FS Digest

Which models feature a magnetic break and a centrifugal break? It almost seems like some of the new models are a downgrade from the old model. Most notably the Royale Legend 2 dropped the centrifugal break that the Royale Legend 1 had.

I also notice some of their models have an aircraft aluminum gear - Is that equivalent to brass or is it just a weight trade off with a loss of durability?

Finally, any difference between the durability of their gears versus a store brand like bass pro shop? I imagine not all brass are created equal.

Side note, Daiwa's new fandangled version of magnetic breaking looks really neat but it looks above my price range. Maybe one day I'll get 100$ reels and 100$ rods but I want a boat first. =P

--
by Ger2016

FS Digest

I can't speak to the newer gens of kastking, but I messed with the older gen. 200 size I believe.

Just know that I spent less on a used shimano curado and was happier.

It's the same reel as the curado G6 but not a well built.

Take it for what it's worth. Not a bad entry model, but nice used stuff can be found for less.

--
by not-a-person-people

FS Digest

This might sound crazy, but I like to buy new because I want to help keep the market alive. If we all became thrifty, these companies wouldn't be able to afford to research and innovate like Diawa has or even Kastking with their speed demon balanced magnetic breaks.

Not that there's anything wrong with being thrifty, I try to get a sale whenever I can, but I definitely do want to buy new just to keep the reel industry healthy. Especially if it's a company that deserves more notice or attention.

--
by Ger2016

FS Digest

Save yourself the trouble and grab a Daiwa Fuego CT. They can be found for $50-$60ish, new in box on ebay. And it will be significantly better than anything kastking can offer. Their Amazon reviews are paid for so I'd say there's very few people who truly love them that aren't being paid or have some form of incentive.

--
by TheSuperFluke

FS Digest

I was looking at that one. What kind of maintenance do they require? Do you need to lube or grease it much differently what with the spring loaded break cup?

--
by Ger2016

FS Digest

Just like any baitcaster, really. Not a bad idea to drop a little lubricant in it every now and then. Use it hard, then if you want send it off for cleaning or do it yourself. I'd say it's the best reel on the market until $150ish. Especially for how cheap it can be found. That and the SLX, at least, but at $50-$60 it's a no brainer.

--
by TheSuperFluke

FS Digest

Do tell? I have a 15% off with Shimano. I would guess you would still suggest the Fuego first and foremost?

--
by Ger2016

FS Digest

I've not used the SLX, but Shimano is a top tier brand, just like Daiwa, so I'm sure it's great. But when you can get the Fuego CT for so cheap, you gotta go with that. It's built just like a Tatula and will never break.

--
by TheSuperFluke

FS Digest

My feeling from being an outsider looking in follows.

The gear seems to have more teeth with less meat. That will definitely make a smoother feeling as you reel in, but would also trade off some durability. The breaks are 6 pin centrifugal, they will wear over time. Grit in the raceway or misplaced oil could cause problems.

Fuego CT looks great, I'm a big fan of the magforce-Z idea. The only part I can see needing to replace on that is a spring and a bearing now and then if I made a real long term use of it.

I'm not very brand loyal yet, but maybe that'll change after my first Daiwa. I'm just not seeing Shimano's SLX as very innovative with just a centrifugal break. Especially given its price point and the end of the lifetime warranty program.

--
by Ger2016

FS Digest

I don't think you'll need to worry about any of that, tbh. I have Daiwa reels that are 10 years old, one of them I've never even bothered to give it a deep cleaning, and it's still one of my most used reels. You don't really need anything innovative, just something that works, and works well. Both Daiwa and Shimano do exactly that.

--
by TheSuperFluke

Ken B

I have 8 reels and 6 of them are KastKing and the other 2 are Pflueger Presidents. I refuse to spend $100.00 or more for a reel that is usually lesser quality than a KastKing reel at less than $60.00 dollars on the average. To begin with making final decisions on fishing equipment based on suggestions in a forum is just plain foolish. Research what is suggested then research some more and make a final decision based on a few weeks research. I just read an article on the Shimano reels a week or so ago and from all indications the quality is And has been deteriorating over the last year or so. This is what I mean by research. Read independent reviews and even watch them in action on YouTube. In many ways rods and reels are overpriced and paying $100.00 plus for either isn’t necessary to catch a fish. Catching fish was done with a string and a sapling, tree branch, bamboo pole and bare hand many centuries prior to the advent of the rod and reel. Still is for that matter. So if you are inclined to do so go out and spend a small fortune on something that really isn’t a help in catching fish when it comes right down to it. The rod and reel is only a tool for catching fish, the bait be it natural or artificial is what catches the fish. I look at all my fishing gear at times and think how utterly stupid I was for basically wasting money on more stuff than I need to fish with. I bought a boat that I really don’t need and is for all practical purposes is and was a waste of money no more than I use it. I actually prefer bank fishing due to its simplicity and am not a proponent of catch and release because I fish for food and once I accomplish that I pack it in and go home. So in closing wasting money on high dollar fishing gear is not a smart move and never will be no matter what propaganda one listens to.

sherlock

No one is paying me a nickel. I'm a CA tournament bass guy. Over the past 2 years I have switched all my gear to Kastking. My Nitro has 12 bait casters and 6 spinners on board. Never been happier. Also all Kastking rods. I'm also fortunate enough to afford any rod and reel. Why is it that I have no problem casting a country mile.

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Most fisherman don't really need anything to expensive just something that works, and works well. Daiwa & Shimano both do exactly that... Good luck 🍀 in your choice...