly through Piscifun and get an additional 15% off when you sign up for their newsletter.

[MiceNReets]

2 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Over the last couple months I've picked up some Mitchell Avocet RZTs ranging from 1000 to 3000. They have some features found on more expensive reels...like a bearing in the line roller instead of a bushing. They're out of production now, but you can find them at various places.

Those Mitchell Avocet RTZ reels are very nice.  I have a 1000 size and it works excellent. 

[redmeansdistortion]

Okuma Ceymar is a fine reel as well.  I have the C20 and use it often.  Runs about $40 to $50.

[NYWayfarer]

I have been using the Lew’s Speed Spin reels for my Smallmouth river fishing. Great reels for $59.99 
 

Size 100 with 4# line on Light action rods, 200 with 6# line on Medium Light rods and 300 size with 8# line on Medium action rods.

 

As far as Kastking goes, I have the Sharky III spinning reel and would recommend it. 

 

 

[MN Fisher]

Addendum to above - Scheels still has some 1000 and 2000 Avocet RTZs available on clearance for $29.99 - that's 1/3 off regular price.

[BrianMDTX]

7 hours ago, GTN said:

I don’t know about either of those reels but I did just buy a Shimano Sienna 2000 for $30. I was shocked at how smooth it is for the price. I bought it for small trout stream fishing in the winter. 

I have one. Got it for about that same price. Surprised me how well it fished for the cost. 

[Bluebasser86]

I haven't used anything from Piscifun, but pretty sure they're the same thing as the Kastking reels, just a different name on it. A friend of mine uses the Carbon X for crappie and really likes them.

 

I'd go with a Daiwa Revros for less money personally.

[BrianMDTX]

I have two- a LT2000 and a LT2500. They are great reels at their price point. 

[Stasher1]

The Pflueger Trion is another highly-regarded reel in that price range.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Stasher1 said:

The Pflueger Trion is another highly-regarded reel in that price range.

I was impressed with the Trions - still have two - but the new models have removed the anti-reverse switch...so get an older one from the auction site if possible.

[Gary_Snyder]

I think a youtube reviewer Tackle Advisors, or something like that has reviewed one or more of those reels. I don't think they did very well?

 

I personally would look at brands like Abu, Pflueger, Mitchell, Daiwa, Okuma, or Shimano.

[Alex Ball]

On 1/11/2021 at 12:50 PM, Gary_Snyder said:

I think a youtube reviewer Tackle Advisors, or something like that has reviewed one or more of those reels. I don't think they did very well?

 

I personally would look at brands like Abu, Pflueger, Mitchell, Daiwa, Okuma, or Shimano.

That's a bit misleading. All of TA's reviews on KK are ancient. Nobody does KK reviews anymore cuz they've improved drastically and the "my reel collapsed live!" videos are now reserved for Sougayilang and Fishdrops. KK and PFun are both competitive now. I doubt you will ever see KK leave Amazon due to the success they've had there, but they don't need it anymore. TW, Academy, and Dick's all carry them now. They grew up fast. 

  I think TA would give a positive overall review to the newer models of KK. Bear in mind almost all of the lines on amazon are the "new" KK. Not the chinesium junk they started with. Still some issues, but from gen1 to gen 3 it's a light year leap. Don't know about Pfun, but I predict KK will be a brand name in 3 years. Abu gave up on the speed rivalry and that says a lot. Under $100, they may end up cornering the non walmart market. Above that, It's really just easier to find a good named reel.

 

[mrpao]

To add to this, I'll say I have been really impressed by the Piscifun carbon x reels. Earlier this year I decided to try something other than my normal daiwa and shimano brands. I first picked up two carbon x  3000 size and a KK zephyr 3000 size. For the money they have been really good reels.

I later picked up a piscifun carbon x 1000 and 500 size. Mainly for their lightweight build. I've been really impressed with those as well. In fact so impressed, I picked up several more. I now have a total of nine carbon x reels. I have the 500 on my ultralight trout and panfish combos. The 1000 size on my light bass combos.

My only complaint with these smaller reels is the drag sound. Its screechy and louder than I like, but not a deal breaker.

Lately, I've been using these " off brand" reels more than my shimano and daiwas. I really want to see how durable they are and if they can survive the long haul with my shimano and daiwa reels.