Yea, Jimbo, I pulled out my VE2 in black and red, and it's the exact same braking system as the budget friendly kestrel. Honestly, I like the black and red, but the silver looks good, too.
The black was probably the best color version. But Jimbo went with the earlier one! I wonder if the magnets were changed too.. I remember the VE2 red was still over braked a bit
@rawrfishing when you were comparing the brakes of the KE and the kestrel, I pulled out the VE2 my version and the tolerances and look of the brakes looked no different. I can cast 1/32 on my Ve2 no different than you showed. Thanks for throwing this video together.
I'm glad KK fixed the over braking problem. I suspect they tried to eliminate all backlashes, so they ended up over braking the elite. How well the brakes are tuned can make or "break" a BFS reel.
They can still reduce it and also move the plate lock button else where! Improvements can be made, but I guess this is the minimum effort for the maximum returns for em.
Thx. I would avoid the bearing upgrade as it will change the reel behavior dramatically. While it can cast lures a tad bit lighter.. It also spins a lot faster making it easier to over spool. Your best bet is get a new reel that handles light lures like this one and use the zephyr for heavier lures. I always have at least 3 bfs setup in my car. UL, L and ML. The zephyr is best for L and ML and this reel or ark Gravity bfs be perfect for UL. Cheers
You've put out so many videos with various types of reels for different applications from ultra lite panfish to surf fishing for saltwater and everything in between. Have you considered (might have one in the past) a single up-to-date video showing off your favorite current setups (especially the reels) for the full range from the lightest presentations to the heaviest setups? Not really showing much on the water, just the setups themselves since you most likely have individual videos of each somewhere along the way--basically, which reels (and other tackle) handle each weight or presentation itself. Personally, I'm interested in the BFS ranges for bass throwing some tiny 1/8 oz plugs up to the slightly downsized traditional bait casting baits like 3/16 and 1/4 oz buzzbaits and cranks. Always enjoy the positive energy in your videos--really appreciate the work you put in!!!
Jimbo it’s about time that KK listens to someone that knows more about what a good bfs reel should be. I will just be honest with you. I was going to hunt down a Salamandura but I think that I am going to hunt down a DarkWolf and the Ark Gravity BFS. Thanks for this video pal.
U bet dude. The Ark is still my top recommended reel. I said it will be the best UL bfs reel for the buck sold in the US for at least one year of its release... We are about 4 months in! Still strong at the top!
@@alvarogonzalessuazo66 it's a necessity if u got a loose tension setup and low brakes. Else it will over spool. You can configure it not to, but it will be extremely short distance
Your trying to cast a trout magnet with too much line on your reel that is also way to thick then slating it against the arc gravity reel not really an accurate or fair comparison
I can do it with 125 feet of 0.6 gou diameter braid on the ark Gravity bfs reel out of the box. So it's a fair comparison as I spooled both up with 125 ft if same diameter line. Can you do it using thinner line and less line... Potentially...
I recently got one of these rods, is the top half supposed to slide all the way onto the bottom half of the rod? it doesn't seem to fit. is this the way the rod is designed ?
I haven't used that reel nor this reel long enough. But I returned this reel for two reasons. First it didn't do the 1 gram mark as advertised... But it potentially can with micro bearings... Two... I don't like where they placed the latch for the side plate. It gets hit all the time on my kayak rod holders and the plate would open and fall out. With that said, I can't really compare. But if u want a better reel than the two since the elf is like the genius, get the Ark Gravity bfs reel
hey jim i have a question for you do you think this new bfs reel from kast king is better then the zephyr i am having a small issue with the zephyr sometimes the line will go between the fram and the spool how do i fix that issue
The two reels are made for different fishing. The Zephyr is for a L and ML power rod and up and the new kestrel is for UL through ML. So definitely will have issues with zephyr with lighter lures and lines. U can try the kestrel as the gap is not as big as the zephyr and should do well on thin lines. Side note.. If you are back lashing on the zephyr... Perhaps we should looking into why it is happen as that is when it usually gets line trapped in the spool and body, right?
Then a follow up questing imma get that reel what’s a good line to use for catching trout like the leader and weight and the backing and weight as well as what’s the best but cheapest rod to pair this with sorry for bombarding you I’m kinda new to the bfs scene
If you are hover strolling very light lures like what I have portrayed... An UL or L rod would work. UL would likely do better for the more finesse side. Pretty much my video on how to setup the Ark Gravity bfs reel as UL would be what u need to get! ruclips.net/video/3pPBnZyMo9c/видео.html
Nope. I was not happy with the king Fisher... So I passed on it. Nako did offer me a reel to play with tho... Not sure if I wanna do it. At that price we can go JDM!
Go for it! Tell u what imma do.. Return it as it was falsely advertising that it could do 1/32nd oz! Then take the 100 dollars and go for the PXBF70 so that we can get more bfs main stream content.. Kastking isn't gonna keep the kestrel elite around any longer. I'm sure a new reel will pop out before or around icast! That's only 4 months away :)
@@rawrfishingdoing my math I think the PXBF70 is not worth it, get the the alpha's air instead.. hehehe it was the same reel right? but yeah the tatula 80 with the gomexus spool is much better price-wise..
If that price is an issue for you, the best advice I can say is what kevin hart have said... Stay in your financial lane! It's been my dreams to grow the bfs niche world wide and main stream USA. It's here now... I'm rolling the red carpets out and continue to grow the niche. So if u want.. Just sit back and enjoy the show as I continue to grow it. Gonna get the PXBF70!
@@rawrfishing nah pricing is not the issue. What lm comparing is cost to performance. The pxbf70 is basically the alphas air but costs about 100 more and you can get about 2 tatula 80 with a lighter gomexus spool with the cost of it. Which i think will out perform it. That is just what l was saying. Capitalism sure is a bummer.
The spool sizes are different between the PXBF70 and gomexus spool for Tatula 80. So there will be differences in casting. I would expect 80 with the Gomexus spool to cast further for the heavier lures. But px do way better for short distance and lighter lures. But do know conversions are always conversions. They are not full bfs. The drag power is high and reel size and weight is usually higher. If ur fine with that tho, by all means! More money to spend on other stuff! While I will be showing off the capabilities of what these new reels can do, it's mainly for those in the US who are new to BFS. We seasoned bfs anglers got way more choices as we are open to buying over seas and using aftermarket products! Cheers!
Idk man my Kestrel elite cast a country mile to the point where I’m almost spooling out. I do think you’re on to something with the micro bearings. Tight lines man
It doesn't cast far at all compared to any other reels on the market! It also requires u to cast so hard to even get it anywhere close to other reels. That's not bait finesse like!
@@rawrfishing I’m just sharing that I do not have the same experience with the kestrel elite. No doubt it’s not the best on the market. I put it up against the Shimano Curado BFS and the Kestrel definitely out performed it with less backlash and further casting distance. I’m in no way suggesting your experience with the kestrel elite isn’t valid. You get your hands on a lot for gear then I do.
Thank you for sharing. For some circumstances, I ended up with 3 kestrel elites. All behave the same way... Over braked. But they were during initial release. If u have gotten a more recent release, perhaps they made a change. But let's simply compare to a more similar size spool reel, like the Ark Gravity bfs reel. The Ark does way better. Even the Tsurinoya genius, a budget static braking reel, can cast better than the Elite. So if u get a chance... Try the Ark!
Mine was like the summer before yours. So potentially! Since they cut off all communications with me for my "overly honest" reviews of their products, I don't know what changed, nor have they done any campaigns that I have seen to see a revised version . we haven't spoken since... ICast 2023! Be interesting what they say this year icast!
@chriscasterbassmaster its loose. Same as Daiwa zero adjuster. Glad u enjoy it. They made improvements from it's predecessors, but still... Not there yet. Especially if they advertise to go that low... It needs to go that low!
IMHO its exactly like the Valiant Eagle 2 just a rebranding and color scheme change. So basically cosmetics is the only difference.
It's is, the brake module retracted, not as deep as the KE. So rebranded for the US Market. Looks better with the silver over the dry blood red :p
Yea, Jimbo, I pulled out my VE2 in black and red, and it's the exact same braking system as the budget friendly kestrel. Honestly, I like the black and red, but the silver looks good, too.
The black was probably the best color version. But Jimbo went with the earlier one! I wonder if the magnets were changed too.. I remember the VE2 red was still over braked a bit
@rawrfishing when you were comparing the brakes of the KE and the kestrel, I pulled out the VE2 my version and the tolerances and look of the brakes looked no different. I can cast 1/32 on my Ve2 no different than you showed. Thanks for throwing this video together.
Cool. Good to know! Thx for sharing!
I'm glad KK fixed the over braking problem. I suspect they tried to eliminate all backlashes, so they ended up over braking the elite. How well the brakes are tuned can make or "break" a BFS reel.
They can still reduce it and also move the plate lock button else where! Improvements can be made, but I guess this is the minimum effort for the maximum returns for em.
That LOOKS SWEET! I have the Zephr and i like it I have to replace the bearings to the Roro as per the guys over at AA but they are on back order.
Thx. I would avoid the bearing upgrade as it will change the reel behavior dramatically. While it can cast lures a tad bit lighter.. It also spins a lot faster making it easier to over spool. Your best bet is get a new reel that handles light lures like this one and use the zephyr for heavier lures. I always have at least 3 bfs setup in my car. UL, L and ML. The zephyr is best for L and ML and this reel or ark Gravity bfs be perfect for UL.
Cheers
Спасибо за обзор,дружище!👍👏
U bet mate
You've put out so many videos with various types of reels for different applications from ultra lite panfish to surf fishing for saltwater and everything in between.
Have you considered (might have one in the past) a single up-to-date video showing off your favorite current setups (especially the reels) for the full range from the lightest presentations to the heaviest setups? Not really showing much on the water, just the setups themselves since you most likely have individual videos of each somewhere along the way--basically, which reels (and other tackle) handle each weight or presentation itself.
Personally, I'm interested in the BFS ranges for bass throwing some tiny 1/8 oz plugs up to the slightly downsized traditional bait casting baits like 3/16 and 1/4 oz buzzbaits and cranks.
Always enjoy the positive energy in your videos--really appreciate the work you put in!!!
Thank you for the kind words and suggestion. I think I shall later in the season! I can feel the ideas In my head brainstorming now!
Cheers mate!
Jimbo it’s about time that KK listens to someone that knows more about what a good bfs reel should be. I will just be honest with you. I was going to hunt down a Salamandura but I think that I am going to hunt down a DarkWolf and the Ark Gravity BFS. Thanks for this video pal.
U bet dude. The Ark is still my top recommended reel. I said it will be the best UL bfs reel for the buck sold in the US for at least one year of its release... We are about 4 months in! Still strong at the top!
@@rawrfishingwould you suggest the ark for power type bfs? Say maybe throwing 3/32 micro jigs to 1/8 oz micro spinner Baits. Thanks
Thanks for another BFS review. Be blessed. My friend.
My pleasure! It's always fun to test stuff! And with that said.. More stuff coming! Too much stuff
Hello, great video; I have a question: is it necessary to always stop the spool with your finger when the lure falls into the water on BFS reels?
@@alvarogonzalessuazo66 it's a necessity if u got a loose tension setup and low brakes. Else it will over spool. You can configure it not to, but it will be extremely short distance
Your trying to cast a trout magnet with too much line on your reel that is also way to thick then slating it against the arc gravity reel not really an accurate or fair comparison
I can do it with 125 feet of 0.6 gou diameter braid on the ark Gravity bfs reel out of the box. So it's a fair comparison as I spooled both up with 125 ft if same diameter line.
Can you do it using thinner line and less line... Potentially...
I recently got one of these rods, is the top half supposed to slide all the way onto the bottom half of the rod? it doesn't seem to fit. is this the way the rod is designed ?
@@tannersierraHB it's supposed to be that way. Don't force it any tighter. It's how these 2 piece rods are more sensitive than the old style
@@rawrfishing thanks dude! I almost gave it the ol hawk tuay to see if it helped 😂
That could shove a few mm deeper lol... But u would damage it! So don't do it! Just snug and it's good!
What's the difference between the kestrel bfs and valiant eagle 2 bfs?
Color
@@rawrfishing same brake system as ve2?
I believe so. It's retracted slightly and it casts similarly. Sounds the same for drag clicker.
Would you recommend the Elf over this new Kestrel?
I haven't used that reel nor this reel long enough. But I returned this reel for two reasons. First it didn't do the 1 gram mark as advertised... But it potentially can with micro bearings... Two... I don't like where they placed the latch for the side plate. It gets hit all the time on my kayak rod holders and the plate would open and fall out.
With that said, I can't really compare. But if u want a better reel than the two since the elf is like the genius, get the Ark Gravity bfs reel
@@rawrfishing good to know about the side plate. 😮 I'll have to check out the Gravity. Appreciate it man!
U bet man!
hey jim i have a question for you do you think this new bfs reel from kast king is better then the zephyr i am having a small issue with the zephyr sometimes the line will go between the fram and the spool how do i fix that issue
The two reels are made for different fishing. The Zephyr is for a L and ML power rod and up and the new kestrel is for UL through ML. So definitely will have issues with zephyr with lighter lures and lines. U can try the kestrel as the gap is not as big as the zephyr and should do well on thin lines.
Side note.. If you are back lashing on the zephyr... Perhaps we should looking into why it is happen as that is when it usually gets line trapped in the spool and body, right?
@@rawrfishing yes
I was thinking about moving to a bigger line size I am 6 pound braid to 6 pound floro
How light are u casting of a lure?
@@rawrfishing i like using the reel for casting small crank baits smaller than a 1.0
Are you referring to the Ark Gravity 5 or 3?
Ark Gravity bfs
I’m your opinion what’s the best bfs real that’s under $200?
Ark Gravity bfs reel hands down! Great UL reel, so it can be an all rounder as well.
Then the sleeper Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800S for the L+ and ML folks!
Then a follow up questing imma get that reel what’s a good line to use for catching trout like the leader and weight and the backing and weight as well as what’s the best but cheapest rod to pair this with sorry for bombarding you I’m kinda new to the bfs scene
I’m trying to start Hover strolling after watching your videos
If you are hover strolling very light lures like what I have portrayed... An UL or L rod would work. UL would likely do better for the more finesse side.
Pretty much my video on how to setup the Ark Gravity bfs reel as UL would be what u need to get!
ruclips.net/video/3pPBnZyMo9c/видео.html
Jimbo did you do a review on the Comarant
Nope. I was not happy with the king Fisher... So I passed on it. Nako did offer me a reel to play with tho... Not sure if I wanna do it. At that price we can go JDM!
@@rawrfishingyeah that’s a good point that premium CDM ends up costing JDM amount…lol.
i have .6 gou 8 varivas @ 300 ft on my aldeberan bfs…..throwing a 1/32 oz is impossible……how many feet do you recommend for maximum distance? thanks!
Well no one is casting a 1/32ne oz lure 300 feet. So cut it down to say 100 to 125
you know what would I do? gonna swap the magnet assembly of that to the kestrel elite.. and see it's potential..
Go for it! Tell u what imma do.. Return it as it was falsely advertising that it could do 1/32nd oz! Then take the 100 dollars and go for the PXBF70 so that we can get more bfs main stream content..
Kastking isn't gonna keep the kestrel elite around any longer. I'm sure a new reel will pop out before or around icast! That's only 4 months away :)
@@rawrfishingdoing my math I think the PXBF70 is not worth it, get the the alpha's air instead.. hehehe it was the same reel right? but yeah the tatula 80 with the gomexus spool is much better price-wise..
If that price is an issue for you, the best advice I can say is what kevin hart have said... Stay in your financial lane!
It's been my dreams to grow the bfs niche world wide and main stream USA. It's here now... I'm rolling the red carpets out and continue to grow the niche. So if u want.. Just sit back and enjoy the show as I continue to grow it. Gonna get the PXBF70!
@@rawrfishing nah pricing is not the issue. What lm comparing is cost to performance. The pxbf70 is basically the alphas air but costs about 100 more and you can get about 2 tatula 80 with a lighter gomexus spool with the cost of it. Which i think will out perform it. That is just what l was saying. Capitalism sure is a bummer.
The spool sizes are different between the PXBF70 and gomexus spool for Tatula 80. So there will be differences in casting. I would expect 80 with the Gomexus spool to cast further for the heavier lures. But px do way better for short distance and lighter lures.
But do know conversions are always conversions. They are not full bfs. The drag power is high and reel size and weight is usually higher. If ur fine with that tho, by all means! More money to spend on other stuff!
While I will be showing off the capabilities of what these new reels can do, it's mainly for those in the US who are new to BFS. We seasoned bfs anglers got way more choices as we are open to buying over seas and using aftermarket products!
Cheers!
Whats the difference between this and the elite version? Is it only the body material?
Body material, some extra bearings and whatever else I have shown in this video
What's up
Kastking is advertising spinning gears as bait finesse right now. That's what's up lol... Smh
Seriously are you joking lol
On their marketing campaigns right now. I shared a story post on FB and IG
I check it out
I been focusing on big swimbaits lately. I recently got the shimano scorpion 200md and still breaking in my shimano scorpion 300md
there you go🎉
Happy spring fishing and shopping!
@@rawrfishing i already bought gekkabijin with roro spool and steezctsv lol,gonna fish a lot with them later!
Good reels! Enjoy!
Idk man my Kestrel elite cast a country mile to the point where I’m almost spooling out. I do think you’re on to something with the micro bearings. Tight lines man
It doesn't cast far at all compared to any other reels on the market! It also requires u to cast so hard to even get it anywhere close to other reels. That's not bait finesse like!
@@rawrfishing I’m just sharing that I do not have the same experience with the kestrel elite. No doubt it’s not the best on the market. I put it up against the Shimano Curado BFS and the Kestrel definitely out performed it with less backlash and further casting distance. I’m in no way suggesting your experience with the kestrel elite isn’t valid. You get your hands on a lot for gear then I do.
Thank you for sharing. For some circumstances, I ended up with 3 kestrel elites. All behave the same way... Over braked. But they were during initial release. If u have gotten a more recent release, perhaps they made a change. But let's simply compare to a more similar size spool reel, like the Ark Gravity bfs reel. The Ark does way better. Even the Tsurinoya genius, a budget static braking reel, can cast better than the Elite.
So if u get a chance... Try the Ark!
@@rawrfishing if I come across one on sale I’ll check out the ark. I’ve had my KE since late last summer. Maybe they made chances by then.
Mine was like the summer before yours. So potentially! Since they cut off all communications with me for my "overly honest" reviews of their products, I don't know what changed, nor have they done any campaigns that I have seen to see a revised version . we haven't spoken since... ICast 2023! Be interesting what they say this year icast!
Loosen the spool bud. Mine casts great.
@chriscasterbassmaster its loose. Same as Daiwa zero adjuster. Glad u enjoy it. They made improvements from it's predecessors, but still... Not there yet. Especially if they advertise to go that low... It needs to go that low!