KastKing Mela Spinning Reel - Light, Smooth, Powerful and Comes with a FREE Spare Spool – 2016 Newly Released Spinning Fishing Reel Gives You Years of Fishing Fun (Black, Mela5000)

This reel seems to have most of the attributes of a Penn conflict. The bail wire is a thick gauge, it's balanced (no wobble), it's much lighter than a conflict, instant anti reverse, it's smooth as butter, and a fraction of the price. I do not think it's going to withstand a waterproof 3 minutes under water, like a conflict. It does have one attribute the conflict does not have, and that is a live-line switch. In all, I'm going to purchase more. This is a very well built reel. I wish it was available in 6000 and 8000 sizes!!!! Very happy with this purchase!!!!!!!P.S. I now own 2 more Mela reels (1000 and 2000), the Sharky2 6000, and a Summer 2000.All of the reels are simply awesome! I also only use Kastking tournament mono. It casts far better than any mono I've used!

I used to be a Penn user for years but after buying my first MELA over a year ago I'm totally sold on KASTKING and their products as well as their amazing customer service! I now have 3 MELA's and a SPEED DEMON bait caster and all I can say is they're the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to reels by any manufacturer. The one minor issue I had with one of the reels was dealt with the same day I e-mailed customer service and I had a new part within 72 hours. I honestly can't recommend this company enough!

I bought the 5000 to pair with kastking 30# braid on a 9 foot rod for fishing the sod banks. Haven't put any fish on the reel yet, but it casts great and is super smooth. Very impressive for any reel at double or triple this price point. The drag is strong and smooth and the fit and finish are great. I have no doubt that this will hold up for landing big fish, but I'll have to wait and see how it lasts in a salt water environment.

The main bearings inside the body of the reel broke on the second cast rendering the reel useless and incapable of retrieving line. When I unscrewed the handle all the little silver balls from both bearings came spilling out. I really wanted to like this reel. Initial impressions were good. But it's evident that the internal components are not great quality. You get what you pay for.

I've taken my mela both fresh and salt water fishing. casted this out more than any other reel and it still works. I go for the big ones oly with it so i haven't quit tested it out on a actual fish yet but it handles those snags like a boss. Prefer this over my blade any day. Sharky II and Mela all day any day.

This is a real great bargain reel. Has not disappointed in the times I have used it so far. Solid construction for a good price.

This is a fantastic fishing reel all the features that it has are great. The honey comb design on the sides of the stool add an elegant look to it. It casts and feels extremely smooth. i would recommend this reel

First thing I noticed was the box shows 5.1:1 gear ration while the reel shows 4.8:1. Not a big difference. The reel came with a metal spool and an extra plastic spool. I loaded the metal spool with 250 yards of KastKing 15lb. (0.14mm) braided and about 20’ of 12lb fluorocarbon line. I loaded the extra spool with 150 yards of KastKing copolymer 15lb. The reel is very smooth and the instant anti-reverse works perfectly. It also has an anti-reverse release – very nice when you want a little more slack in the line. Caught some 1 – 2lb. yellowtail and 4 – 5 lb. grouper today and the reel worked flawlessly. The drag was smooth with a wide range on the metal spool but a little jerky on the plastic spool with a fairly narrow range. I'm not sure why that would be but will open it up to check the discs. Overall, I am very happy with the reel and would recommend it!I had the reel out again today, paired with the KastKing Blackhawk telescoping rod with 15lb KastKing braid and 12lb. KastKing fluorocarbon leader. Caught several fish including the three pictured - 1lb. Mangrove Snapper, Gray Angel and large parrot fish. The angel and parrot went back into the water immediately. I was using a very small hook and had to depend on the drag to keep from bending it. The reel and rod is a nice balance combo - light, flexible wth plenty of strength and sensitivity. The fluorocarbon leader held up well despite all three fish having either sharp teeth or a beak.

I've caught some monster fish with this reel I've had for years now, it's a great reel, no problems whatsoever.

great reel

This is my primary reel and works great.

Great reel, bought this over the summer and it's been my go to reel!

Very smooth drag and release...

Used the same

Used on an OBX trip - dock and surf fishing. Performed great. Couldn't be happier.

Awesome light reel and that flat black paint good it's gorgoues