KastKing Cadet Casting Combos, IM6 Graphite 2pc Blanks, O-Ring Guides, Graphite Reel Seats, EVA Handles & Fighting Butt, Split Rear Handle Design, 5+1 BB Casting Reel, Magnetic Casting Control

So that you know where this review is coming from, I am an amateur fisherman who has no experience with bait casters so I can't compare it to other brands. So this is the first bait caster rod and reel I've ever owned. I just started fishing again for the first time since I was a kid when I used a spincast rod and reel. I started out with an inexpensive Walmart spinning combo and began to re-learn how to bass fish. Eventually I was ready to upgrade and wanted to try a bait caster combo that wasn't going to break the bank. The Cadet combo hit the mark with a super affordable price, great reviews, and had magnetic braking. I also love the black and blue combo.At unboxing, the rod was very well protected in a hard cardboard tube that would have to be run over by a truck to deform it. The reel came in a nice box. I was impressed at the SUPER light weight of the rod. The reel had a nice solid feel and a smooth action. The drag and magnetic brakes have a nice tactile clicking action and the reel tension has an aluminum knurled knob that turns easily.So, I finally got to take her for a spin today. The first thing I did was make sure my reel tension was set properly and that my magnetic brake was higher than what it probably needed to be. I was casting into the wind and with it set how I had it I had VERY minimal backlash on my first cast (I was expecting a huge bird's nest since I had no experience). I decided to rest my thumb lightly on the line as the line was going out and didn't have a single overrun the rest of the day. The casting was super smooth and I was getting really good distance. I had spooled up with 20 lb Kastking Superbraid and was amazed at how the fast action of the rod coupled with the braid let me feel the bottom of the lake for the first time. On my 3rd cast I caught a new personal best 15 inch 1 lb 6 oz bass (not a record setter but again I'm new to bass fishing).Overall, I'm super happy with my purchase. Maybe ignorance is bliss since I have no experience with other bait casters but I think this rod is a phenomenal product at a heck of a price! I will continue to buy Kastking products and I think I'll get their Crixus spinning combo next!

Cannot beat this bait caster for the price. Used it all summer before my review. Great beginner bait caster and compares to some of the higher priced ones. Love the magnetic braking! Landed 6.4lb with this on 10lb braided line. Using braid over fluorocarbon line and found way less backlashes and smoother casting. Only down fall to that is the braid is more visible to the fish. Blue color is sexy!

Great beginner combo for a great price. I broke the tip of my first Cadet rod on accident by shutting my car door on it and KastKing helped me out. Will admit the customer service email is a little slow to respond and that’s why I gave 4 stars instead of 5.

If you are new to bait cast reels this is the one to get. Very easy to setup and use your first time out. It comes with instructions to help you spool it up and make your first cast. The drag and brakes have click system that makes it easy to fine tune your setting. My first few casts I had some minor over runs but no real birds nests. Once I got the tension and brake trimmed out I was casting like a pro. That made it easy to learn how to use my thumb to control the spool on my casts, I did this all in an hour. You must use the suggested lure weights for good cast 1/2 to 3/8oz. Like I say it's agreat rod/reel combo for beginners.

The reel is made of cheap plastic. Very disappointed at its performance. You literally have to hold down the line release until your bait hits the water or the button comes up and stops your cast!

This great combo compares to my higher end (and overpriced) bait caster rigs I own. Put this through it's paces in Canada fishing for big Northern, Bass and Muskie. No issues. Did have to grease it up after some heavy use and the whole rig getting wet but that's par of the course. Love the ability to remove the spool with no tools which is a feature of the higher end reels. Easy to adjust the settings and huge handles both for reeling and setting the drag. Put heavy braided on this baby and no issues with casting far and getting those 40+" Northern into the boat. I'm going to get a Kast King spinning reel to replace one of my old and worn reels. So far so good.

Stay away. This rod is junk. Real is pretty decent for the price but the fiberglass is cheap. The handle snapped after 30 - 40 casts.

Was not made well sent back