KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS - Field Review - BFS Trout Fishing
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2022
- In this video, "KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS - Field Review - BFS Trout Fishing", Hobie-Wan Kenobi does an initial review of the new Kasting Kestrel Elite BFS reel and explains his experiences with the reel so far.
Link to KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS: www.tacklewarehouse.com/KastK...
kastking.com/products/kastkin...
KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS Specs:
Weight: 127gr (4.5oz)
Bearings (11+1)
Line Capacity: 8lb-50yds
Spool Diameter: 29mm
Spool Weight: 5.6gr
From KastKing's Website:
PERFECT REEL FOR FINESSE FISHING - The Kestrel Elite BFS (Bait Finesse System) baitcasting reel is the lightest on the market weighing only 4.4 ounces! This reel allows anglers to effortlessly cast lightweight baits farther with greater accuracy while nearly eliminating backlashes. Plus, the minimal weight and comfortable, compact size make the Kestrel Elite a breeze to fish with all day long!
ADVANCED BRAKING TECHNOLOGY - The FAF (Flyout Arc Finesse) Braking system was designed specifically for finesse fishing. Two half-ring magnetic brakes automatically adjust to slow down the spool when braking is needed to prevent backlashes. As the speed of the spool decreases, the magnetic field inside the spool diminishes and the magnets retract to maximize casting distance. There is also an external fingertip brake adjustment dial for fine tuning spool speeds for smaller baits.
INNOVATIVE SPOOL - The ultra-lightweight BFS shallow feather spool weighs only 5.6 grams! The smaller spool excels at handling the smaller diameter lines best suited for finesse fishing. The shallow spool requires less effort to turn and get up to speed, therefore enabling anglers to effectively cast lures down to 1/16 oz.
STRENGTH WITHOUT THE WEIGHT - The compact Palm Perfect design (36.5mm height) and magnesium frame reduces the total reel weight to only 4.4 oz. Although the reel is as light as a feather, it doesn’t skimp on power. The main gear and shaft are constructed of hard anodized aluminum and linked to a 100% brass pinion gear. A carbon handle and side plates also keep the weight low while maintaining strength.
ADVANCED LINE GUIDE - The patented LFTV (Low Friction Tapered Vortex) Line Guide decreases the angle at which the line enters the guide, limiting friction during casts. Straighter line and reduced friction results in fewer backlashes and greater distance on casts, both of which are qualities highly desirable among serious finesse anglers.
I do a lot of BFS fishing and have many videos going over BFS fishing techniques, BFS reels, rods and everything else. Subscribe to stay up to date: czcams.com/channels/bieW.html...
Here is a thread on the TackleTour forums about the KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS: www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.p... - Jak na to + styl
![Bait Finesse System Tutorial: How To Setup the Kestrel Elite BFS [System Explained] | Ft. Jimmy Ly](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vdb-fgOznoc/mqdefault.jpg)
The only BFS fishing channel with tons of information BFS equiment 💪🇲🇾
I try to give the viewers unbiased info on products. BFS like any trend, has many people looking to mislead people for their own gain.
thanks I think this is one of the best reiews on the Kestrel that is fair and unbiased ..... and mature
That "maturity" gets me targeted as dry and boring too 😂. Jokes aside, I appreciate the kind words.
Great video Hobie - looks very professional, especially inserting the clips of the reel in action...
If I had the video be all during fishing, it would have been WAY too long 😂. Thank you for your comment.
Good non biased review! Glad to see reviews that are actually going over the fishing experience with the reel not just the same old useless casting distance or can it throw a trout magnet type reviews that don't really talk about how it works on the water (which is the most important thing).
Seems like people fall into two camps with this reel. One is people who just default to "I would never buy a kastking, Shimano is way better" (you see it in every comment section). These people will likely never use this reel so it is hard to take seriously. The other group are looking at it more objectively and from what I can tell feel this new kastking is quite good.
If I was in the market for a new reel I would give this one a try but it is hard to justify another reel when I have so many that are in prefect working condition and serve me well.
I get joy out of helping people with tackle choices. Some people put their own personal gains with sales or whatever over the actual viewers.
Nice video, as usual! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! I am excited to see how it is on the lake.
Your reviews are always factual and unbiased which is unusual in the sponsored day and age
I've used your comment on a rod and reel recently purchased and could not be happier
Thank you
Thanks for watching! What rod/reel did you end up getting? For me, getting something for free doesn't change my mind. If a company wants to send me a product, I always let them know I will be doing an honest review, with my true opinion.
@@HobieWanKenobi wanted to try bfs so I got the gekabigin paired with a doybins and also a zillion svtw twing
The Gekkabijin is one of my favorites
@@HobieWanKenobi do you prefer it over the alderbaren ?
@@henrywedge4228 No. The Aldebaran casts a little more free.
Was wondering if you’d be reviewing the kestrel, love the concise format for a review
I was away from home for a few weeks and I came home to the Kestrel. I was really wondering where it came from until Shane emailed me 😂. I forgot I was emailing with him a while back about it.
People are usually looking for info, not data. As much as I would like to have did a "real time" review, there was too much for me to cover as I was learning little bits as I kept fishing.
Nice review, very interesting!
Thanx!
No problem 👍. Glad to have you watch!
Great video, I have been fishing with this reel for a few weeks now and I really do like it. I do a lot of lake fishing for trout where I live and get a lot more distance and worry free fishing with this reel over my Aldebaran so it's become my go to for the bulk of the fishing that I do. Mine was over braked as well, I throw kind of hard at times and am still on brake setting 1.5 with sub 2 gram lures. I still don't put it above my Aldebaran for all fishing and especially not in smoothness but it is a little better in some areas. I am glad to see more of these videos so I can see what the pros think as well.
HAHA...pros... 😂. Yeah, I do like the reel and it definitely will shape how Daiwa and Shimano will attack the mid level market, especially in the USA.
@@HobieWanKenobi I agree, I don't have the curado which is a similar price point but I do have the slx and Aldebaran and put this reel somewhere in-between the two.
SLX BFS is basically the Curado BFS. I'd say your statement is accurate either way.
I was just wondering when you were gonna start uploading again. Awesome video. I was on the fence but, I think you may have convinced me to try one. Thanks for the help.
I took some time off posting on CZcams and Instagram. I was away for work and decided it was a good time to take a break from social media. The time away was to refresh my motivation and also think about what direction I really wanted to go with social media. Some changes were made and I think it will result in a better experience for the viewer.
@@HobieWanKenobi I missed you too and by no means do you have to explain yourself why you did or didn‘t do anything on social media. I can imagine that social media could be far more time consuming from a creators perspective and life is just to short to be wasted in the digital world. Nevertheless….if you quit it will be a loss for the community for sure ;)
@@arnemueller2112 Thanks Arne. You been a long time supporter of me and it's appreciated. It is viewers like you that help me get through the lows of this social media game.
@@HobieWanKenobi and it’s creators like you bringing value to the community. Don‘t stress yourself too much. If your intention regarding use of social media is to create some business I think you need tons of patience and passion. Take a deep breath and rely on your strengths. I‘m much older than you and don‘t know exactly how to technically accelerate reach within social media (maybe a coop with rawr fishin, the reel test….you name it) but as I said already….I feel myself greatly entertained by you and I learned a lot because of your content!!
@@arnemueller2112 Thank you for the advice. I do not plan to make a business of it in the typical influencer sense. If it happens, great. I'm not going make money by exploiting people or by misleading them into buying products. I want to help people and also get opportunities to influence products within the fishing community. Good products with fair pricing. I have turned down many opportunities that do not line up with this goal.
Yes dude! I see what you mean with putting it over the Curado bfs, especially with regard to stream fishing. Many are debating it compared to that series from Shimano, but I personally don’t doubt that this is going to be much better. Like you said you shouldn’t have to buy a spool or anything when buying a new reel, I feel that this Kestrel seems to be much more geared up than the Curado/SLX/Scorpion in terms of being ready out of box.
Definitely for stream fishing. Even fishing 4gr lures with the Curado/SLX/Scorpion BFS, those reels tended to "float" the lure more than the Kestrel. Had to clean the grease off the spool bearings so...not technically out of the box 😂.
@@HobieWanKenobi well yeah that is technically true😂but it at least doesn’t cost $100 for an avail spool, already got the lightest on market
@@TheHunterFisher I agree, I'd rather clean bearings than buy a spool.
Great review. Looks like a solid reel for the price! Great to see more company’s making higher end gear that competes.
I am impressed by it. I am also not getting paid from KastKing to make videos like some others as well.
@@HobieWanKenobi exactly. I know some are so it’s nice to see a unbiased positive review of this reel!
@@makeorwellfictionagain3553 A subscriber sent it to me so, I didn't pay for it. I need to wrap up my testing so I can send it back 😂.
@@HobieWanKenobi would you buy it if you didn’t have the reels you own? Knowing what you know about the others and this?
@@makeorwellfictionagain3553 I think I would. My GF wants to buy one because she likes it so much 😂.
keep up the good work bro
I will try my hardest 😂. That's all we can do right?
@@HobieWanKenobi yes man 😂
@@hafizzahari5662 I do appreciate the kind words. You have been a long time supporter and it means a lot.
@@HobieWanKenobi you are welcome, I will always support you and your channel ,keep uploading more video especially related to bfs gear 😬
Will do!
Nice scenery, as always….would you mind to do more reviews on BFS rods?
I have been doing BFS rods like crazy it seems. I will be doing a few bass rod videos coming soon. I have a couple more stream rods on my short list to review before winter.
My Shimano SLX had multiple bearing failures after 2 weeks, granted it did land some really big fish, but I was still in my return window so sent it back and got a Kestral Elite instead.
The Kestrel Elite been good so far. I have caught some tank pike with my SLX and it's still going strong.
@@HobieWanKenobi I must have got a bad one. Big carp and freshwater drum did it in LOL 😆
Was it the spool bearings? If so, should add a drop of oil every so often to keep them lined. The thinner BFS oil requires more frequent applications.
@@HobieWanKenobi I think it was the pinion, it casted fine, noise was on retrieve. It's gone now since I was in my return window I wasn't that invested in it 😀
Hello buddy, thanks for the great review, good reel, tell me what rod did you use in this video?
it is a custom rod I built
Can we tinker a little bit with the brakes? Maybe if we swap the magnets with some weaker ones? Would that fix the issue?
Wondering if it's possible.
I'll have to look into it. Even taking two magnets out may help a little.
thanks for sharing your thoughts. I got my roro bearings in the other day. Can't wait to try them out. I did put on some full ceramic micros as I gotten those from SDS Customs, but unfortunately, their store is closed right now as they are from Ukraine. btw that rod color is so cool
I will be doing Roro bearings after I test it out stock.
I have a 2.5 ounce med/light rod for speckeled trout and I want a very light reel to go with it, up to 1/4 ounce do you think the Kestrel or the Aldebaran 22, or something else would work in the 4+ ounce range,Thanks
Either reel will do that just fine. Kestrel is a little less expensive but, the Aldebaran feels slightly more refined
Hi.. Care to share type of flourocarban & PE you use for trout fishing? I do ajing fishing, I uses 0.25pe varivas fluorocarbon.
I prefer mono/nylon for most of my trout fishing. Using a 4lb FC like VARIVAS MG would work. For PE, I like the Baitfinesse x4 PE in 0.6goh.
Hey,Curado bfs or kestrel , for lures 3-9 gr?
I have curado, but think about kestrel.
I really been liking the Kestrel.
Low friction oil... Brilliant!!!! didn't even occur to me it existed.
It sounds odd but, there is different viscosities of oil. Thinner the better performance but, more frequent application.
2 things.
1 - I absolutely agree. I think the reel outcompetes it's price range. Especially stream fishing. I am absolutely loving mine.
2 - how did you finish the grip on that rod without a foregrip? Did you fill it with an arbor or something? I want to make my next rod without the foregrip but can't figure out the best way to make it, especially for lighter rods.
The reel seat has a carbon arbor in it. I also used a winding check to seal the front of the reel seat. I cut threads down to not have a bunch of excess thread exposed when a reel is mounted.
@@HobieWanKenobi got it, thanks. That's a good idea. I was thinking to do that with a polyurethane arbor and adding some black pigment to the epoxy but that sounds better.
@@loganwright3423 Just make the the winding check matches the ID of the reel seat.
@@HobieWanKenobi you match the total diameter of your winding check to the inner diameter of your reel seat?
@@loganwright3423 The winding checks will usually say what size reel seat they fit, such as a 16 or 17 sized seat.
Can use for saltwater?
Please do one with the Grete Falcon BFS reel. It is fairly affordable at around $40. Apparently, it's a knock off to the KastKing Zephr, if you can call it that! 😂
Idk man. I probably won't get that reel. I think from your comment you already drew your own conclusions of that reel.
@@HobieWanKenobi That's cool... I'm interested to see the long term results of the Kestrel though
If you have a free moment could let me know the part number for the handle section of the Kestrel Elite. I bow down to the Lip Blade "magnum PI baby"
I like your custom BFS rod. Can you do a video on how you made it?
It is on the short list of videos for me to make.
@@HobieWanKenobi Awesome!! I can’t wait to see it. I appreciate your reviews and the knowledge you provide sir. I’m new to BFS and slowly building my micro fishing arsenal. Your videos makes it easier for the beginners who’s just dipping their feet into BFS. Thank you!
@@kongmenglee6653 No problem. That's why I make content. Hope you stick around and continue to learn
can u review the new kastking verus bfs
What reels are to talking about?
The Kerstal worth $200 price range.... comparing to Curado BF or SLX BFS?
So far for stream fishing, yes. I will be taking it out bass fishing soon and will provide a better answer then.
What rod were you using in the video?
A custom fiberglass rod I built
What’s your go to stick bait, all around get it done ?
Asking for a friend……
For trout or a bass style jerkbait?
@@HobieWanKenobi both ?
The Jackson Meteora 45 has been pretty versatile for me for trout. For bass, I have been playing around with a few but, the Rapala X-Rap always gets me fish
Ahhh, greetings from down under, mustached one.
...I skip leg day
@@HobieWanKenobi I forgive you.
I used to have 2.5 leg days a week. I'd focus on quads/calves, then hams/glutes. Last little half day would be plyometrics and some light compound exercises
@@HobieWanKenobi that's a very good split! I do the same thing, I split up legs the same way. Better for recovery that way.
@@intensity.density2208 I trained for jumping. Dunking a basketball was my goal. Now, my main goal is to blow up and act like I don't know nobody!!!
What rod are you using in this video ?
It's a custom rod I built
This reel and curado bfs, which do u think is better
I like the Kestrel a little more.
@@HobieWanKenobi thanks
your channel is the best bfs channel i know
I'm your fan from vietnam 👍
@@leuleu1954 Thank you for watching! I am glad to be able to assist people from all over the world.
I still want one of those rods you are using in this video.
I will say I have definitely been putting building the rest off. I am hoping to build them up this winter. Apologies for the delay
@@HobieWanKenobi Any chance you would sell a blank?
No. I have a few people looking to get a complete rod.
Do you by chance, have the CCS data for that blank? I want to build a rod for 3-5 gram spinners and Rapalas, but cannot for the life of me find blank information and don't have the payroll to buy 20 blanks to compare.
I do not. 5gr Rapala lures could work with this blank but, I'd go with something slightly faster
What kind of line are u using on it
I am using VARIVAS Super Trout Advance Sight Edition 4lb.
It has been about one year from the date of this vid.
Do you believe that Kastking Kestrel has passed the test of time in regard to durability, reliability, and consistency ?
I have not had any issues with durability with the Kestrel. I am hoping their future reels are the same as well
@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks!
I like videos fhising frend
Thank you for watching!
What rod is that?
It's a custom rod I built
KastKing just released two lower-tier little brothers of the Kestrel Elite, the Kestrel and Valiant Eagle II BFS reels, in their new product presentation show in China last week. Same braking system and same featherweight spool, but the Kestrel is carbon fiber frame (instead of magnesium alloy like Kestrel Elite) and the Valiant Eagle II is glass-filled nylon. Their CEO claimed that these two reels will weigh only 128g (4.5oz) and 135g (4.8oz) respectively. So far their initial Chinese market reaction have been quite positive.
Considering the Kestrel Elite was released in China in April and hit USA in August/September, those lower-tier reels probably will hit the North American market with also a 4-5 month lag, probably at end of this year or early next year. Using the Chinese market price comparison as a reference, the Kestrel will probably come around the $130-140 mark, and the Valiant Eagle II around $80-90. These will certainly be more acceptable for people who don't want to pay $219 for a KastKing reel.
KastKing allegedly also developed a new baitcaster line guide design (their CEO nicknamed it "willowleaf" guide) that is meant to be their challenge to the Daiwa TWS, due for release in March 2023 on a new reel, which means they most certainly are planning to unveil it in ICAST next year.
It will indeed be interesting to see how the market competitors will respond to these new finesse reels.
If those reels cast the same as the Kestrel Elite, that is going to be good news. Hopefully not overbraked.
Are you in the National Guard? Your mustache looks military trimmed 😁😆
Haha...I trim it once in a while once it starts to really creep out to the sides
Deer snort @ 6:04
...that was the line letting out 😂...I wish it was a snort. Firearm season just started up by me.
I like your video. I do have Zephyr bfs reel. Don’t like it very cheap made
The Kestrel is definitely made with better tolerances than the Zephyr. I'd rival the Kestrel with mid level Daiwa/Shimano reels.
@@HobieWanKenobi I don’t think so I will purchase Chinese cheap brands any more. I do have a lot baitcasting reels
@@alexdashevsky2180 For what it's worth, I have many Daiwa and Shimano reels. These newer "Chinese" reels are pretty nice. The Kestrel is a little above the Curado BFS in my experience so far.
@@HobieWanKenobi I will never spend it my money on this reel. I have checked how much it cost it’s more than 200$ Better to purchase Shimano Scorpion or Curado
@@alexdashevsky2180 Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. For stream fishing, I would go with the Kestrel Elite BFS. I haven't done bass fishing with it yet so, I do not know if it would be worth the extra money there.
Reel bc yg sangat keren.. di kisaran harga berapa yah?
Salam satu hoby brother
The KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS costs around $230 USD.
@@HobieWanKenobi thanks brother
@@PASSfishingtrip No problem
I am agree with you based on your explanation in this video, zero casting for BFS??? it is bull shit 😁😁😁I just able casting with zero only with antares dc and using big lure more than 10 gram and long cast.. Talking about bfs.. honestly it is about accuracy not about how long you can cast the lure.. Every single product has its own reason and I think kastking also has their capable expert to build this reel.. so.. if someone say kestrel has over breaking.. it is bull shit.. because to cast lure under 2 gram it is not easy for common people except you are expert
I would say for almost all anglers, this reel should have more free casting at the lower end of the braking. The braking on the upper end of the brake dial is very overbraked, to the point people wouldn't cast with the setting over 8
The Kestral tried to imitate the Shimano with poorer results. The Shimano can be modified by removing magnets to lower the braking, this Kestral is a poor introduction at this price.
I agree KastKing was very "inspired" by Shimano with this reel. If this is the "store brand" of the Aldebaran BFS, I will take it. Removable magnets would have been nice or at least some way to reduce the braking force. If the Aldebaran BFS didn't exist, would you still believe the Kestrel isn't worth $230?
@@HobieWanKenobi I enjoy the Curado bfs although the braking dial is difficult to us but it can still have magnets removed for lighter casting and increased distance with less effort. Thank you for the review, you agree with others.
This review is only my initial impressions and stream fishing. The Curado BFS is my favorite bass BFS reel so, I will see how the Kestrel compares to the Curado BFS in that regard
You can remove magnets on the kestral also....
@@BassManStrikes I'll have to look. I didn't even try to hard
Hard pass way too expensive for a KastKing reel! For that kind of money you might as well buy a Shimano.
I thought the same thing. Long term testing will see the durability/longevity.