I bought one of these a month ago and have caught some big trout on it already. I like the way mine casts, it handles a lot like the Kestrel elite with the light weight lures but the brakes seem to be a little weaker. I have been very impressed with this reel so far.
I picked up the 22 Aldebaran for not much more than a kestrel elite due to favorable exchange rates currently, but when I saw the VE2 pop up on the 11.11 sale I had to try one out. The value proposition is way better than the kestrel as it shares all the features that matter in bfs and seems to have improved the brakes. I can't wait for your casting video comparing the Kestrel elite and VE2.
I bought a Kastking reel once when all the fishing youtubers were promoting them. I figured I'll give it a shot since they were cheap. Yup, you get what you pay...cheap. I'll stick to my Shimano reels. But to give Kastking some props, their fishing backpack is good. I've had mine fore years now and it still works. Zippers are starting to give out but thats expected for heavy usage. Best backpack I've own minus the bright orange color.
Yeah in my opinion the valiant eagle too would be the better purchase but I'm going to stick with my Dark Wolf Ultras as I think they're a better real than any one of those two and that the solo King Acura is probably about the Best buy going for any of these smaller BFS reels the shallows pool gets real close to the performance of any of these others and then you also have the deep pool that can I hang with any of the other deeper spool reels like the mgl's or SV
I don't have much confidence with Kastking reels since the handle and knob tolerances are terrible with my Zephyr and Sharky 3. The Sharky 3 handle had a tick every revolution due to trash bearings under the knobs which can't be replaced. Fixed the problem with a Gomexus handle. Also my Zephyr knobs slide back and forth on the shaft but not noticeable while fishing. I went with the updated Dark Wolf Ultra with the disabled dynamic brakes during the 11.11 sale. I didn't know Kastking tried to fix the overbrake issue. Looking forward to the cast testing video. Hopefully in the cast testing you can comment on any play in the handle, knob, and anti-reverse tolerances.
I really like the kastking valiant 2 no doubt thinking about ordering one but compared to the dark wolf ultra which one you like the best if you had the money for just one?
i did my unboxing of the kastking valiant eagle 2 while watching your video , 56 dollars without customs and free shipping for this quality is amazing price imo. it feels like it will be overbreaking the spool does not really turn that freely but i saw some anglers remove a few magnets which i wont be doing since i plan to use this on the heavy side like 7-15 gr metal jigs with thin braid. however i noticed there was a good chunk of grease put on the spool bearing which was odd i cleaned and put some shimano thin oil instead. i think microbearings might help this reel a lot but im looking forward to your field testing, i ll take it out for fishing in the weekend.
Thank you for all the videos! Can you please tell me what is better reel for you this one or the zephyr? I am wandering between the two of them I know you tested both, so you can give me some valuable info. Thanks again and good luck!
Hey bud, I just wanted to tell you I appreciate your videos. I am about a little over than a year into bfs and began with the Kastking zephyr and have caught some really nice bass on that reel. I am considering getting the valiant eagle ii and have also been considering the soloing Acura. I am more of a bass finesse guy than a finesse guy if that makes any sense, lol. I wanted to see what your opinion is, which do you think to be the better value for the money? The Acura or the valiant eagle ii? I am a little bit of a heavy caster, so I am thinking the valiant eagle. Once again thank you for videos they have been super helpful.
I'm wondering if this reel faces the same problem as the Dark Wolf Ultra. On the left handle model, has the lever braking system been properly mirrored to be effective?
I never understood why Kasting used magnesium in the Kestrel. When BFS combos are very light be begin with. A magnesium frame would have the most benefit with conventional combos which can get heavy in hand and high torque combos. The materials and price for the Valiant Eagle 2 makes more sense for BFS.
VE2 left hand has the dynamic break pivot point correct which is opposite with DWU, so the magnet will expand close to the spool when spinning as expected. But it seems the overall breaking strength is weaker than Kestrel elite.
The aliexpress 11.11 sale is over. Price of VE2 is back up to $79,99 less $2 coupon. But the Kestrel Elite price did not go back up to $220. Kestrel price now is on "Super Deals" for $186.12 less $2. I think Kastking finally realized the reel for $220 is over priced and sales have slowed so they will now sell the Kestrel for $186. That is fine but I would a little ticked off if i paid the original $220 price just a month ago.
Hi, I am looking around for a BFS reel that I can get for around $100. I was thinking of going with either the KastKing Zephyr or the Dark Wolf Ultra but now with this reel out, I am wondering how it would compare. My fishing style tends to be on the heavier end of the BFS range, usually around 3g-10g. Thanks for the videos!
Its probably a ring made of a metal with a high relative permeability ( high tec alloys like Permalloy, Mumetal… or low-cost nickel) which allows the magnetic flux to be channeled… Physics laws…
@@vandn100 I’m not sure it’s too far. But i can tell you it’s not enough because on minimum setting half of the magnets surface is already inside the spool…
@@THEREELTEST As funny as it sounds, that sometimes seems to be the extent of CDM research and development engineering. Get ahold of a Shimano or Daiwa reel and copy what they are doing.
After seeing comparation valiant eagle bfs vs kestrel elite bfs, I am feeling bad, kastking cheat me 😞thats why kastking kestrel elite price in mycountry become cheap only 130 usd, because no different with other series.
Kastking is laughing all the way to the bank. Bring out a couple of reels that lack proper testing for flaws, build them with poor quality control, and a bunch of people are buying them in the hope the one reel they receive is working well. No thanks. But....if you really want one or the other, the VE2 is a far better value than the Kestrel.
Exactly. I suspect they rushed the Kestrel out the door. They tried to keep the release a secret and only conducted internal testing. That's why it's overbraked. An overbraked reel for ultra finesse lures is useless. Until Kastking makes tighter tolerance and better developed reels I can't justify another.
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I bought one of these a month ago and have caught some big trout on it already. I like the way mine casts, it handles a lot like the Kestrel elite with the light weight lures but the brakes seem to be a little weaker. I have been very impressed with this reel so far.
Thats awesome to hear, Ill being doing my testing this weekend
@@THEREELTEST I can't wait to see the video!
I think it’s one of the best bfs budget reels on the market alone with the Acura by soloking
I picked up the 22 Aldebaran for not much more than a kestrel elite due to favorable exchange rates currently, but when I saw the VE2 pop up on the 11.11 sale I had to try one out. The value proposition is way better than the kestrel as it shares all the features that matter in bfs and seems to have improved the brakes. I can't wait for your casting video comparing the Kestrel elite and VE2.
yeah confusing by KK to give the much cheaper reel the potential at better performance.
Am getting one!! Bcs of the drag clicker! Price and specs also good
I bought a Kastking reel once when all the fishing youtubers were promoting them. I figured I'll give it a shot since they were cheap. Yup, you get what you pay...cheap. I'll stick to my Shimano reels. But to give Kastking some props, their fishing backpack is good. I've had mine fore years now and it still works. Zippers are starting to give out but thats expected for heavy usage. Best backpack I've own minus the bright orange color.
A subscriber sent me an Assassin which was garbage, and a Royal Legend Elite which was awesome except for its sharp edges.
Yeah in my opinion the valiant eagle too would be the better purchase but I'm going to stick with my Dark Wolf Ultras as I think they're a better real than any one of those two and that the solo King Acura is probably about the Best buy going for any of these smaller BFS reels the shallows pool gets real close to the performance of any of these others and then you also have the deep pool that can I hang with any of the other deeper spool reels like the mgl's or SV
My Valiant Eagle feels noticeably more solid than my Dark Wolf or Black Knight.
I believe the spool and side bearings are the same as the Kestrel.
I don't have much confidence with Kastking reels since the handle and knob tolerances are terrible with my Zephyr and Sharky 3. The Sharky 3 handle had a tick every revolution due to trash bearings under the knobs which can't be replaced. Fixed the problem with a Gomexus handle. Also my Zephyr knobs slide back and forth on the shaft but not noticeable while fishing.
I went with the updated Dark Wolf Ultra with the disabled dynamic brakes during the 11.11 sale. I didn't know Kastking tried to fix the overbrake issue. Looking forward to the cast testing video. Hopefully in the cast testing you can comment on any play in the handle, knob, and anti-reverse tolerances.
If you buy a Kastking expecting a Shimano you will always be disappointed.
I got this one for $49! Their 11.11 sale was amazing! I got the VA2, DWU and the Soloking Acura for at least $20 off on each.
wow $49?? I saw $56 but not that cheap
I really like the kastking valiant 2 no doubt thinking about ordering one but compared to the dark wolf ultra which one you like the best if you had the money for just one?
i did my unboxing of the kastking valiant eagle 2 while watching your video , 56 dollars without customs and free shipping for this quality is amazing price imo. it feels like it will be overbreaking the spool does not really turn that freely but i saw some anglers remove a few magnets which i wont be doing since i plan to use this on the heavy side like 7-15 gr metal jigs with thin braid.
however i noticed there was a good chunk of grease put on the spool bearing which was odd i cleaned and put some shimano thin oil instead.
i think microbearings might help this reel a lot but im looking forward to your field testing, i ll take it out for fishing in the weekend.
Im going to do a seperate casting video after a bearing flush on both reels
Waiting on mine. Bought it during the sale 😀
Amen Hallelujah all Glory to God
I saw it on Aliexpress for 58 dollars and received it yesterday, I also have a Kestrel and am having some buyers remorse
Why
Thank you for all the videos! Can you please tell me what is better reel for you this one or the zephyr? I am wandering between the two of them I know you tested both, so you can give me some valuable info. Thanks again and good luck!
Hey bud, I just wanted to tell you I appreciate your videos. I am about a little over than a year into bfs and began with the Kastking zephyr and have caught some really nice bass on that reel. I am considering getting the valiant eagle ii and have also been considering the soloing Acura. I am more of a bass finesse guy than a finesse guy if that makes any sense, lol. I wanted to see what your opinion is, which do you think to be the better value for the money? The Acura or the valiant eagle ii? I am a little bit of a heavy caster, so I am thinking the valiant eagle. Once again thank you for videos they have been super helpful.
Abu Garcia MGXtreme2 weights 128gr, totally different pricetag though😉
It reminded me of my shimano scorpion bfs
How much line can you put on the Kastking Valiant Eagle. Doesn't look deep enough for line.
I'm wondering if this reel faces the same problem as the Dark Wolf Ultra. On the left handle model, has the lever braking system been properly mirrored to be effective?
I never understood why Kasting used magnesium in the Kestrel. When BFS combos are very light be begin with. A magnesium frame would have the most benefit with conventional combos which can get heavy in hand and high torque combos. The materials and price for the Valiant Eagle 2 makes more sense for BFS.
It was simply to create the world's lightest baitcaster. Magnesium frames are going to make their way into their full sized reels soon
to justify the price. Its not a bad reel at all, they just need some testing from veteran experienced BFS anglers before coming out with the product.
yes sir i am buying one
The Shimano scorpion bfs
I just got A SLX BFS I kind of wish I hadn't because this looks very interesting curious to see the on the water comparison
Slx is better
SLX BFS is awesome
lol you did the right thing. this piece of crap would fail on you in a few months, the shimano will last YEARS. even decades.
Unless you are trying to fish a 1 gram lure, the SLX BFS is more than fine
Yes I am getting one. What baits would you fish this and rod. can you do I video on that so we can see reel in action.
Now lets wait for the left hand side, are they using the same mold of the right hand side (and broken ftb brake) or is it the correct mold
VE2 left hand has the dynamic break pivot point correct which is opposite with DWU, so the magnet will expand close to the spool when spinning as expected. But it seems the overall breaking strength is weaker than Kestrel elite.
@@oyasinmitakuye7115 thats the more reason to buy then
thanks for the confirmation
I like the kastking v2
The aliexpress 11.11 sale is over. Price of VE2 is back up to $79,99 less $2 coupon. But the Kestrel Elite price did not go back up to $220. Kestrel price now is on "Super Deals" for $186.12 less $2. I think Kastking finally realized the reel for $220 is over priced and sales have slowed so they will now sell the Kestrel for $186. That is fine but I would a little ticked off if i paid the original $220 price just a month ago.
Im going to tinker around with the bearings of the Kestrel and maybe swap to ceramic hybrids to see if I can wake the reel up
The Kestrel looks way nicer and i will buy one bit i think the kestrel needs a uprgrade or a lower price
Hi, I am looking around for a BFS reel that I can get for around $100. I was thinking of going with either the KastKing Zephyr or the Dark Wolf Ultra but now with this reel out, I am wondering how it would compare. My fishing style tends to be on the heavier end of the BFS range, usually around 3g-10g. Thanks for the videos!
Can’t go wrong, upgrade bearings
great video my friend, congratulations
In terms of eagle x cured bfs baits, baits up to 10 grams, which one would you recommend???
I bought a KK VEII for $53. The Kestrel was $139 on II-II sale
yeah I bought the Valiant Eagle just before the sale started
The VE2 is pretty good, it's only 5 grams heavier than the Kestrel and it's smoother..brass vs aluminum main gear I guess.
I see Valiant Eagle reels for sale, then a Valiant Eagle II. Is there a difference?
what kind of Line size does one usually use ??? they don't look like they hold much line ..... I've never used a Bait caster for finesse'n
Looks like a Scorpion mgl
Can we switch the brown plastic around?
good question
Whats the best finesse reel..bang for buck in your opinion…? Bear in mine i own the shimano bfs 16 and 21 …
Aldebaran 22 if you can get one in my opinion.
I use left handed reels
probably the Clamber Hyper Micro. I see them on Aliexpress for like $80 now
Are you sure about "metal ring make change the brakes"? Can you say how? Thanks.
Its probably a ring made of a metal with a high relative permeability ( high tec alloys like Permalloy, Mumetal… or low-cost nickel) which allows the magnetic flux to be channeled… Physics laws…
@@MrNoMDI Ok,understood.But this metal ring too far(around 2.5mm) from magnets for influence on decrease magnet power,isn't it?
@@vandn100 I’m not sure it’s too far. But i can tell you it’s not enough because on minimum setting half of the magnets surface is already inside the spool…
I dont know the exact science behind it but Im sure they did it because Shimano did it lol
@@THEREELTEST As funny as it sounds, that sometimes seems to be the extent of CDM research and development engineering. Get ahold of a Shimano or Daiwa reel and copy what they are doing.
What is the difference in bearing quality?
I believe the spool and side bearings are the same as the Kestrel.
Is this reel only available on Aliexpress ?
I think some other Chinese shopping apps have them
How does I compare to the zephyr? Which is better?
This is better for little lures
This is better for little lures
After seeing comparation valiant eagle bfs vs kestrel elite bfs, I am feeling bad, kastking cheat me 😞thats why kastking kestrel elite price in mycountry become cheap only 130 usd, because no different with other series.
Kastking is laughing all the way to the bank. Bring out a couple of reels that lack proper testing for flaws, build them with poor quality control, and a bunch of people are buying them in the hope the one reel they receive is working well. No thanks. But....if you really want one or the other, the VE2 is a far better value than the Kestrel.
Sure, they don't testing their reels, they think we are should testing this garbage on our money. Just business.
Exactly. I suspect they rushed the Kestrel out the door. They tried to keep the release a secret and only conducted internal testing. That's why it's overbraked. An overbraked reel for ultra finesse lures is useless. Until Kastking makes tighter tolerance and better developed reels I can't justify another.
So is Shimano with a BFS Reel in each of their models as well as Daiwa...
@@kosby5963 6Yyv
Not until I see someone (preferably you), do a review of it while doing some casts.
Thats the plan this weekend... side by side casting comparison of the Valiant Eagle vs the Kestrel
If I had a kestrel and this came out after, I'd be really unhappy lol
yeah someone at Kastking needs to learn about reel hierarchy
@@THEREELTEST I'm buying one 😉
精神
nice video. how the reel feels and cast compare to aldb22. temting reel for the price.
I mean, the casting feel of the 22 Aldebaran is a league above all others so... but for $80 and as low as $50 if on sale, it feels great so far