Smartest Ever Baitcaster?

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

True to their tagline, “Fueled by Innovation”, KastKing is upgrading their revolutionary iReel One with the release of the iReel 2 at ICAST 2024. The KastKing booth was humming with traffic during ICAST ‘23 when they launched the iReel One, showcasing the reel’s unique ability to monitor and record real-time casting metrics and performance, such as cast distance, retrieve cadence, and speed. The second generation iReel 2 offers all those same features, and more, with upgrades to the original design throughout.

Leaner, lighter, and stronger are welcome attributes to any “second generation” offering, and the magnesium construction of the new iReel 2 delivers these qualities in spades. Reducing the profile from 43 mm to a slimmer 39 mm not only makes the iReel 2 easier to palm but helps shave the overall weight to an impressively light 7 ounces. Magnesium also significantly strengthens the reel frame to eliminate reel flex and torsion, even under heavy loads.

More upgrades are found inside the new iReel 2 in the improved IFC (Intelligent Frequency Control) processor that integrates a powerful Triton MCU Chip with a cutting edge IFC Braking System, delivering unparalleled precision in recording casting metrics and control. The improved IFC processor found in the iReel 2 has an improved IPX 7 waterproof rating and has already found success as an iF Design Award Winner.

KastKing is the first reel company to use MCU Technology to break down the casting sequence into 4 separate phases – Initial Braking, Ascending Braking, Peak Braking, and finally, Descending Braking. By managing spool speed efficiently during each of the four casting phases, casting distance is maximized, and overruns are minimized through six, preset smart braking modes. The angler can also customize any of the presets using the app to best match conditions and casting styles.

Like the iReel One, the iReel 2 is incorporated into KastKing’s Smart Fishing Ecosystem, connecting the reel via Bluetooth to a smartphone through the KastKing app. Casting metrics can be recorded in the app, as well as transmitted through ear pods or the KastKing Fish IQ Smart Fishing Sunglasses. The Fish IQ Sunglasses are equipped with patented Directional Audio and Sound Technology, allowing the sunglasses to function as Bluetooth earphones and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection for the eyes.

The patented Axis Eye Line Guide of the iReel One will also be found on the iReel 2, providing extreme casting distances by rotating 90 degrees to a considerably wider aperture when the thumb bar is depressed. Once the reel's handles are engaged, the Axis Eye Line Guide returns to a more narrow opening to uniformly re-spool the line throughout the retrieve.

The improved iReel 2 also boasts an impressively strong carbon disc drag with 18# of stopping power to handle any freshwater gamefish and the 11+1 SS ball bearings keep the reel’s operation silky smooth and quiet. The iReel 2 is available in a 7.2:1 gear retrieve and has a MSRP of $399.

?All of the innovative technology of the iReel 2 is housed within the beautiful silver electro-plated finish characteristic of the first generation iReel One. KastKing’s iReel 2, intelligently changing the way you fish!

iREEL 2 FEATURES

Real time casting metrics, such as casting distance and retrieve speed
6 preset Smart Braking modes to handle the most popular bass techniques
Customizable IFC braking system
Upgraded IFC processor with an IPX 7 waterproof rating
Magnesium construction weighs only 7 ounces
Smaller profile has only a 39 mm high frame
Axis Eye Line Guide for longer casts
Connects via Bluetooth to KastKing’s Smart Fishing Reel Ecosystem
18# of stopping power via the carbon disc drag
11+1 SS ball bearings
7.2:1 gear retrieve