One of the best baitcaster reels for the price is the Speed Demon Fishing Reel. It is a top-rated reel that has come with features that differentiate it from several other reels on the market.
According to the manufacturer, “If maximizing the number of casts or covering more area is your goal, then this high-speed kastking baitcasting reel is for you”.
The reel is designed with advanced level anglers in mind. If you desire higher gear ratios and the capability to work baits at incredible speeds, as well as fishing larger areas of water quicker, then this gear is for you.
If you are a beginner angler who hasn’t had much experience with baitcasting reels, then you might want to steer clear of this reel. However, if you stick to learning it and manage to master it, the rewards and experience from using it are incredible.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Super fast reel
- Lightweight construction
- Comes at an affordable price
- Excellent customer service from KastKing
Cons:
- Prone to backlash
- Paint scratches over time
Main features of the KastKing Speed Demon
- 10.5:1 gear ratio and precision matched brass gears
- Long-lasting stainless steel shaft
- Easy adjustment brake system
- Corrosion resistant ball bearings
- Flat EVA knobs
- Fastest Retrieve Speed Baitcaster on the Market
- 10 + 1 Double Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Palm-Perfect Design
- Solid Aluminum Frame
- Available in Right or Left Handed
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Triple carbon disc drag
- Split main shaft
- Ambidextrous casting
- Casting Distance
- Available with 8.6:1 Gear Ratio
- Micro-Control Exterior Centrifugal Brake System
- Up to 18 Lbs of Ultra-Smooth Triple Disc Carbon Fiber Drag
- “Double Tapered Control Chute” Line Guide to Virtually Eliminate Backlashes
- Available with Skipping/Deadbolt

One of the biggest obstacles to entering the bass fishing world is the high cost of fishing gear. While the top-end gear offers a wonderful fishing experience, it might be too high a price to pay for someone looking to just have a great weekend hanging out with friends at the local fishing spot. Therefore, when I find a high-quality gear at a low price, I am very happy. The Speed Demon is one of such low cost, high-quality gear.
Excellent for catching large fish: Baitcast reels are excellent for casting heavier lures and heavier lines. With these reels, you can use baits like crankbaits and spinners easily than before. And since larger fish are usually stronger and more difficult to reel in, baitcasting reels are excellent by virtue of their stronger build.
Better control: Baitcasting reels offer the angler a greater degree of control. Placing the lure at the right spot is essential to the success of every angler, and baitcasting reels allow you to do this more effectively.
These are just some of the reasons to get a baitcaster reel.
Who should buy a baitcasting reel?
Any angler looking for better control in placing lures and who wants to catch large fish will find a baitcasting reel highly useful.
Who should not buy a baitcasting reel and what option is available?
If you are a beginner angler, then you might find it hard to master how to handle a baitcasting reel. For folks that look to dive into the fishing experience right away, it might be a prudent decision to opt for a spinning reel. It is easier to handle, at least for beginners.
What to consider before buying a baitcasting reel
Before buying a baitcast reel, there are several factors that the buyer should consider.
Size: Just as with the other types of reels on the market, baitcasting reels also come in different sizes. A small baitcasting reel is lighter and easier to handle than a bigger model.
In determining the size to buy, it is vital to consider the line capacity. The bigger the reel is, the more line it would be able to hold and vice-versa.
Gear ratio: The gear ratio refers to the number of times the spool rotates with a revolution of the handle. With that in mind, the higher the gear ratio, the faster the reel will be, well, reeled in. In most reels, the ratio is 6.4:1. However, other ratios exist. For example, the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel we review in this post has a gear ratio of 10.5:1, which is very fast.
One of the things I tested for as I reviewed the Speed Demon Fishing Reel is the casting distance. So far, the casting distance has been truly impressive. To test the reel, I used it with heavier baits to see how far it’ll go. To test it out, I used heavy spinnerbaits and some oversized top waters. Well, to my surprise and delight, the casting distance achieved is quite impressive. Even when thrown into a stiff wind, it still delivers an excellent casting distance.
Using these heavier lures like lipless crankbaits, I was able to cast the reel almost over entire ponds (albeit small ponds). And when on large water bodies, long casts has been the norm rather than the exception.
Using lightweight lures has also produced impressive casting distances, although it doesn’t cast as far as when using heavier lures. If you seek a reel that delivers excellent casting distance, then the Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel should be high on your list of options.
Construction: The Speed Demon features a good-looking body that will turn heads and draw appreciative glances from fellow anglers. However, while aesthetics are great, it isn’t nearly as importance as the durability and comfort of the fishing reel.
Well, the Speed Demon comes with a lightweight construction. Weighing just 8.3 ounces, it is lighter than many options on the market. I believe one reason for this light weight is the carbon fiber construction. This material aside from making the reel lightweight is also at the heart of its durability.
While the reel is lightweight, the carbon fiber construction means that it is very durable and robust. Thus, it can take punishment without breaking immediately.
Aside from the main frame, the handle, side plates, and the star drag contribute to the low weight of the reel. Using this fishing reel is very comfortable. Due to the weight and design, I could fish for hours without feeling strain in my arms. Whether for freshwater or saltwater fishing, the construction of the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel makes it an excellent reel.
Aside from the frame, the spool of this baitcasting reel is constructed out of aluminium. The aluminium makes it not only sturdy but improves the aesthetic value. Additionally, the aluminium is anodized, hence you can rest assured that it won’t rust despite being exposed to water and oxygen.
Adjustments: With reels, you will sometimes need constant adjustments to obtain optimum results and to enjoy a comfortable fishing experience. Well, with the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel, a minimal amount of adjustment is required. That is a really good thing.
Before testing the reel, I will admit I was rather unsure and downright sceptical about the line management and castability of the baitcasting reel. However, after a couple of weeks testing the baitcasting reel, I was convinced. Although there is backlash, it doesn’t occur very frequently.
Adjustments are easy to make on the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel as its tension knob is highly responsive. I also found out that the braking system is rather simple and impressive. If you are looking to improve your mastery of baitcasting reels, the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel is an excellent learning tool.
Once you set it up and dial in the adjustments, you will not have to frequently change the settings.
Speed: I have frequently mentioned the speed of the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel, and it’s really no surprise as the speed is the main user selling point of this baitcasting reel.
It comes with a 10.5:1 gear ratio which means that it is one of the fastest reels on the market. Understandably, this speed might have an adverse effect on the parts of the reel. Fortunately, the gears of the KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel are constructed of Manganese brass which is cut by a Hamai machine. Hence, it can take the “heat” and ensures a faster line pick up and recovery.
If you have been trying to catch a trophy fish for a while without success, well this baitcasting reel might just be what you require. The faster and farther you can cast your bait, the higher your chances of catching the fish that has eluded you for so long.
This baitcasting reel really lives up to its name as a Speed Demon.
Handling and Handle: In the course of testing for the best reels on the market, I have discovered that several reels do not work well with different tyes of line. It takes time to spool them up correctly, and even after doing the spooling, the line wouldn’t lie straight on the spool.
However, not so with the Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel. The very first time I spooled the line on the Speed Demon, I observed that not only is the line easy to spool, but it also lies straight on the spool. It is smooth, without bumps and nesting anywhere on the line.
Aside from the handling of the spool, the handles of the Speed Demon are very comfortable to handle. Considering the relatively low price, I was sceptical about how comfortable it would feel using this baitcasting reel. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the handles felt. The handle grips come in a nice reddish color.
I spent hours using the reel without feeling strains in my palm or fingers. Additionally, the Speed Demon reel can be handled with either hand. It comes in right-handed and left-handed models, hence you can choose which one you feel is more comfortable.
In addition, this model comes with EVA foam handle knobs. The knobs are great and I loved them. Despite being wet, my hands do not slip from it. Thus, they offer a firmer grip and feel better in the hand than several other types of knobs.
One problem I usually experience with baitcasting reels is that when setting the hook, my knuckles graze against the drag star. However, I didn’t have this problem with the Speed Demon.
Aesthetics: Considering the relatively low price, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the KastKing Speed Demon will come in an unattractive design. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the manufacturer paid attention to its appearance. The Speed Demon comes in a matte black finish. The finish is not only good looking, but it is also highly resistant to scratches from the boat, hooks, and rough handling. Aside from the matte black finis there are red accents that add a bit of variety and zing to the appearance, making it look more expensive than it actually is. It looks bold and ‘serious’, not like a toy.
What others are saying
One excellent way of knowing how great a tool is, is by scouring the internet for reviews fro actual users. Well, aside from testing the Speed Demon myself, I also checked out reviews to see what other think of this baitcasting reel. Most of the reviews are positive. Many folks mentioned the speed, lightweight nature, construction, and casting distance as some of the reasons why they enjoyed using this reel.
Conclusion: The KastKing Speed Demon Baitcasting Fishing Reel is one of the best baitcasting reel for the money on the market. With its 9.3:1 gear ratio, it is one of the fastest I have ever tested, allowing you to retrieve your catches faster than ever. It comes at a low price as you can get it for less than $100. Aside from the speed, KastKing has a helpful customer service department ready to help with any issues you might have. Why don’t you get this awesome baitcasting reel right now!
