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Reel Review

 

Beyond a Bargain: Kastking's Mg12 Elite Baitcaster (continued)

Casting: In the realm of reel brands, many companies, excluding those that own and operate their own factories like Shimano and Daiwa, often rely on third-party builders and adopt very similar cast control designs. While some of KastKing's earlier reels adhered to more traditional casting weight systems, their recent baitcasters display unique technology and patented designs. The Mg12, in particular, utilizes the company's patented AMB (Auto-adjustment Magnetic Braking System), incorporating adjustable disk weights mounted on the spool to interact with a one-piece magnet ring on the sideplate during casting.


The Mg12 exhibits strong casting in the mid-range and can fish everything from tube jigs to frogs

This design replaces traditional weights or an inductor ring with moving plates, and although classified as a magnetic system, it still employs centrifugal force to engage the four magnetic weighted plates during each cast. A small external dial located on the lower edge of the non-handle sideplate facilitates the AMB system’s adjustability.


The Mg12 sideplate remains connected when accessing the spool

I found the process of dialing in the system to be quick and easy. The cast control exerts significant pressure on the spool, so experienced baitcast anglers may need to dial it back for maximum casting distance. On the other hand, novice anglers will appreciate the system's effectiveness in preventing backlashes during the initial cast, proving more forgiving than many competing systems.


Key to the reel's casting performance is the proprietary AMB cast control system

Regarding maximum casting distance, I discovered that while the cast control was easy to adjust, fine-tuning the spool tension knob took some time to achieve optimal results. The combination may be a bit more finicky than Shimano and Daiwa reels, but once dialed in, the Mg12 truly excels with lures weighing 1/8 oz. and up.


Compact sliding magnetic plates mounted on the spool interact with a fixed magnetic ring on the inside of the non-handle side sideplate. The system is adjusted externally and manages backlashes well

While it can handle lighter and heavier lures, the AMB casting system is not as well-suited for very lightweight baits as the FAF (Flyout Arc Finesse) system we observed on the Kestrel. Interestingly, both reels can feel somewhat restrictive on the very light end of the spectrum depending on how aggressive the settings are. In terms of refinement there is a noticeable sound emanating from the AMB system's weights during the cast. While this doesn't impact performance you can definitely hear the weights at work.


The Mg12's spool (8.2g) is significantly heavier than the Kestrel's Elite Spool (5.6g)

The sweet spot for the Mg12 lies in the range of 1/8 oz. to 3/4 oz. lures, where it feels the most natural and effortless. Once dialed in, the Mg12 proves to be a robust caster for both short, pinpoint pitches and long-distance casts. I found it easy to lay into the rods and sling hard when paired with this reel, and noticed that I could confidently launch baits like 1/2 oz. bladed jigs just as far, as reels that retail for significantly more.


The Mg12's spool is medium depth and holds plenty of line for bass fishing applications

Retrieve and Power: Despite its compact size, the Mg12 reel is equipped with 11+1 bearings, including stainless steel bearing-supported knobs. The reel's main gearing, along with the main gear shaft, is constructed from 7075 aluminum, while the pinion gear is made of brass. The overall gear mesh is pretty tight, exhibiting minimal backplay in the reel. Upon initial use, the Mg12 felt smooth and precise. However, a lingering concern was how well it would endure over time, considering two key drivetrain components are made of aluminum.


The carbon fiber handle on the Mg12 is light and durable. It exhibited no flex whatsoever when cranking down aggressively

Although I didn't specifically employ the Mg12 for swimbait fishing, I did subject the reel to many power fishing techniques, including deep cranking, over the past few months. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth performance of the reel in most scenarios.


The Mg12 is great for winding both plastics and reaction baits. Burning bladed jigs on a Dobyns Extreme rod... check.

Notably, the reel exhibited strain only when handling crankbaits that ran 20+ feet, showcasing its capacity to handle larger, deeper-diving baits. However, the noticeable cranking power required, coupled with detectable torque on the reel's gearing, is partly attributed to the Mg12's exclusive availability in a brisk 7.5:1 gearing.

Despite its inherent suitability for finesse applications due to its small profile and lightweight body, I was pleased to discover that the Mg12 performed admirably when used with reaction baits such as jerkbaits, blade baits, and even mid-sized topwaters. The finesse to mid-range is where the Mg12 feels most natural and often excels.


Plenty of power to battle fish. The reel's aluminum gearing is light and yet has held up well thus far

While aluminum gearing typically has a shorter lifespan compared to brass, it is a logical choice in reels like the Mg12, where emphasis is placed on weight and overall ergonomics. KastKing's hard anodized treatment on the aluminum gearing appears to be fulfilling its intended purpose. After six months of use, both in fresh and brackish conditions, the Mg12 remains close to its initial out-of-the-box smoothness and operates just as quietly when cranked.


All knobs including the spool tension feature audible clicks

Drag: The Mg12 boasts a traditional multi-material drag system, and there is little to highlight or complain about in this regard. With a rated drag of 15.4lbs, our lab tests confirmed an observed pressure of 15.2lbs, essentially aligning with the specified value. This substantial drag pressure for a reel of its size is more than sufficient for bass applications. Equally important is the drag's performance, and in this aspect, the Mg12 proved easy to dial in, providing smooth and reliable performance from the initial set through each battle with fish.


While the composite drag star looks cool it feels a but slick and plastic-y

The drag star on the Mg12 is constructed from composite material and has a throwing star-like design, shaped in a manner that makes it intuitive to operate. While visually interesting, the star feels somewhat plastic-like, and the glossy finish is a bit slick to the touch. While this star is lightweight it doesn’t match the high-end look or feel of the reel’s carbon fiber handle.


A look at the Kastking Mg12 next to another new magnesium reel, the enthusiast class Abu Garcia Zenon MG-LTX which weighs 4.7oz. but retails for $549 dollars

Next Section: Excellent Ergonomics and a Bargain?

 

   

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