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KastKing Spartacus II Plus Spinning Reel, IPX5 Waterproof Freshwater/Saltwater Review

By Cole Rivera · Rods & reels editor · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-07-05

4.6 (139) Amazon rating$41.63300+ bought last month

Our verdict

At $41.63, the KastKing Spartacus II Plus carries an IPX5 waterproof rating and a 4.6-star average across 139 reviews, making it a competitively priced option for anglers who move between freshwater and saltwater conditions.

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Best for

Anglers who fish both freshwater and saltwater and want the added protection of an IPX5 waterproof rating without paying a large premium over standard spinning reels.

Skip if

Skip this if you only fish freshwater and don't need waterproofing beyond standard corrosion resistance, since that feature adds cost without added benefit in that use case.

Our scorecard

4.4/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.6/5

    4.6 average across 139 owner ratings

  • Popularity1.2/5

    139 owner reviews, fewer than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

The KastKing Spartacus II Plus is priced at $41.63, landing close to the Shimano SC2500FG at $44.99 and above budget picks like the Blakemore 86 at $15 or the IX at $19.99. What sets it apart in this comparison is the IPX5 waterproof rating called out directly in the product name, a feature not mentioned on any of the other reels in this set.

That waterproofing claim is aimed squarely at anglers who split time between freshwater and saltwater, since saltwater exposure is one of the fastest ways to degrade a reel's internals if moisture works its way past the seals. An IPX5 rating specifically refers to protection against water jets from any direction, which is a meaningful spec for a reel that gets rinsed, splashed, or used near breaking waves.

With 139 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 300+ units bought last month, the demand and rating pattern here sits solidly in the middle of this comparison set, ahead of the review volume on some listings but behind established reels like the IX at 1,700 reviews. The lack of listed material or weight specs means shoppers should check the individual listing for those details before buying.

Pros

  • IPX5 waterproof rating is a standout feature not shared by other reels in this comparison
  • 4.6-star average across 139 reviews puts it on par with the best-rated reels in this set
  • 300+ bought last month shows solid, active demand at this price point
  • Priced at $41.63, it undercuts the similarly-rated Shimano SC2500FG at $44.99
  • Marketed explicitly for both freshwater and saltwater use, widening its practical application

Cons

  • No material, weight, or gear ratio specs listed, making it harder to compare build quality directly
  • 139 reviews is a moderate sample, smaller than the 1,418 to 1,700 seen on some competitors
  • IPX5 waterproofing is a marketing focal point, but the listing doesn't detail internal drag or bearing specs
  • Without a stated size designation beyond the name, matching it to the right rod requires checking the full listing

Performance notes

An IPX5 rating means the reel is designed to withstand water projected from any direction, which is relevant for anglers who fish from boats, piers, or surf where splashing and spray are constant. That level of protection is typically more about protecting internal drag washers and bearings from corrosion and grit than about full submersion, so it is a meaningful upgrade over reels with no stated water resistance, without being a substitute for full waterproof sealing. Since the listing does not include weight or material specs, performance in hand and on the rod will vary depending on those unlisted details, and anglers should verify size and gear ratio against their intended use, whether that is finesse freshwater casting or heavier saltwater retrieves.

What buyers say

A 4.6-star average across 139 reviews is a strong, consistent result, sitting in the same range as the higher-volume reels in this comparison. The 300+ bought last month figure suggests healthy, ongoing demand, ahead of the Shimano SC2500FG and Blakemore 86 in current sales pace, though behind the Daiwa CRFLT2500's 800+. Combined, the rating and purchase volume point to a reel that is performing reliably for a meaningful number of buyers, with the waterproof rating likely playing a role in why anglers who fish mixed conditions are choosing it over standard spinning reels.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an IPX5 rating actually protect against?

IPX5 means the reel can withstand water jets sprayed from any direction, which covers splashing, rain, and spray common in boat, pier, and surf fishing. It is not the same as full submersion protection, but it is a meaningful step up from reels with no stated water resistance.

Is the KastKing Spartacus II Plus good for saltwater fishing?

The IPX5 waterproof rating and explicit freshwater/saltwater marketing suggest it is built with saltwater exposure in mind, though the listing does not detail corrosion-resistant materials, so checking the full spec sheet before heavy saltwater use is worthwhile.

How does the price compare to other mid-range spinning reels?

At $41.63, it costs slightly less than the Shimano SC2500FG at $44.99 while matching its 4.6-star rating, making it a reasonable alternative for buyers prioritizing waterproofing at a similar price point.

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