Zephyr Bait Finesse Baitcasting Reel, Carbon Fiber Fishing Reel - Drag Clicker Version, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio Fishing Reel - 5.6oz Lightweight Bait Finesse System Casting Reel

Bottom Line: The KastKing Zephyr is an absolute game-changer for ultralight and Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing. It throws tiny lures effortlessly, feels amazing in the hand, and punches well above its weight class when fighting surprise monsters. Performance Breakdown: Ultralight Casting: This reel throws lightweight lures down to 1/32 oz perfectly. The distance you get on micro-baits is incredible.Ergonomics & Feel: It has an awesome, high-quality feel in your hand. The operation is smooth, crisp, and comfortable for all-day casting. Fish-Fighting Power: It regularly handles bass up to 6 lbs with total ease and control. The Ultimate Stress Test: I recently hooked a massive 9 lb bass on this setup. While the reel ultimately landed the fish, it was a major struggle that pushed the gears and drag to their absolute limits. It is built for finesse, not heavy cover monsters, but it survived the ultimate test. Final Verdict: I am so impressed by the performance, price, and capability of this reel that I already bought two more. If you want to get into BFS fishing without breaking the bank, this is the reel to buy.

Admittedly, my other reels are a bit long in the tooth, but this is the best bait caster reel I own. Once you get it set, it is as smooth as glass. I'm throwing 10 lb braid on it, and as long as I don't over throw it ( backlash ensues), it will cast a mile. I like it so much I ordered another one. For the money this is an excellent reel that punches way above its weight.

Works well and was easy to spool. The click drag system function is easy to set and change when necessary. It does control backlash fairly well when properly tuned and can easily cast super lightweight tackle with ease. It is not perfect and some of the tolerances could be fine tuned - the line can sneak in behind the spool from time to time but it is simple to correct.

Okay first I have read all the reviews. I have stage 4 cancer and take a few drugs so I’m not too steady. I’m letting you folks know this because using reels like this are hard for me to use. Okay now the reel. I only had the money to purchase one. I took it out of the box and looked it over. Very nice looking. I only use Berkeley fire line. Period!! Filled the reel with 14 pound line. I put it on a 7 foot ugly stick. I went fishing. People said that you could not use a small lure so I picked a small bass pro 2 3/4” square bill. Small lure. I cast it the first time and I had a birds nest. I adjusted the button on the left side to to half way. I adjusted the button on the right side till you could hit the release button and it dropped to the floor and stopped. I cast it again. And it cast good but still a little backlash. I turned the button on the right side a little bit more and tried it again. Man it cast so sweet. I cast it about 100 times and never had a problem again except when I hit a tree over my head that I didn’t see. Lol. A week later I went fishing again and I wore this reel with that same crank bait and never had a single back lash. I truly love this reel. It’s so smooth after you set it up correctly. It takes time to get it correct. Take your time and play with it till you get it correct. It’s really worth the effort. All I can say is that when I get some more money I’m purchasing another one. Also don’t throw it so hard. I just swing it and it just cast so smooth. I love this reel

Nice reel

It is amazing baitcaster, really nice size, its very easy to use and it just hold a small lutes soo good, the drag and the brakes has click so its very nice to adjust in one setting. Definitely get it as a finesse fishing.

I bought two of these Zephyr, and 2 of the KK Kestrel baitcaster reels about the same time. I wanted to compare, "budget" options to my Lews and Diawa reels that cost much more. At first the Zephyr were decent reels, I used them exclusively through the spring and caught many many bass, up to 4.5lbs(good size where I'm at), and they performed well. However, after several weeks of use, now each reel just randomly has an issue where the brakes on casting go absent and the reel mega backlashes. To the point, it's done for the day, and needs to be re-lined. Comparing to the Kestral. The Kestral is much smaller profile. Braking is different to setup etc..., but once setup, to me perfroms MUCH better, especially in the wind, which is common on my lake. The Kestral still feels a bit cheap, plasticky compared to the KVD Lews and Diawa SV TW reels. But it's 2/3 the price, and seems to cast very well, and resist wind backlashing. So far, the Kestral does not seem to suffer the random crazy backlash the Zephyr does(both reels and multiple fisherman using[myself, my son and brother in law all had the same issue]). If $ is absolutely tight, the this is a decent reel that can catch decent fish. But does seem to suffer from random casting/braking issues, on the reels I have. The Kestral, while more $$$, to me is a better deal. I'll keep these Zephyr on spare rods and use the Kestral's for various BFS setups.

Great reel at a good price!

Works as advertised. Paired with Ugly Stik Elite 7' UL rod and 8lb Power Pro, handles 1/8 oz lures no problem. Anything lower (eg. 3/32oz) and you're limited to overhead casts only. Managed to haul in panfish and even a small pike no problem, the drag ran smooth. It backlashes as any other baitcaster would, and I was able to unravel all but one, which was produced by hooking a bush behind me with the brakes at 50%. I did not experience the issue of line getting caught between the spool and frame as other anglers have. There is a clicking sound in the spool every time the anti reverse bearing catches, which is a little annoying if you're jigging, but does not affect the function. I've only used it for a month, so I cannot speak on the longevity of the reel. 5/5 - wish it was built a little more solid, but it's perfect for the $100 price range.

Good for the price.

great

Bad tolerances means line gets between the barrel and frame, causing all sorts of problems. Very hard to set up for any lure. Just not recommended. Get an SLX BFS or a Curado BFS.