Any KastKing Zephyr BFS, Likers or Haters?

[ghost]

I got one in left hand from Amazon. I have it spooled with 10 lb/2 lb diameter Power Pro yellow braid. I colored the last 10’ of line black with a Sharpie that I cut in the middle. The rod I’m using is an Okuma crappie baitcast rod, 6’6”, light, 4-8lb line wt, 1/16-5/16 oz lure wt. Bought it on sale for $59.99, now that’s a price I’m will to pay with a couple added discounts!

 

So far I think I like it. It does cast lighter lures a good distance, like an 1/8 oz Chatterbait and Ned Rig. I’ve only fished it a couple times and those were quick fishing, to get a feel for the reel. I did try 4 lb P-line first but did not like how stretchy it is. Also I lost a couple lures when I got snagged and pulled and no lure on the other end. I’ve used braid on all my reels, my preference. Also, how much braided line should I really be spooling. At this time, I have it spooled to the top of the lip. One Youtuber said he spools his Zephyr 1/3 full? Exactly what does 1/3 look like on a spool? I’m in the school of fill the spool with line till it is even with the lip spool on both side. The Okuma crappie casting rod loads up pretty good and casts mentioned lures a good distance. Not too whippy like the BFS rods being sold. I think it’s a perfect blend of bend and sensitivity. I’m thinking of contacting Kastking for a spare spool for 4lb P-line...if I decide to use a copoly again.

 

I did order a couple Whopper Plopper 60, the new 1/4oz model for this setup for when the water warms up.

 

I haven’t really put it through it’s paces, so those who do own one; how are you liking it for BFS?

[mrpao]

I had one but i sold it. Nothing wrong with the reel itself. I just don't BFS that much, but i wanted to try out the reel.

 

When i first got it, it was loud on the cast so i have to oil the bearings, which made it better. I also changed out the handle to a CF handle with daiwa I knobs. That was much improved over the stock foam knobs. The stock knobs had a lot of side to side play.

 

I spooled the reel up with 8lb daiwa j braid x8. I always fill my spools up with line. Less line means the spool has to rotate that much more to get the same distance on the cast. I dont get why people do that.

Mounted the reel on a 6'8 shimano cumara med action rod. The rod fishes much lighter than its rated for. I only threw a small 1/8 oz shakyhead and worm on it. No issues casting that lure. I didn't try to go lower - I'll just use spinning for that. Only caught a few small bass on it.

For the price, its a decent preforming reel. A few changes and it can be a better reel. I will say, i was impressed by the looks of it. The glossy black and orange gold highlights really set it off.

Like i said, i only wanted to test it out. So after fishing it some, i sold it for pretty much what i paid for it. I think its a great way to test BFS fishing.

[cottny27]

I have one myself, it’s decent well worth the $.  I haven’t tried going below 1/8th myself.  I don’t really have the proper rod matched up with it to do much. 

[mwaller3]

I have one on a 6' med/light crankin stick (glass rod). for the price you cant go wrong. I've thrown a 1/32 jig head with a pan fish assassin. throws to the left but its expected with a bait caster. i can throw 1/16 jig heads with bobby garland plastics further than most of my spinning setups. Its difficult to get dialed in at first and definitely is not as consistent at casting small lures log distances compared to a alderbaren or alphas air but for the prices you cant go wrong and its great for wading creeks and taking on trips where you wouldn't want to bring a $$$ JDM reel. Some ceramic sppol bearings wuld help out a bit on the smaller lures, just haven't gotten around to ordering them yet.

[BaitFinesse]

For actual BFS targeting bass with tiny bass baits (1/20 oz neds ect) the Kuying Battle Song 68L looks legit.  I'll be getting one as a backup to my Volkey 68L

  

[OG Crankster]

Picked up one to try for 59.00 off of Amazon. Paired it up with a Carbonlite 2.0 7ft med-lite rod and 6lb co-poly. I can easily toss a small pop-r 75 feet with no problems. The reel is quiet, smooth and no play in the handle. Im pretty impressed.