The Jury Is Still Out on the Assassin

The "Assassin" I'm talking about here is the 5.7-ounce baitcast reel made by KastKing (see left). I recently bought two of these reels after finding several convincing testimonials about them from around the countryside.

The six-pin centrifugal cast control, paired with magnetic dual brakes, provide a level of fine-tuning not often found in other reels in the same $58.98 price range. You don't adjust the pins in the Assassin like you normally do on other reels. Instead, you remove the carbon-fiber side plate and turn the dial setting to any number between 0 and 6 to set the pins. Most folks recommend starting at number 4 and adjusting from there, but I started at 3 on the reel I'm using for chatterbaits, and it seems to work OK. I also started at 3 on the other Assassin I'm using for light cranks, though, and recognize that I'll have to make some adjustments there.

With 11 plus 1 shielded bearings, four disk carbon-fiber drag washers, a moderate 6.3:1 gear ratio, and 16.5 pounds of pressure on the drag, the Assassin stacks up pretty well against more expensive competition. And most people are surprised to learn that it retails for less than $60.

The KastKing Assassin comes with a 1-year warranty should anything go wrong. For anyone looking to add a lightweight baitcaster to their arsenal at an affordable price, this might be one you'll want to check out. The reel is available in both right- and left-hand models.

Don't know how I'll feel after using these reels for at least a year, but plan to give them the acid test.