First impressions Kistler reels series 1 BC and Spinning reel

[torm]

Hi everyone, this is my first impressions for these reels just incase anyone wanted some more info on these because it seems like there really isn't any. I am by no means a reel expert so if anyone expects tear downs, that won't be happening as I do not trust myself for which I apologize.  This a not a final review as I have not even casted it yet or even put line on it yet.

 

Baitcaster first! Got the series 1 BC in the 100 and 200. 100 is left and 200 is right. Fairly light reel, not the lightest but lighter than the curados. The clicks for the drag star and tension knobs are very loud. The little line reminder on the side is nice but consider having a coin to turn it. It is possible to turn it with your nails if you have them long and strong enough, but you may end up having finger nails shavings in it lol. The audible drag is nice but a hit or miss. My 100 sounds loud and feels smooth but my 200 is the very opposite. It is VERY quiet and clunky. Not sure why that is but feel free to chime in. Box does not show line ratings. The case provided is very nice. The oil bottle that it comes with needs to be rethought asap! Looks nice and all but the little silicon cap does not prevent leakage. Slips off easy too. Both mine came in and the bottle was upside down drowning in its own oil. Not a biggie for me as I have plenty of reel oil myself but I can totally see people being tick if this happens to them. 

 

Spinning now. Kinda heavy. If you are looking for a light reel for finesse, I do not believe I would recommend this if you are willing to go up to like a Daiwa tatula. I know if you look at their number one review the guy compares it to a Penn and a stradic fl. While I have never fished the Penn, I am a proud owner of a stradic fl and the FL completely wipes this reel out. FL is a lot smoother. Will come back and compare the performance once I use this reel enough. The drag for the Kistler is a lot louder though. It does not feel like a real 2000. More like a 2500 or even a 3000 almost. It does have the anti reverse function for folks who likes that. The handle knob is a little big for my liking. Its smooth but not shimano smooth. I would even say if you spun a Daiwa fuego it feels very similar but that's just me. Solid reel though if you wanna do some heavy fishing with a spinning reel. Biggest thing though is that this reel is heavy. 

 

Overall impression is nothing special but nothing bad either. Hopefully this helps the few that were eyeballing them because of the current sale that is going on but are hesitant. I say for the sale price depending on how much reels you plan on buying, makes them worth it. I bought three and got it for $330 ish when the BC retail for $250 while the spin is $150. If your a fan of daiwa or shimano go with the Curado K or the Daiwa tatula SV. If your an abu or lews fan this reel isn't anything special besides the few quirks. Will update this if I remember in the future. 

[Tennessee Boy]

The first question I would ask is who actually makes the reel.  Where is it made? 

[torm]

It would be nice if they told who made it but it seems they are keeping it a secret for now. Does say its made in Korea on the box.

 

I luckily managed to get out for two trips with the 200 BC and the spinning reel. Caught a couple of bass on the 200 BC cranking and jigging. 12lb fluorocarbon  is spooled on and as expected the sound of the line with tension drowns out the audible drag. Nonexistent literally. For the few who wants to hear drag ripping stay away from the 200 unless I got a bad one. Casting wasn't an issue although I didn't do anything light or heavy. Stayed between 3/8-3/4oz. I did notice my thumbar and reel locking up a couple of times no idea why as I've never had an issue with any of my other reels like this and most of my fishing is done one 90% BC. Need more time on the water to see why. 

 

Spinning reel did fine on bass but like I said it is kinda weird fishing with such a heavy reel with on finesse application. Might just be me but it reminds me of fishing with my daiwa fuego 4000 even though its labeled as 2000. Here is the bad news for the guys that like to use their reels for multiple species or looking for one reel to do everything. One of the trips was a salmon trip. Got none on the BC but I did manage to hook and land a 17lb king. The spinning reel now feels like its been though a couple of seasons with a little bit of that grind to it. Now I know most of you guys won't be using it for salmon but for those guys who use it for power fishing or fishing in areas where you can hook a big one, probably should think twice. Even guys who only wanna buy one reel and use it for everything should take caution. I didn't hog it in either, let the fish tired itself out to test the drag. Smooth drag though, no clunkiness.  

 

Again, not an expert but here are my experiences so far with my two trips. BC is solid for now but besides audible drag being nonexistent. Spinning reel does fine for bass but kinda concern now on hooking onto fish that will test your reels durability or stress it out. 

[jimmyjoe]

7 hours ago, torm said:

. I did notice my thumbar and reel locking up a couple of times no idea why

 

Hmmm ....... that's not really a good sign, is it?          jj

[torm]

No it is not but it is a year warranty. Bass fishing by me is gonna end soon and I won't be doing it as much when the full salmon run is on so hopefully I can figure out why soon. Worst comes I just exchange it for another, might already do so since I'm pretty sure my audible drag isn't right.