Zephyr Green

This is another reel I picked up to match with a KastKing Zephyr rod I have coming in, and based on my experience so far with KastKing gear, my expectations are pretty high. I’ve already added a few of their rods and reels to my setup, and everything has been solid, reliable, and enjoyable to use, so I figured this would be a good addition to keep things consistent. Right out of the box, this reel feels lightweight but well built. The design is clean, and it has a smooth feel when handling it. The carbon fiber drag system and overall build give the impression that it should perform well once it’s out on the water, especially for lighter setups like bass, trout, or even ice fishing. I haven’t paired it with the rod yet (should be here soon), but based on everything I’ve used from KastKing so far, I’m expecting this to be another strong performer. Pros Lightweight and comfortable design Smooth feel right out of the box Carbon fiber drag system Great for lightweight setups Consistent quality with other KastKing gear Cons Not yet tested on the water Performance will depend on full setup pairing Overall, this looks like another great addition to my growing KastKing setup. If it performs like the rest of their gear I’ve used, it should be a solid reel for both casual and regular fishing.

Extra smooth, strong casting. Such an excellent spinning reel. We had an old "kid's" Avengers 3' UglyStik whose reel was definitely done but the rod was still in great shape. So we put the 500 with 8lb low vis mono on it and man, it's a whole new setup! The 500 balances so well on the 3' and it feels great in the hand. Perfect grip and fits in my little lady hands and my 11 yo son's hands. Yesterday I was laying on my belly, casting under a small neighborhood bridge into a creek pool with this new little setup. We caught 5!! different species in less than 30 minutes. We usually fish little-known, hard-to-access banks with tons of overhanging trees. Now to have a small 3' rig with a slick, smooth 500, perfectly balanced reel is a game changer for accessibility. Drag is great on it. Retrieve is smooth as butter. Holds the 8lb test perfectly on the spool. And an excellent price for something that will clearly last years!

Prob the best spinning reel I own (very very smooth) and a good financial deal. I bought my first one as part of a rod/reel combo on the Kastking website, but the prices and deals on amazon far better.

Ok, this is a tough one to review. I purchased this one and a KastKing Centron both in the 2000 size during prime day, but the Zephyr was pretty small, more like an ultra light reel, much smaller than the Centron in the same size. I decided to order the 3000 size since the price was still really good. The first order of the 3000 someone had switched the reel in the box for a piece of garbage. Obviously someone decided to get a new reel and return a piece of garbage- just not cool to do that. No biggie though, contacted Amazon and went through the return process and a new one was sent out the next day. One thing I noticed right out of the box was that this new one was somewhat stiff to reel. It feels almost like it wasn't oiled properly at the factory or perhaps it just needs to be broken in. Either way, the 2000 Zephyr and the Centron both are very smooth and easy to reel. Holding the Zephyr 2000 up, spinning the handle and letting go, it rotates almost 8-10 times- very smooth. The centron did simillar. This one rotated 2-3 times before stopping. Think I may have gotten a dud so I am going to order a replacement to be sure. As for the features and quality: The green and black look really good. It looks and feels like it is really well made, but again the reeling is just too stiff. Out of a whim, I listened to it while I reeled and it sounds like the bearings are rubbing on one another and does make a slight sound, not like the other reels I have so I can't say this particular one is ultra smooth by any means. It will make a slight wind sound because of the the bail spinning like any other reel, but what I am hearing sounded like the bearings or something metal rubbing. By the way, the cut out designs on the spool make this reel look really impressive. Overall I am going to send for a replacement and will update this once the replacement gets here. So for now I am only giving a 3 star rating. Update: Got the new reel and although it was better, it still felt like it was a bit stiff- not as bad as the first one by any means though. I also bought an Okuma Avenger av-3000 when I ordered this one which was a bit cheaper. Comparing them, the Okuma is smoother. To give and example, when I hold the reel up and spin the handle then let go, it continues to spin around several times- counted 7 to 8 rotations on the Okuma. The KastKing just spun around 4 to 5. Not a huge difference and certainly not the best test, but it gives you an idea of what I am talking about. The Okuma 3000 and the Zephyr 2000 were very similar in this same test. I have several KastKing reels- 2 of the Spartacus II in the 2000 size (you can see my review of those) and the previous version of the Zephyr in the 3000 size which is black instead of the bright green. You can also see my full review of that reel as well . I love those reels- very well made, super smooth, and cast a mile. This new version of the Zephyr just seems like the reel is a bit tight. In any event, this new one is much better than the previous one I received. It looks well made, feels well made, it is smooth with a slightly tight reeling action. Upgrading to a 4 star.

This is a great little reel for a young fisherman. Operation is smooth.

This has to be one of my favorite, most dependable reels! I have 5 kastking reels and this one is my go to, super lightweight and super smooth!

You won’t find a smoother reel for crappie or shell cracker than this for the price! They look great on my Acc rods.

Revamping my gear and decided to build my own new Ultra Light combo after seeing the condition of my older gear as it was dragged out of the attic. This combo isn't available as a combo from KastKing. They mate the UL Zephyr rod with the size 1000 reel. I took a chance that the 500 reel would fit. It does, and I'm very happy with the total weight and balance of the combo. Before giving KastKing a try, I visited local sport retailer to get an idea of what a similar combo like this would cost. Selection in my area was very limited for 5' UL 2 piece rod combos. Price of my custom combo was similar and I think the quality and value is superior. Overall balance of the combo is fine with the smaller reel. Bail operation is a bit stiff at the moment, but I'm sure that will change as it breaks in. The drag adjustment and take reel handle operate very smoothly without any break in period. Spooled this baby up with KastKing Destron 4lb test and I'm ready to hit the water.

If you're looking for a great looking and ridiculously smooth (And I mean that) reel that is durable reel for your light setup, seriously just stop here and get it. The reel is so buttery smooth there's no rattling, shaking, whirring noises, no wiggling handle like you'd expect at this price point. The manufacturing tolerances are as close to perfect that I've ever used. Buying a second one to have as a backup if this one ever breaks lol.

Sick reel. Fold together nicely. Super smooth. Love it. Please make more!

It is very smooth and love the green

Got the 500 size for ice fishin. I’m happy with it

Amazing reel really happy with it and surprised on quality I've always been Shimano reels for decades now and Shimano is the king of reels but I'm glad to add this KastKing to my 20 sets. I had hard time deciding 2000 or 3000 model because there's not enough videos or pictures of it so hope these pictures help with deciding on size. Glad I got the 3000 use it for cranking lures for Pike and Bass 7.1ft rod medium heavy:) luv the green set up