Glad to see a new budget reel unboxing. Thanks for making a thorough review. I always like to hear pet peeves with new products. Otherwise we are just watching an advertisement video. The question on my mind... does the valiant eagle 2 beat the kestrel in casting distance with the updated brakes. I went with dark wolf ultra (updated static brake) during the 11.11 sale. Passed on the VE2 because of my pet peeve with the tolerances on Kastking's loose handle, sliding knobs, and AR bearing. But I might still buy a VE2 depending on upcoming reviews.
Thx man! I am not gonna to be able to test anything this weekend. Forecast of crazy wind gust to 50 mph coming. But the goal is to see if this reel is still over braked. If it is the same magnets... We may expect to see similar results... As mentioned, minor differences with how it is mounted, but seeing how far in the magnets are... We don't know until we are on the water
I received mine a couple of days ago and was waiting for my ACE HAWK AG Venom 1.68m to arrive which it did yesterday (surprisingly fast shipping from AliExpress), I got both on sale. I spooled the reel up last night and mounted it on the rod, It was too dark to take a test cast. First, light this morning after doing my Puppy duties I did some test casts, My driveway to my neighbors across the street with a 2.5 G weight after a couple of bird's nests dialing the brakes in all I can say is WOW I am impressed, Shame on KastKing for bringing out the Kestrel at that price they did not do themselves a favor in the customer goodwill area. I am bummed my only solace is I bought the Krestel on a flash sale from KastKing at 179.00. Right now I see no reason based on my micro test for speed bearings on the Eagle II. KastKing definitely did work on the braking system on the Eagle. Sorry for using your review platform but I am strictly an amateur and am anxiously awaiting your valued and trusted review. IMHO this setup rod and reel is the best around 100.00 combo in the BFS field right now.
Birds nest? That means the brakes is certainly weaker than the Kestrel. That's good news! Price is definitely bad and it's also wrong for them to price aliexpress products at US Msrp. This is a global market place and now it's become unfair for people in other countries. Shame on KK
@@rawrfishing Jimmy - I don't have a Kestrel but you can clearly see the metal ring around the brakes on the Valiant Eagle 2 - the Kestrel lacks that ring. Assuming that it shields the spool from the magnets' impact somewhat, thus decreasing brake power.
I order one last mo. It well be here 30 Nov. Being I live on a big pond it well get a work out. Also thanks for the heads up on the side plate lock lever location.
The reel-bearing retainer pins on KastKing reels are tapered, If you are unaware of that you could push the pin out in the wrong direction, It is a very slight taper, I put a micrometer on them before removing the pin.
Yeah it's micro tapered. So eyeing it won't help u know which side to push it. And both sides are just as tight. So flip a coin and guess lol... But if u have a tool... Definitely be better. I wished they marked it
I hope it's not over braked. My BK2 / DWU are still the king and queen, but I would consider to give KK another shot if you tell me it's not over braked.
Sure, i'll let you know as soon as i take it out! :) DWU ftw. not a fan of the kyorim's quality. but if you get lucky with a good one... then that's super!
Just ordered a valiant eagle 2 and the new kestrel light casting rod. Hope it's a good rod for it or should I have gone for the ultralight kestrel rod? I'm mainly going to use it for bass and walleye and maybe trout.
Gotta read the specs! Choose the one that fits your weight range most. But L sounds right of ur gonna fish for bass and walleye. Let us know how that rod works. I may get one
I couldn't find any specs on the ve2 other than the exploded view picture of it. It's not even listed on their U.S. web page. Maybe I'll buy the ul kestrel rod too.
Well.. Reels are harder to throw specs on. But I was referring to the rods. There is usually a lure weight range. Although UL can handle the lower of the L rod, it's probably better to use a L rod so u can handle bigger lures and fish for the river. But as a bfs fishermen... I will believe that you WILL end up getting both rods lol...
Lol, does that new mic make me sound a bit sick? Although I have a bit of a sinus thing going on, the sound of myself do sound differently. Also louder too. i had to turn it down during editing lol. thanks for asking :)
How does this compare to the zephyr reel? Does it completely outclass it? Wish I got the Valiant Eagle 2 instead during their Black Friday sale on AliExpress. I just didn’t see any reviews on it yet! Lol
They are in different class, so u cant say one out class the other. One is better UL and L where as one is better L and ML. Zephyr is the latter. Ke and VE2 is better for lighter
@@rawrfishing yeah expecting it to be here tommorrow or saturday. as it says its on our local UPS already. how about the centron rod unboxing? I'm also eyeing the 4ft version of it.
It u can afford and get the slx, I would get the slx as it is a better quality. However.. The size of the spools are different and would be used differently. Check out my curado bfs reel videos to see it what it is capable out of the box and when you upgrade it with other aftermarket spools. This budget reel can do UL to ML where the slx can do upper end of UL to ML. Note the bigger spool on the slx does better on the heavier stuff
There is no need to compare the reels based on the body. I covered that in this video for that opinion. The only thing we should be looking at is how different the casts and hope the brakes have been altered.
@@rawrfishing well I have the zephyr but doesn’t cast the lighter lures too well I’m trying to throw lighter lures like 1.5-2 gram jigs for trout I’d assume the ve2 won’t be able to cast 1g trout magnets too well
It can cast 1 gram, but it's pretty over braked. Some modifications and changing to micro bearings will make it good for that! The Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra and Genius both are great alternatives for trout magnets as well. Swap micro bearings and boom
@@rawrfishing ok sounds good so u would recommend the dwu over the ve2 it would just need a bearing swap vs the ve2 needing magnets removed and bearing swap?
@@faced2much yep! Although I help made the Zephyr and help kastking get into the bfs market... I still strongly recommend Tsurinoya brand over kastking until they get mature in the niche
I am not sure. But it doesn't have a magnesium alloy Frame like the Kestrel Elite, so I would say it is a better choice. Do your usual cleaning routines after each trip and it should be okay
Glad to see a new budget reel unboxing. Thanks for making a thorough review. I always like to hear pet peeves with new products. Otherwise we are just watching an advertisement video. The question on my mind... does the valiant eagle 2 beat the kestrel in casting distance with the updated brakes.
I went with dark wolf ultra (updated static brake) during the 11.11 sale. Passed on the VE2 because of my pet peeve with the tolerances on Kastking's loose handle, sliding knobs, and AR bearing. But I might still buy a VE2 depending on upcoming reviews.
Thx man! I am not gonna to be able to test anything this weekend. Forecast of crazy wind gust to 50 mph coming. But the goal is to see if this reel is still over braked. If it is the same magnets... We may expect to see similar results... As mentioned, minor differences with how it is mounted, but seeing how far in the magnets are... We don't know until we are on the water
I received mine a couple of days ago and was waiting for my ACE HAWK AG Venom 1.68m to arrive which it did yesterday (surprisingly fast shipping from AliExpress), I got both on sale. I spooled the reel up last night and mounted it on the rod, It was too dark to take a test cast. First, light this morning after doing my Puppy duties I did some test casts, My driveway to my neighbors across the street with a 2.5 G weight after a couple of bird's nests dialing the brakes in all I can say is WOW I am impressed, Shame on KastKing for bringing out the Kestrel at that price they did not do themselves a favor in the customer goodwill area. I am bummed my only solace is I bought the Krestel on a flash sale from KastKing at 179.00. Right now I see no reason based on my micro test for speed bearings on the Eagle II. KastKing definitely did work on the braking system on the Eagle. Sorry for using your review platform but I am strictly an amateur and am anxiously awaiting your valued and trusted review. IMHO this setup rod and reel is the best around 100.00 combo in the BFS field right now.
Birds nest? That means the brakes is certainly weaker than the Kestrel. That's good news!
Price is definitely bad and it's also wrong for them to price aliexpress products at US Msrp. This is a global market place and now it's become unfair for people in other countries. Shame on KK
@@rawrfishing Jimmy - I don't have a Kestrel but you can clearly see the metal ring around the brakes on the Valiant Eagle 2 - the Kestrel lacks that ring. Assuming that it shields the spool from the magnets' impact somewhat, thus decreasing brake power.
Let's hope that will do the trick! May cast on the driveway when the toddler naps! If he naps.... 😂
Man.. can't wait for you to test it😍
You and me both!
I order one last mo. It well be here 30 Nov. Being I live on a big pond it well get a work out. Also thanks for the heads up on the side plate lock lever location.
Nice. Pond fishing via bfs is the best
The reel-bearing retainer pins on KastKing reels are tapered, If you are unaware of that you could push the pin out in the wrong direction, It is a very slight taper, I put a micrometer on them before removing the pin.
Yeah it's micro tapered. So eyeing it won't help u know which side to push it. And both sides are just as tight. So flip a coin and guess lol... But if u have a tool... Definitely be better. I wished they marked it
Do you have a video of bearing replacement/upgrade for this reel?
th-cam.com/video/n88oBnDWCrA/w-d-xo.html
Hi Jimmy ! I guess i’ve significantly reduced the overbraking with .1mm pure nickel foil on both sides of each braking pad. You should give it a try 😉
That's a neat idea! Thx
I hope it's not over braked. My BK2 / DWU are still the king and queen, but I would consider to give KK another shot if you tell me it's not over braked.
Sure, i'll let you know as soon as i take it out! :) DWU ftw. not a fan of the kyorim's quality. but if you get lucky with a good one... then that's super!
For castrel spool pin fix position you can use liquid locktite tipickly used for foxing bolt nuts small drop could fix in needed position
I heard it helps as the dynamic braking over brakes the spool! How was your experience after doing it?
Love the video. Try putting a drop of blue loctite on the spool pin.
Thx! I may do that since it can be forced off if needed. But winter is coming... I better be quick with my other testings
Just ordered a valiant eagle 2 and the new kestrel light casting rod. Hope it's a good rod for it or should I have gone for the ultralight kestrel rod? I'm mainly going to use it for bass and walleye and maybe trout.
Gotta read the specs! Choose the one that fits your weight range most. But L sounds right of ur gonna fish for bass and walleye. Let us know how that rod works. I may get one
I couldn't find any specs on the ve2 other than the exploded view picture of it. It's not even listed on their U.S. web page. Maybe I'll buy the ul kestrel rod too.
Well.. Reels are harder to throw specs on. But I was referring to the rods. There is usually a lure weight range. Although UL can handle the lower of the L rod, it's probably better to use a L rod so u can handle bigger lures and fish for the river. But as a bfs fishermen... I will believe that you WILL end up getting both rods lol...
Jimmy how u been? it sounds like you are sick, take a good care. Love from Dixie
Lol, does that new mic make me sound a bit sick? Although I have a bit of a sinus thing going on, the sound of myself do sound differently. Also louder too. i had to turn it down during editing lol. thanks for asking :)
How does this compare to the zephyr reel? Does it completely outclass it? Wish I got the Valiant Eagle 2 instead during their Black Friday sale on AliExpress. I just didn’t see any reviews on it yet! Lol
They are in different class, so u cant say one out class the other. One is better UL and L where as one is better L and ML. Zephyr is the latter. Ke and VE2 is better for lighter
Wondering the VE2 has drag clicker?
Yep it does.
wow you already have it? I am still awaiting mine..
Yes sir 🙌 hope urs come in soon
@@rawrfishing yeah expecting it to be here tommorrow or saturday. as it says its on our local UPS already. how about the centron rod unboxing? I'm also eyeing the 4ft version of it.
@@Jakester_33 I got mine in yesterday for that! will record this weekend cuz that windy conditions be too bad to fish lol.
@@rawrfishing the eagle has landed on my door.. lol can't wait to use it this weekend.. damn this reel is tiny..
Did it come with a extra spool , I don't like that size, u can't put more line on spool, I was thinking of ordering this reel
No, it's a bfs reel. It have plenty of capacity for thin lines more than enough
Should I get that or a slx bfs
It u can afford and get the slx, I would get the slx as it is a better quality. However.. The size of the spools are different and would be used differently. Check out my curado bfs reel videos to see it what it is capable out of the box and when you upgrade it with other aftermarket spools.
This budget reel can do UL to ML where the slx can do upper end of UL to ML. Note the bigger spool on the slx does better on the heavier stuff
Can you review kastking kestrel....and compare it with kestrel elite...? Which one better between carbon body or graphite body..?
There is no need to compare the reels based on the body. I covered that in this video for that opinion. The only thing we should be looking at is how different the casts and hope the brakes have been altered.
Wonder if blue thread locker would fix the pin.
I may slap some thin glue in it :)
Off first impressions do u think it will be better then the zephyr?
Both have pros and cons. The two reels are two different sizes so they will work better for different situations
@@rawrfishing well I have the zephyr but doesn’t cast the lighter lures too well I’m trying to throw lighter lures like 1.5-2 gram jigs for trout I’d assume the ve2 won’t be able to cast 1g trout magnets too well
It can cast 1 gram, but it's pretty over braked. Some modifications and changing to micro bearings will make it good for that! The Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra and Genius both are great alternatives for trout magnets as well. Swap micro bearings and boom
@@rawrfishing ok sounds good so u would recommend the dwu over the ve2 it would just need a bearing swap vs the ve2 needing magnets removed and bearing swap?
@@faced2much yep! Although I help made the Zephyr and help kastking get into the bfs market... I still strongly recommend Tsurinoya brand over kastking until they get mature in the niche
What size bearings are in the VE2?
Likely same as Kestrel Elite
Is this baitcaster can be used in saltwater?
I am not sure. But it doesn't have a magnesium alloy Frame like the Kestrel Elite, so I would say it is a better choice. Do your usual cleaning routines after each trip and it should be okay
Valiant eagle 2 or zyphr better?
VE2 for UL and L, Zephyr for L and ML
@@rawrfishing did u have problem overbreak with VE2 Use 5-7g lure?
Mine got the same issue for star drag n tension knob
I don't mind the tension knob clicks as we don't really change that. But the star drag... It stinks
Star drag clicker needs some adjustment to make stable click. Stretch the spring which is pushing the tiny metal ball to make the push stronger.
Dang! That's so cool! U r the bomb dot Com
What complaints about the Kestrel?
The three major ones for me were mentioned within the video. Price, braking and how side plate falls off.
fellow. you shared superb uploading- 📢
thx i appreciate it
I have both and valiant casts easier from stock.
Glad to hear it!
i buy this at 220myr in lazada
Cool beans