Keith Lusher 04.22.24
In the case of baitcasting reels, value is a significant component for many anglers. With advancing expertise, these reels are attending to be fairly expensive. I not too long ago had the possibility to take a step again from testing “premium” reals or “event grade” reels and check out a extra reasonably priced reel: The KastKing Royale Legend ll. After testing bait casters that price over $400 I’ve to confess that I wasn’t anticipating a lot from the Legend ll, Nonetheless, it far exceeded my expectations when it got here to torque and retrieve.
When choosing which mannequin I wished I used to be confronted with two reels with gear ratios of 5.5:1 and seven.2:1. I selected the 7.2:1 and headed to the river for somewhat bass fishing. I tied on an MR-6 Crankbait made by Invoice Lewis Lures and centered on operating it down a ledge that was in 18 toes of water.
There have been a couple of bass gathered down off the ledge so I wanted this reel to tug the crank deep.
The Royale Legend ll rose to the problem because the 7.2:1 gear ratio rapidly picked up the fishing line at 29.8” per flip.
Let’s discuss in regards to the torque. I used to be very impressed because it pulled the lure by way of the water with little effort on my half. For a reel that prices underneath 80 bucks, it had a really clean retrive. It’s obtained six bearings which is loads for a funds baitcaster. The retrive was quiet and the casts have been clean.
Whereas the Cross-fire Magnetic Braking System, which has 8 magnetic buttons for adjusting the degrees of braking energy, took somewhat time to get used to, I used to be in a position to line it up with the crankbaits weight, it casts like a dream.
I barely had to make use of my thumb to cease the spool in the intervening time the lure hit the water.
There have been a couple of downsides, nonetheless, as I struggled to throw mild crankbaits and needed to alter the braking system greater than I cared for.
Actually, this reel felt similar to KastKing’s dearer Royale Legend Elite reel however is significantly cheaper.
All-in-all, the KastKing Royal Legend ll overachieved for being a funds reel and delivered the place it wanted to. It makes for a fantastic starter reel for somebody who’s simply beginning out within the bass fishing world or for these seeking to get away with an economic system bait caster.