KastKing
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KastKing Spartacus II Plus Baitcasting Reel, DualBalance™ Magnetic Braking System, Review
Our verdict
The KastKing Spartacus II Plus baitcasting reel sells for $47.49 and backs that price with an 8.0:1 gear ratio and a DualBalance magnetic braking system, features anglers often pay more for. A 4.6 star average across 129 reviews and 800+ units bought last month back up the demand.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who fish techniques that reward fast retrieves, like frog fishing over grass mats or working a spinnerbait through open water, and who want adjustable magnetic braking without stepping up to a pricier baitcaster.
Skip if
Skip it if you have never handled a baitcaster before. The 8.0:1 gear ratio and magnetic braking system reward anglers who already manage backlash, and beginners may find a spinning reel like the Shimano SC2500FG an easier start.
- Material Nylitech, Aluminum, Brass, Carbon Fiber
- Weight 6 Ounces
- Technique Baitcasting
- Size Right-8.0:1
- Color Right-8.0:1
Our scorecard
4.4/5
overall
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 129 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.1/5
129 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
Baitcasting reels get judged on two things: how fast they bring in line and how well they keep from backlashing when a cast goes wrong. The KastKing Spartacus II Plus targets both with an 8.0:1 gear ratio, one of the faster retrieve speeds in its price range, paired with a DualBalance magnetic braking system meant to tame overruns without constant thumb pressure on the spool.
At $47.49, the Spartacus II Plus sits in the same neighborhood as the Shimano SC2500FG at $44.99, though the two are built for different jobs. The Shimano is a 2500 size spinning reel made of metal and aimed at finesse presentations, while the Spartacus II Plus is a 6 ounce baitcaster built from Nylitech, aluminum, brass and carbon fiber, materials chosen to cut weight without giving up drag strength. Budget options like the IX at $19.99 and the Blakemore 86 at $15 undercut it on price but do not offer the gear ratio or braking system this reel provides.
For anglers who already fish baitcasters, the combination of an 8.0:1 retrieve and adjustable magnetic braking makes the Spartacus II Plus a reasonable step up from entry-level gear, and the 129 reviews averaging 4.6 stars suggest the build has held up for a meaningful number of buyers.
Pros
- 8.0:1 gear ratio delivers a fast retrieve for techniques like topwater walking baits and frogging.
- DualBalance magnetic braking system gives adjustable backlash control without relying only on thumb pressure.
- 6 ounce body keeps all-day casting fatigue down compared to heavier baitcasters.
- Nylitech, aluminum, brass and carbon fiber construction mixes lightweight and durable materials in one reel.
- 800+ units bought last month signals strong current demand at this $47.49 price point.
- 4.6 star average across 129 reviews puts it ahead of the Blakemore 86's 4.5 star average.
Cons
- 129 reviews is a smaller sample than the Shimano SC2500FG's 1,418 or the IX's 1,700, so the track record is shorter.
- Baitcasting reels demand more casting skill than a spinning reel like the Shimano SC2500FG, which is not ideal for beginners.
- At $47.49 it costs more than double the IX at $19.99, a jump buyers should weigh against their needs.
- The listing does not specify a bearing count or drag weight rating, details some anglers will want before buying.
Specifications
| Material | Nylitech, Aluminum, Brass, Carbon Fiber |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6 Ounces |
| Technique | Baitcasting |
| Size | Right-8.0:1 |
| Color | Right-8.0:1 |
Performance notes
An 8.0:1 gear ratio means roughly eight spool rotations per handle turn, which translates to faster line pickup than reels in the 6:1 to 7:1 range that many baitcasters use. That speed matters most when working reaction baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swim jigs, where a slow retrieve loses the erratic action that triggers strikes. The DualBalance magnetic braking system uses magnets rather than pure centrifugal weights to control spool speed on the cast, which typically gives finer, more repeatable adjustment once dialed in for a given lure weight. At 6 ounces, the body is light enough for repeated one-handed casts without the wrist fatigue heavier reels can cause over a full day. The mix of Nylitech, aluminum, brass and carbon fiber in the frame and gears is a common way manufacturers balance weight against the strength needed to handle drag pressure from larger fish.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average across 129 reviews is a solid rating, on par with the Shimano SC2500FG's 4.6 across a much larger 1,418 reviews and slightly ahead of the Blakemore 86's 4.5 across 128. The review count here is newer and smaller, which usually means less time for problems to surface but also less certainty about long-term durability. What stands out is the 800+ units bought last month, the highest reported demand among the reels compared here, suggesting the combination of price and features is resonating with buyers right now. A high rating paired with strong recent sales is generally a healthier signal than a high rating on a stagnant listing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the KastKing Spartacus II Plus a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel?
It's a baitcasting reel, built around an 8.0:1 gear ratio and a magnetic braking system. Despite showing up in comparisons alongside spinning reels like the Shimano SC2500FG, the mechanics, casting technique and skill level required are different, so buyers should confirm they want a baitcaster before purchasing.
What does the DualBalance magnetic braking system do?
It uses magnets to slow the spool during a cast, which helps prevent backlash when casting lighter lures or into wind. Compared to purely mechanical brakes, magnetic systems tend to offer smoother, more adjustable control, though the exact number of brake settings is not listed in the available specs.
How does the price compare to similar reels?
At $47.49, it costs more than budget picks like the IX at $19.99 or the Blakemore 86 at $15, but less than some higher-end baitcasters. It sits close to the Shimano SC2500FG's $44.99, though that reel is a spinning model built for a different casting style.