KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel – Emerald Eagle Edition

KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel – Emerald Eagle Edition Product Review

This is the second budget-friendly entry from Kastking, but unlike its larger brother the Megatron which is built for power, the Valiant Eagle is built for speed.

A range of spool options available between 1000 – 4000 pulling in between 17.3lbs and 22lbs of drag, the valiant eagle is less suited to the demands of angling for the bigger, stronger gamefish species out there.

The 6.2:1 gear ratio makes for a speed line retrieval coming in at up to 38” per crank, easily allowing you to pick up any slack line with haste and throw a second cast during time critical moments.

Having 10+1 shielded stainless steel bearings gives a smooth line retrieval and feels nice to operate the crank under the hand. Once again, similar to the Megatron, this isn’t as smooth as the higher priced models on this list but is solid for the price point.

It’s worth noting that the casting distance was exceedingly good for a spinning reel in the budget category.

Comprised of a solid aircraft grade aluminum that has been anodized for protection from saltwater erosion, reel and a machined spool that is braid ready. You won’t need to worry about the unit failing you due to exposure from the elements or having to back with mono to use a braided line.

Brass gears and a sealed carbon fiber drag system provide further protection from saltwater erosion. With the unit providing 22lbs of drag, notably less than those on the rest of this list.

You may be mistaken for thinking there is no power under the hood of this thing, coupled with an impressive inches per crank of line retrieval the Valiant Eagle has more than enough power for many saltwater and freshwater applications.

It is obvious a lot of time has been put in at the development phase for this reel by KastKing intending it to be the best spinning reel available under $50. I have to say when I look at the competition around vying for that title, in my opinion, it is definitely a contender.

Model#: KRLSPNVE-S40GN
Mono Line Capacity (lb/yd): 6/420, 8/285, 10/240
Braided Line Capacity (lb/yd): 20/300, 30/240, 40/180
Max Drag (lb): 22.0
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 10+1
Weight (OZ): 10.1
Line Retrieve per crank (inches): 38.”